Frequently Asked Questions

image

What is HATS?
HATS stands for High Achieving Talented Students and is a three-dimensional year round academic enrichment 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 enrichment 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 K-12 who participate in gifted programs and/or have scored at or above the 95th percentile on any subject area on the FCAT, ITBS, CTBS or other standardized test. (Please see the 2012 95th percentile FCAT table)

Also invited are 4th-9th students who are members of the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS).

Students in K-2 grade that participate in a gifted program are invited to our BERETS (Beginning Enrichment Recognizing Emerging Talents) Program.

Once a student has qualified he or she does not have to re-qualify but is eligible to continue participating in HATS.   You must submit documentation that your child qualifies with your initial registration.

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.