What is HATS?
HATS stands for High Achieving Talented Students and is a three-dimensional program sponsored by Stetson University (home of the Hatters). Working in collaboration with the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Iowa, Stetson is proud to provide outstanding educational opportunities for high achieving Florida students. These opportunities include 1) extracurricular programs (HATS Summer Program, "Hatterdays" Program), 2) above-level testing through the Belin Blank Center's academic talent search (BESTS), and 3) Stetson scholarships.

Who is eligible?
Each year Florida students are invited to participate in HATS. These are students in grades 4-9 who participate in gifted programs or have scored at or above the 95th percentile on any subject area on the FCAT, ITBS, CTBS or other standardized test. Also invited are 4th-9th students who are members of the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS). Once a student has qualified he or she does not have to re-qualify but is eligible to continue participating in HATS. Stetson works with various school districts to identify eligible students. If you believe you or someone you know is eligible to participate but has not been notified by Stetson or the Belin-Blank Center, please contact us. We encourage all eligible students, including home schooled students and students attending private schools, to participate in HATS.

Do I have to take the BESTS test to participate in HATS or Hatterdays?
No, you may choose to participate in any aspect of any of our programs. However, we do encourage participating in BESTS because of the benefits it provides.

Exactly what is BESTS?
BESTS is the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search. Only students who have scored at or above the 95th percentile in a standardized test are invited to apply. Participants register to take an above-level test, which is a more accurate and efficient way to determine content level mastery than simply using a grade-level assessment (e.g., FCAT).

What are the benefits of participating in BESTS?
The primary benefit receiving a detailed score report that provides insight regarding skills your child has mastered at various grade levels. Many parents use this information to work with schools to determine subject area placement and/or curricular modifications. Additionally, Stetson University awards a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 annually for 4 years) to every BESTS participant that enrolls and is accepted to Stetson. Finally, all top scorers receive a full scholarship to their choice of a HATS Summer Program.

Do I have to be a member of BESTS or HATS to apply for the Mark Twain Young Authors Workshop?
No. Any student in grades 5-8 may apply as long as a teacher provides a letter of recommendation.

If you have additional questions, please email us at hats@stetson.edu.