UA Little Rock’s Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY) program is accepting applications for this upcoming summer. Their virtual classes will take place June 21-25 for students who have completed kindergarten and grades fifth through sixth, and July 19-23 for students who have completed grades one through four. 

As an educational program, SLUFY provides high-ability students with unique, hands-on learning experiences that allow them to explore their interests through a variety of subjects. The program also gives students the chance to interact with other students, facilitating friendships lasting beyond the summer classes. 

After 42 years of the program, the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education is continuing their event virtually, making it available globally. Courses offered will still have small teacher-to-student ratios. They will also have Zoom connections supported by technical assistance and flexible learning schedules planned for student comfort as well as attention levels. The courses are taught by graduate students and certified master teachers. 

In addition, the SLUFY Power Hour will feature instruction from internationally, nationally, and regionally recognized educators, artists, and performers. These instructors will teach students through things like dancing, sing-a-longs, kitchen creations, acting tips, and backyard chemistry. 

The schedule for each day, beginning at 10:30 a.m., will include two live, hourlong Zoom sessions. These sessions will be separated by two 30-minute segments of enrichment content prepared by teachers for individual students. Finally, they also include an hour of performance-based activities to inform, entertain, and engage students of all ages. 

Kindergarten students will learn about things like bugs, math, and more. Courses for first and second-graders will focus on engineering, creative problem solving, geography, culture, languages, and oceanography.

Courses offered to third and fourth-graders will include topics such as astronomy, engineering, fantasy, chemistry, affective needs, and the world of Harry Potter. Finally, fifth and sixth grade-students will get a glimpse into medieval studies as well as the arts, creative problem solving, VEX robotics, and even participate in a quiz bowl. 

The cost includes a $25 application fee and a $200 tuition fee. For information regarding available scholarships, call 501-569-3410. Registration can be found online at www.ualr.edu/slufy.