Academically Talented Youth Program at WMU

10/01/2026

Here is Cecilia's callout. Go Nina and Cecilia!

SPEAKER FEATURE: Cecilia Puente

Cecilia Puente is a high school junior, writer, and youth leader interested in how we communicate across differences. Through programs at Georgetown, Harvard, and the University of Chicago, she has studied courageous discourse, public speaking, debate, and approaches to building connected communities. She has carried these experiences into national youth boards and civic leadership initiatives, and is creating opportunities for dialogue in her community.

Talk: The Conversations That Could Change Us

Buy tickets now for TEDx Macatawa on October 5 on our website (link in bio).

10/01/2026

Two of our students will be presenting at this event! Go Nina and Cecilia!

SPEAKER FEATURE: Nina Shaye

Nina Shaye is a junior at the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center and Portage Central High School. Passionate about both STEM and the arts, she conducts research in machine learning and cancer detection and has presented her work at international research conferences, including the International Science and Engineering Fair and International Youth Research Conference.

Talk: When Intelligence Becomes Artificial, What Makes Us Human?

Buy tickets now for TEDx Macatawa on October 5: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tedxmacatawa-tickets-1991510690084

08/13/2026

We hope you all had a great time at summer camp this year!

We can't wait to see you again in 2027!

08/03/2026

The Academically Talented Youth Program at Western Michigan University's Office of Pre-College Programming is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Laura Citino as ATYP's new director, effective August 17.

Ms. Citino has been ATYP's English Coordinator for the last year and has taught here for more than a decade, including English 11/12 and Year IV: Literature, Philosophy, and Media. Her experience with gifted students and her commitment to the program make her the ideal candidate to carry ATYP's vision into the future.

Dr. Kelly will be stepping back into a part-time position as Program Coordinator as she helps Ms. Citino transition into this new role.

In its 40+ year history, this will be only ATYP's fourth director! We know that you are as excited as we are, and hope you will give her a warm welcome!

07/28/2026

ATYP students and alumni - do you need volunteer hours for National Honor Society, some other organization, or just because you want to?

We have several projects piling up in the ATYP office, and we could use your assistance!

If you're interested in helping out, please email us [email protected] so we can schedule a time for you to come in!

07/27/2026

Looking to support ATYP?

Send us supplies from our Amazon Wish List!

Not a fan of Amazon? See what we need, purchase it elsewhere, and bring it by the office, or have it sent to us at:

1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5288

All of your donations are so deeply appreciated! Every little bit helps!

07/22/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague, teacher, mentor, dear friend, and pirate of our hearts, Scott Friesner.

The initial creator of ATYP's innovative AP English class, Scott will be forever remembered here for his love of language, music, teaching, and coffee.

We hope that you will hold his wife, Suzanne, and his daughter, Lenya, in your thoughts and join us in wishing them comfort and peace.

Scott, we know you are somewhere listening to smooth jazz and drinking a great cup of joe, but we will continue to miss you.

Scott Martin Friesner (born November 7, 1954 in Pontiac, MI, aged 71) passed from this world on July 9th, 2026, his 43rd wedding anniversary, and began another journey, a “launching into the region of the strange Untried … the first...

06/24/2026

ATYP alum Madeline had the honor of meeting Governor Gretchen Whitmer at Loy Norrix High School. Congratulations, Madeline!

06/24/2026

Look at our beautiful new banner! Thanks to all the donors who helped make it possible!

06/24/2026

Check out Ms. Cooper's AP English students as they create a "Reading Cafe" in preparation for their AP English exams!