Bright Minds, Brilliant Discoveries: Supporting Gifted Disadvantaged Students

Bright Minds, Brilliant Discoveries is an innovative program organised by CTYI designed to bridge the gap between highly talented primary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds and STEM researchers who will guide them on an extraordinary scientific research journey. By pairing students with mentors, their innate curiosity and burning questions are nurtured and explored, enabling them to embark on a personal project that will be showcased at an exclusive conference created just for them. The supervision and mentorship of the students ensures that they gain an in-depth knowledge of the scientific research process and learn about the latest advances in STEM research. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the areas of science that interest them, which may be beyond what is covered in their school. This programme aims to support gifted students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Highly able students from disadvantaged backgrounds are an underserved demographic, as they are identified by their teachers much less frequently than more affluent students. This leaves these children at risk of not fulfilling their full potential due to lack of challenge and stimulation. The purpose of this program is to bridge this gap by aiding educators in identifying these exceptional students and providing them with the support necessary to immerse themselves in their own scientific research endeavours. Bright Minds, Brilliant Discoveries will be a targeted programme for disadvantaged students within the Centre for Talented Youth Ireland’s Early Research & Projects Network group of courses.