FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rising 8th, 9th and 10th graders from Arkansas and nearby states are getting a taste of college life at the University of Arkansas Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Scholars. Eighty-two academically advanced students are on campus for three weeks of fun yet rigorous coursework.

The institute is designed for intellectually gifted students who are interested in programs that are academically challenging, exciting and fast-paced.

“We are delighted to have these exceptional students on our campus and hope this experience will convince many of them to attend the University of Arkansas upon graduation from high school,” said Keith Brink, interim director of the institute.

Participants choose one of nine courses in mathematics, sciences, business and fine arts. This summer, the faculty-taught classes range from “Millionaire 101: How to Get Insanely Rich” to “Ceramics 101: The Making and Meaning of Ceramic Objects” to “The Good, the Bad and the Genetically Engineered.” The program’s diverse curriculum also includes landscape architecture, industrial and environmental engineering, marine biology, physiology and drama.

“The faculty does a terrific job in providing opportunities for our students to experience an intellectually stimulating atmosphere and engage in topics not typically available through the normal course of study at their local schools,” said Brink.

The Summer Institute will conclude on Saturday, July 29, with an exhibition, where students from each class will present their work before graduating from the program. Provost Bob Smith and Suzanne McCray, associate dean of the Honors College, will speak at the graduation ceremony.