Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University

09/02/2026

It was great to be a part of the Kits, Cats and Kids event yesterday at Evanston Township High School. We love participating in local events and seeing the Evanston and Northwestern communities come together. It is especially rewarding to see former students and hear how much they enjoyed their CTD courses. Of course we also had a lot of fun experimenting with the science of flight through building and flying helicopters! Our own Rashida Clark was interviewed, check out the article. https://evanstonnow.com/lazier-field-party-celebrates-new-school-year/

09/01/2026

We're excited about our upcoming fall Weekend Enrichment Program! The application is open and courses start October 10 in Evanston. Learn more about how courses like Geometry Jumpstart and Neuroscience in Action feed curiosity and develop critical thinking.

Explore Northwestern CTD’s Weekend Enrichment Program, where advanced learners age 4 through grade 8 can dive deeper into subjects they love.

09/01/2026

Learning is even more exciting when students explore their interests alongside peers who share their curiosity.

CTD's Weekend Enrichment Program (WEP) gives students PreK-Grade 8 opportunities to dive into engaging topics, ask big questions, and discover new passions through hands-on learning experiences.

Fall courses--held on Northwestern' Evanston campus--start October 10. The application is open now!

From the youngest learners to middle school students, WEP participants
✨ Get to explore new interests in depth
✨ Learn through hands-on experiences and problem solving
✨ Connect with intellectual peers
✨ Grow in a supportive learning community

Explore the Fall Weekend Enrichment Program: https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/weekend-enrichment-program

Age 4 - Grade 8 View Courses

08/28/2026

Why is Outside-of-School Enrichment Beneficial? Top 3 Benefits for Advanced Learners
✨ 1. Students stay challenged and engaged
Enrichment provides the depth, complexity, and exploration opportunities that help advanced learners continue growing and avoid "coasting" or disengagement.
🧠 2. Students develop critical thinking and creativity
Through inquiry, problem-solving, and project-based learning, students learn to ask questions, analyze ideas, and create original work, not just memorize information.
🤝 3. Students find intellectual peers
Learning alongside students who share their interests and curiosity helps many advanced learners benchmark their skills, feel a sense of belonging, and deepen their understanding of subjects in which they excel.
Enrichment isn't just an extra activity. Research shows it's one of the most effective ways to help high-potential students develop their talents and thrive. Learn more about enrichment at CTD: https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/enrichment-and-acceleration-ctd

08/27/2026

A thought-provoking new article (https://edadvance.substack.com/p/why-its-finally-time-to-rethink-age-based-schooling) argues that it's time to rethink age-based schooling and focus more on student readiness than arbitrary grade-level boundaries.

At CTD, we've been putting that idea into practice for decades. Our programs enroll students across multiple ages and grades, with placement based on evidence of readiness and need rather than grade level alone. Our focus is finding the right level of challenge, which is complemented by developmentally appropriate supports.

Beyond our own programs, we're helping schools, districts, and state education agencies design more flexible approaches to talent development, including expanded access to acceleration and advanced learning opportunities that allow students to learn at the right level and pace. Learn more about this work in our recent blog: https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/blog/renaissance-gifted-education.

08/26/2026

Parents! Join us. 📣

On September 8, our Gifted Education Bootcamp for Parents begins. This course consists of asynchronous workshops and talks with CTD experts, all focused on supporting your gifted student.

Register now: https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/parent-gifted-education-boot-camp-september-2026

08/26/2026

Advanced coursework. Flexible format. Meaningful challenge.
CTD's Online Honors and AP® courses are designed for students who want to pursue advanced academic opportunities while maintaining the flexibility to learn on their own schedules.
Students work with experienced instructors through rigorous, credit-bearing coursework that supports both academic acceleration and in-depth exploration.
Whether preparing for future advanced coursework, pursuing a subject of passion, or earning high school credit, students gain the challenge and support needed to continue their academic journey.
Grades 6-12
One- and two-semester options available.
Explore fall online courses. https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/virtual-learning-programs

08/25/2026

STEM teaches students about the world — and about themselves. 🔬

CTD offers STEM courses ranging from engineering and architecture to chemistry and zoology, helping academically advanced students explore possible careers and interests.

Learn more: ctd.northwestern.edu

08/21/2026

Technology, Artificial intelligence specifically, is changing the world. But how should students think about its impact?
From machine learning and large language models to algorithm bias and emerging technologies, AI is raising important questions about the future of work, education, creativity, and society.
In CTD's online course about Exploring the Future of AI, students don't just learn about the technology. They examine its possibilities and challenges, evaluate evidence, and develop their own perspectives on how AI may shape our future.
As part of the course, students step into the role of policymakers, participating in a Select Congressional Committee on Artificial Intelligence where they research, debate, and craft legislation related to this rapidly evolving technology.
✨ Explore big questions.
✨ Strengthen critical thinking.
✨ Engage in meaningful discussion.
✨ Consider the future of AI and society.
Fall applications are now open.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/online-enrichment-courses

08/19/2026

What does it mean to be a leader?
Leadership isn't just about holding a title. It's about learning how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, solve problems, and make a positive impact in your community.
CTD's online Leadership and Service Learning courses help students develop these skills through engaging projects, reflection, discussion, and real-world applications.
Designed for students who want to grow as leaders and changemakers, these courses encourage learners to explore their interests, connect learning to action, and develop skills that will serve them in school, college, careers, and communities.
🌟 Fall courses for grades 4-11 are now open for application.
👉 Explore Leadership & Service Learning courses:
https://my.ctd.northwestern.edu/myctd/s/course-offerings?c__subjectArea=Leadership