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Compared to their
classmates, they're a little short, and their voices a bit high-pitched,
but otherwise, they're very comfortable as UMBC students pursuing their
undergraduate degrees. They are UMBC's Young Scholars--some, like David
Dalrymple, are only 10 years old, others in their early teens--but all
are academically gifted and ready for college-level classes. And they
are drawn to UMBC as a place that makes them feel welcome.
"UMBC is developing a reputation--quietly, and by our actions--as a good
place for these academically talented kids to come," explains John
Martello, vice provost for community partnerships and executive director
of the Shriver Center. These exceptional children have often been
home-schooled and are referred to UMBC by guidance counselors or
organizations like Johns Hopkins' Center for Talented Youth. "They're
referred to us as an institution that has a high-quality, low-cost
program, and is supportive and welcoming," says Martello, who notes that
UMBC has a solid track record thanks to years of experience by Associate
Director of Scholarships Bobbie Shahpazian, who has helped UMBC's
"precocious youth" find their footing.
Young Scholars takes a purposefully informal approach--there are no
dorms for the youngsters, as most still want to live at home--and no
specially structured curriculum. "They don't really need or want special
academic support, but we help them navigate through the University,"
says Martello.
One problem that often arises, but corrects itself: Professors who might
be initially skeptical about the ability of a nine-year-old Young
Scholar to keep up in a college math or physics class "become converts
after the results of the first exam," says Martello.
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