GER²I Youth Programs

Summer Residential

Every summer, for over 45 years, GER²I has engaged gifted, creative, and talented students from across the country and around the world in residential camps designed to stimulate their imaginations and expand their abilities. Fifth through twelfth grade students live in campus residence halls, take challenging courses, and participate in engaging recreational activities.

A group of GER2I Summer Residential campers stand in front of a sculpture on campus with their counselor.

Registration for Summer 2026 is now open!

Program Overview

Three male GER2I Summer Residential campers stand in front their poster projects
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What Makes Summer Residential Camps So Great?

Every summer, students like you come to Purdue University and experience programs designed to stimulate their imaginations and expand their abilities. We also offer a variety of recreational activities and a chance for you to get a taste of college life as you live on campus in Purdue’s residence halls.

Here’s what you’ll experience at GER²I Residential Summer Camps:
  • Intellectual Challenge – GER²I classes are small, challenging, fast-paced, and interactive.
  • Talented and Caring Staff – Our teachers thrive on sharing their knowledge and experience with students.
  • Outstanding Facilities – Purdue is a world-class research university, and GER²I students have the use of state-of-the-art laboratories, computing facilities, and a variety of libraries.
  • Friendships – GER²I attracts a diverse group of gifted, talented, and creative people from all over the world! You will find friends who share your interests and love of learning.
  • Personal Growth – With supervision, guidance, and support from the GER²I staff to help you adapt and thrive, you will live in residence halls, learn in university classrooms and labs, and take advantage of Purdue’s cultural and recreational facilities, just like college students.
  • Fun – GER²I camp counselors make time outside of class exciting through activities like a night at the movies, basketball, bowling, scavenger hunts, games and tournaments, trivia, and field trips.

Registration Information

Two students work on an outdoor project using gloves and beakers during GER2I's Summer Residential program.

Summer 2026

GER²I will hold the 2026 Summer Residential Camps June 28 – July 25, 2026.

All students must register by completing the online program application. Returning students do not need to submit an essay or qualifying documentation. Simply complete the program application online.

Registration will open on February 2, 2026.

Application Materials for New Students
  1. The online program application
  2. A one- to two-page essay or alternative media (such as a video, website, PowerPoint presentation, or art portfolio) statement that addresses your desire and motivation to participate in the Summer Residential program. Use the following questions as guidelines:
    • Why did you select the class(es) you have chosen?
    • In what ways do you think you will benefit from the program?
    • Why do you want an academic and/or artistic challenge?
    • If accepted, what will you contribute to the success of the program you attend?
  3. Please provide ONLY TWO of the following documents:
    • Student grade transcript showing a GPA of 3.5/4.0 (B+) in the talent area related to the applicant’s choice of GER²I class(es). Grades may be from the most recent year or cumulative.
    • Individual or group intelligence test results with a minimum score of 120. Please submit results from the test company or school.
    • National or state achievement or aptitude test results at or above the 90th percentile in a specific area of study. These tests must provide comparison scores and percentile rankings, not percentages correct. Examples include ITBS, I-STEP, CAT, MAT8, Midwest Talent Search, SAT, PSAT, ACT, or PLAN tests. Please submit test reports.
    • Recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor in the talent area. This letter must address specific examples of the student’s performance, experiences, and potential in the talent area of the class(es) he or she has selected.
    • Documentation of involvement in the talent area. Such documentation can include pictures or scans of awards, certificates, service, or recognition letters documenting involvement.

You will upload the two supporting documents online through the registration website.

Send email to Mercedes Nixon-Palmer or call at 765-494-7210 for registration related questions.

Program Details

No-Show Policy – Students who register for the program but do not attend will be charged the full tuition amount unless we receive a cancellation request in writing two weeks before the start of the camp.

Courses

Two students examine a beaker in a science lab during GER2I's Summer Residential program.

Course Descriptions

GER²I Summer Residential supports your interests in STEM, Humanities, and beyond. From solving problems through designing and making your own device to exploring how thinking shapes scientific development in courses, there is something for everyone. Explore our course options and find your passion!

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Session 1: June 28-July 11

Leadership 101

Do you want to make a difference in your own community, become the CEO of a multinational company, or become the president of a country one day? If so, you are going to need a toolbox of essential, well-developed skills…
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Session 2: July 12-25

Legends of the Mind: A Dungeons & Dragons Journey into Creativity and Leadership

In this immersive, high-engagement course, you’ll design characters, lead adventures, and take turns as both a player and a Game Master. Through storytelling, strategy, and collaboration, we’ll explore creative writing, social studies, math, and psychology and build critical thinking skills…
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Session 2: July 12-25

Let’s Play with Python!

Ever wonder how computers think? Dive into Python programming to crack logic puzzles, simulate your own games, and automate everyday tasks! Along the way, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills—and discover the power behind the code that makes…
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Session 1: June 28-July 11

Let’s Play with Python!

Ever wonder how computers think? Dive into Python programming to crack logic puzzles, simulate your own games, and automate everyday tasks! Along the way, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills—and discover the power behind the code that makes…
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Session 2: July 5-11

Make A Zine: Power in Poetry

What’s a zine, you ask? It’s a create-your-own magazine! Get your creative juices flowing as you learn to observe, write, and advocate for a cause that matters to you. From applying literary devices to designing your own zine, you’ll become…
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Session 2: July 12-25

Mastering Money: The High-Stakes Guide to Financial Success

Ready to level up your money management skills? The sooner you start, the bigger the payoff down the road! Play interactive games, tackle real-life financial challenges, and use cool AI tools to explore budgeting, credit, careers, college costs, and investing….
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Session 1: June 28-July 4

Mirror, Mirror: Tales That Reflect Us

Explore the magic behind the childhood stories you thought you knew! Using the Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors approach, let’s analyze classic fairytales, compare modern retellings, and discover new voices in storytelling. Then, you’ll write and publish your own original…
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Session 2: July 5-11

No Quick Fix: Be a Doctor and Solve the Mystery!

Step into the shoes of a doctor in this thrilling course! Explore the tiny world of cells and how they work together in the human body to fight off diseases like tuberculosis. Uncover clues about how the immune system, healthcare,…
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Session 1: June 28-July 11

Once Upon a Studio: Radio Drama Production

Did you know that an audiobook narrator is a new and growing career? Step into the world of sound engineering and creative media and you learn how to record, edit, and mix original audio dramas. From voice acting to digital…
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Session 2: July 12-25

Philosophy and STEM: What’s the Connection?

Think deeply, argue boldly, and question everything! In this symposium-style course, you’ll explore big ideas in science, technology, and math through debate, analysis, and discussion, culminating in a final presentation of your own philosophical stance on how knowledge and innovation…
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Session 1: June 28-July 11

Philosophy and STEM: What’s the Connection?

Think deeply, argue boldly, and question everything! In this symposium-style course, you’ll explore big ideas in science, technology, and math through debate, analysis, and discussion, culminating in a final presentation of your own philosophical stance on how knowledge and innovation…
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Session 2: July 5-11

Playing with Energy: Batteries, Electrochemistry, and Creativity

Ever wondered what makes cell phones, electronic toys, or Teslas come alive? Discover the secrets of batteries, electricity, and green power through fun, hands-on experiments! Build your own working battery with pennies, race mini cars with your classmates, and explore…
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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute Co-brand

For all Summer Residential questions, please contact geri@purdue.edu.

For academic-related questions, please contact Brendha Tanujaya, Program Coordinator.

For residential-related questions, please contact Anthony Careth Henao.

Contact the GER²I main office at (765) 494-7243 or by email.