The Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) is a six-week summer residential
instructional program (four weeks in 2012) designed to provide intellectually
gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching
educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school
year. Activities are designed to provide each participant with opportunities
to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to become independent, life-long
learners. The Georgia Governor's Honors Program is fully-funded by
the Georgia General Assembly, and operates at no cost to the participant.
Who can participate?
Rising juniors and seniors in Georgia's public, private, and home schools
may be nominated by their teachers.
Nomination Guidelines
Students are nominated in a specific instructional area in which their
abilities, aptitudes and interest lie. Each school system or private school
is assigned a nomination quota based on the average daily attendance of
its 10th and 11th grades.
A score on the PSAT or SAT IS required for selection and participation
in the program.
Transcripts of grades and records, nomination forms, endorsements and other
pertinent information are submitted to substantiate the nominations. Local
nominees are then sent to Statewide screening interviews/auditions.
The written evidence and data gathered in the student interview/audition
are used to evaluate nominees and select finalists.
In early September, information pertaining
to the Governor's Honors Program nomination process will be posted to the
GHP website. Postings include the GHP Timeline, GHP Instructional
Descriptions and Criteria for Selection in All Areas, and other documents
pertinent to the GHP selection process. Also
at that time, the full nomination guidelines document will be available
to program coordinators so that they may begin the identification and nomination
process within their school systems.
What are the instructional areas?
Major instructional areas are agricultural science (biotechnology), agricultural
science (environmental science), English (communications arts), foreign
languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish), mathematics, science (Biology,
Chemistry, Physics), social studies, visual arts, theatre, music, dance,
design, technology and executive management. Instruction is also provided
in four support areas - computers, counseling, library/media and physical
fitness.
What other activities are offered?
Students also select a minor area outside their major area of study. These
include all the major instructional areas as well as the support areas
in Computers, Counseling, and Fitness. A minor area of study in Education
is also provided. The minor area of study is selected during the
first week of the program.
In addition to the major and minor areas of study, students select to attend
extracurricular activities from the nearly 100 educational seminars offered
each week. These afternoon and evening activities are delivered by,
and reflect the interests and abilities of, the GHP residential and instructional
staff. Arts performances such as music concerts, theatre and dance
productions, and visual arts shows are ongoing throughout the summer and
provided by the GHP students, GHP faculty, and special guest artists.
Where is the program
conducted?
Students attend the program on the campus of Valdosta State University,
in Valdosta, Georgia.
What schedule will a student usually follow?
While time schedules vary, the following is similar to the schedule students
will experience. The times are approximate:
| Interest area
| 1 hour
|
| Breakfast
| 1 hour
|
| Major area (Monday
through Saturday)
| 4 hours
|
| Lunch
| 1 hour
|
| Minor area (Monday
through Friday)
| 2.5 hours
|
| Interest area
| 1.5 hours
|
| Dinner
| 1 hour
|
| Evening activities (rehearsals,
performances, seminars, special events)
| 4 hours |
GHP is a great opportunity for gifted and talented high school juniors
and seniors to:
· Take part in an exceptional summer
enrichment program
· Spend six weeks of study (four weeks
in 2012) on a college campus in Georgia
· Be taught by outstanding high school
and college instructors
· Study in depth their academic or artistic
field of interest
· Enhance interpersonal skills through
peer group living.
Who pays for the program?
Funds for each student’s tuition, room, board, and instructional supplies
are appropriated each year by the Georgia General Assembly as part of the
state’s education budget. Students need only provide spending money and
travel expenses.
How are instructors
chosen?
GHP Instructors are among the most qualified high school and college teachers.
They are chosen according to their experience and recommendations. The
GHP teacher-to-student ratio is usually 1:15.
Instructor/Residence
Life Applications & Forms
Located on the lower left column of the main GHP Web Page, you will find
the links for GHP job descriptions, applications, and reference forms.