The first few weeks of summer are usually reserved for the pool, the beach or some other location that helps put the long winter in the past.  For Emma Romano, however, it will involve a prestigious learning opportunity at the Vanderbilt University Summer Academy, where she will participate in a two-week intensive course on climate change.

 

In order to be selected for the academy, Romano had to be in the 98^th percentile in her class, have two teacher recommendations, write two essays and choose an area of concentration ranging from science to law. 

 

“I chose climate change and will have the opportunity to learn how scientists use tools to recognize and measure climate change,” she said.  “The course is designed to give us a hands-on experience, including measuring sea level, working with computer models, and using global information systems.”

 

The coursework will also explore the effect of climate change on humans and how they might intervene to prevent detrimental issues.  The group of students will live on campus and participate in a mock UN climate change debate as they consider potential policy responses to climate change and develop strategies for action.

 

The Vanderbilt University Program for Talented Youth started the Summer Academy in 2000 as a way to give exposure to a variety of accelerated content areas and challenge top students to perform tasks in those areas.  The program was also designed to help students to develop social and academic habits of scholars in an effort to shape their future endeavors.

 

Those who participate in the Summer Academy, as well as other accelerated academic programs, have proven to challenge themselves when they return to school, often following in the careers in which they were immersed during the sessions.

 

Romano will attend the Vanderbilt University Summer Academy from June 17-29. The Bridgeport High School freshman will have the opportunity to experience an age-appropriate sampling of campus life, including living in a residence hall, attending seminars, meeting new friends and choosing from a variety of evening activities.

 

“We will have some off-campus field trips and some down time to go bowling, play miniature golf, see movies or play intermural sports,” said Romano.  “For me, it’s about meeting new people and learning all about climate change in order to advocate for laws that will benefit our Earth.”