Summer Programs
HATS Summer Program 2013
Registration for the 2013 Summer Courses is now open:
DeLand campus classes: July 15th-19th and July 22nd-26th
Celebration campus classes: July 8th - 12th
Venice classes: June 24th - 28th
All classes will run 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What is the HATS Summer Program? The HATS Program is not a camp. We are a year round academic enrichment program sponsored by Stetson University and offer an array of week long classes in the summer that are challenging and fun. 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-12 who participate in gifted programs and/or have scored at or above the 95th percentile on the FCAT,ITBS, CTBS or any other standardized test are invited to participate. (Please see the 2012 95th percentile FCAT table)
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-2 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.
Where are classes held?
All classes are sponsored by Stetson University and are held in Sage Hall on the main campus in DeLand, Florida, the Stetson Celebration Center in Celebration, and in Venice at the First Christian Church 1100 Center Rd. in Venice.
What is the cost of summer programs?
Cost is $260 per student per one-week class and includes a "HATS" T-shirt and materials. 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 $225 per class. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the program and for providing a bag lunch each day for their child. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the difference between BERETS, HATS I and HATS II? Do I have to attend HATS I before attending HATS II?
A: BERETS stands for Beginning Enrichment Recognizing Emerging talentS and is for students identified as gifted in grades K-2.
HATS I is for students who have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on any standardized testing (FCAT, ITBS, etc) in grades 3-6 during the 2012/2013 school year.
HATS II is for students who have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on any standardized testing (FCAT, ITBS, etc.) who are in grades 6-12 during the 2012/2013 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 2012/2013 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 week of class. 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 it 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 or ACT in 2013) 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 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 at this time, 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.