What is the HATS Summer Program?
An array of week long classes that are challenging and fun, sponsored by Stetson University. Students are encouraged to register for a class based on their strengths and area of interest. Classes are not intended for remediation. 

Who is eligible to participate?
Florida students in grades K-9 who participate in gifted programs or have scored at or above the 95th percentile on any subject area on the FCAT or any other standardized test are invited to participate. Also, 4th-9th grade students who are members of the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS) are invited to participate. Students in grades K-3 that participate in a gifted program or are a sibling of a current HATS student are invited to participate in our BERETS (Beginning Enrichment Recognizing Emerging Talents) Program.  Class size is limited to 20 students, so early registration is encouraged.

When are classes held?
Classes are offered during the summer and last one week, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. Dates vary depending on the location.

Why do students attend HATS classes?
High achieving students enjoy classes that stimulate their unique interests and challenge them in their strongest subject areas. Our instructors demonstrate expertise in their chosen fields of study and are trained to work with gifted and high achieving students. They prepare an exciting curriculum that is hands-on, full of challenge, and fun! (Don't worry - we haven't forgotten that you're on summer vacation, and we're thrilled you want to spend some of it with us!)

What is the cost of summer programs?
Cost is $260 per student per one-week class and includes a "HATS" T-shirt and materials. For students who receive free or reduced lunch, the cost is $175. Students may register for more than one class, schedule permitting. Students who enroll in more than one class, or families that register more than one child are eligible for a Multiple Class/Sibling Discount of $210 per class. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the program and for providing a bag lunch each day for their child as cafeteria facilities vary from site to site. Please note: We work hard to keep the cost as affordable as possible and have not raised our rates in many years. In Summer 2006, we began offering families the Multiple Class Discount as yet another way to keep the program affordable. One way to reduce costs (and pass the savings on to families) is through electronic communication, such as our web site and the use of e-mail. When you do register for classes, we ask you to provide an email address to keep postage costs as low as possible. Families often wish to purchase additional T-shirts. These are available at a cost of $10 and can be ordered at the time of registration.

Where are classes held?
All classes are sponsored by Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. However, we realize that not all eligible students live in close proximity to our campus. Therefore, we work with various institutions to offer classes at several locations throughout Florida. Summer 2009 classes were offered in: DeLand, Orlando, Tampa, and Vero Beach.

(Please note: If you are an educator and interested in working with us to sponsor classes in your area for Summer 2010, please contact the program director, Lynn Albinson, at hats@stetson.edu or 386.822.7091.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the difference between HATS I and HATS II? Do I have to attend HATS I before attending HATS II?
A: HATS I is for students who are in grades 4-6 during the 2008/2009 school year. HATS II is for students who are in grades 6-9 during the 2008/2009 school year. Participation in HATS I is NOT required for participation in HATS II. Please note: If you are a 6th grade student during the 2009/2010 school year you may choose to participate in HATS I or HATS II.

Q: Do I attend the same class for the entire week, or can I go from class to class each day?
A: If you sign up for "Forensic Science" you will be in "Forensic Science" for the entire week. Different classes cannot be attended on different days.

Q: Can I take more than one class, or am I limited?
A: You can sign up for more than one class, and you can sign up at different locations if you like. There is no limit to the number of classes you may take.

Q: How do I sign up for more than one class?
A: Print and complete a registration form for each class you want to attend. Send with payment to the address provided on the top of the registration form.

Q: Is transportation available?
A: No. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the HATS Program.

Q: Will I receive a grade or any type of college credit for my HATS class?
A: No, there are no grades or college credit. However, you will receive on the last day of class a certificate of participation.

Q: How can I apply for a scholarship to the HATS Summer Program?
A: All students who participate in BESTS (take the EXPLORE, ACT or SAT in 2010) are eligible to receive a scholarship for the HATS Summer Program. The highest scoring students at each grade level will be offered scholarships to the HATS Summer Program. Should a student decline the scholarship it will be offered to the next high scoring student.

Q: How do I apply for a scholarship to attend Stetson someday?
A: The names of all HATS participants and BESTS members are provided to the Stetson University Department of Admissions. When you are ready to apply to Stetson, please advise your Admissions Counselor that you have attended a HATS Summer Program and/or participated in BESTS. You will automatically receive the HATS Scholarship in addition to any other scholarship awards. (Please Note: HATS and BESTS students typically are strong students who qualify for substantial scholarship opportunities at Stetson.)

Q: Can I pay for classes online?
A: No, we do not accept credit cards, so simply print and mail the application with a check made payable to HATS.

Q: Why are some classes canceled?
A: Classes are canceled when too few students sign up for them. We then contact families to determine whether another class is acceptable or if a refund is required.

Q: How do I know if a class is available?
A: As long as the class is listed on the site you may register for it. If a class fills up, we will post a notice by the course description.