Self‐concept gains by gifted middle school students during a summer program

The study reported here was conducted to determine the relationship between a 2‐week Gifted Students Institute summer program and the self‐concepts of 37 gifted middle school students, ages 10 to 14. To assess the relationship between the GSI program and the students’ self‐concepts, the Me Scale (Feldhusen) and the Self‐Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith) were administered on the first and final days of the 2‐week program. Students also completed a program evaluation, and writing samples describing their personalities. The results of the study indicated that it is possible to enhance gifted students’ self‐concepts through provision of a supportive educational and social environment of a summer program on a university campus.