June 26, 2025 (Bowling Green, KY) – The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University is home to more than 100 campers for the 41st annual Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY).
Located on the campus of WKU, VAMPY provides enhanced learning opportunities for academically talented students in 7th-10th grades. Throughout the three weeks, June 22 to July 12, young people from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and seven other states (Connecticut, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia) are participating in one of nine courses. This year’s offerings are Astronomy, Chemistry, DNA & Genetics, Mathematics, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, Physics, Pop Culture, Presidential Politics in the 21st Century, and Psychology.
Outside the classroom, residential campers engage in a variety of activities designed to encourage friendship, creativity, and exploration. Campers will also take part in various sports, a talent show, and attend local events, including The Wizard of Oz at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and a Hot Rods baseball game.
“VAMPY is a summer tradition at WKU, bringing middle and high school students to campus from across Kentucky and beyond. The experience is known for the advanced, minds-on learning as well as opportunities for making friends while enjoying a variety of activities,” said Julia Link Roberts, executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies.
The application for the 42nd year of VAMPY, slated for June 21 to July 11, 2026, will be available on The Center for Gifted Studies Website.
To learn more about the program, visit our Flickr page for photos and read blog posts at gifted-studies.com.
About The Center for Gifted Studies
Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for more than 40 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, rigorous professional development for teachers and support for parents of gifted young people. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Roberts, The Center has become one of the preeminent advocates for gifted education in the United States.
For more information about VAMPY 2025 or to be placed on the mailing list for VAMPY 2026, please contact Tyler Clark at (270) 745-6323 or thomas.clark@wku.edu.
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.
