WKU News

Bowling Green, KY (February 27, 2026) — February is recognized as Gifted Education Month in Kentucky, a time dedicated to celebrating the strengths and unique learning needs of high-ability students across the Commonwealth. Schools, educators, families, and community leaders are encouraged to spotlight student achievement, share best practices, and elevate conversations around advanced learning.

Throughout February, The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University hosted and supported events which provided enrichment for students and professional learning for educators, including:

• Winter Super Saturdays - February 7, 14, and 21
• Gifted Education Proclamation Day – February 10
• IdeaFestival Bowling Green (IFBG) - February 17
• Kentucky Association for Gifted Education Annual Conference – February 23-24

For three Saturdays, over 300 students convened on Western Kentucky University’s campus for Winter Super Saturdays. Students in grades 1-6 participated in courses across a variety of subjects, which entailed minds-on, hands-on learning.

“My son found The Science Chef course highly engaging, especially because of the hands-on experiments. He was excited to actively participate rather than just listen,” said one parent of a student attending Winter Super Saturdays, “and the experiments were both fun and educational.”

As part of the month’s observance, The Center for Gifted Studies joined the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE) for Gifted Education Proclamation Day at the Kentucky Capitol Education Complex, where Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman officially declared February 2026 as Gifted Education Month in Kentucky. The ceremony brought together state leaders, such as David Givens, President Pro Tempore of the Kentucky Senate, educators, and students to highlight the impact of advanced academic opportunities statewide.

On February 17^th, The Center for Gifted Studies held its thirteenth annual IdeaFestival Bowling Green and welcomed over 950 middle and high school students. A day dedicated to innovation, creativity, and curiosity began with students listening to four engaging speakers in the morning. In the afternoon, they took part in activities aimed at fostering their intellectual growth for future pursuits.

Gifted Education Month also coincided with the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education Annual Conference, February 23–24, in Lexington. The conference convened educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers to explore current research, share innovative practices, and strengthen gifted programming across the state.

“Talent development is a strategic investment in the future of our community. When we intentionally create opportunities for gifted students to grow,” said Sandra Baker, Vice President of Education and Workforce at The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, “we are investing in the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will power our talent pipeline and drive Bowling Green forward.”

In a recent blog post, “Advocates Must Remain Alert,” The Center highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged in conversations that shape educational policy and programming, encouraging continued collaboration to keep gifted services strong and responsive.

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, contact Rebecca Clark at (270) 745-6323 or rebecca.clark@wku.edu.