Talented and Gifting Program Now Enrolling
October 15, 2026
Kids Can Solve a Crime, Make a Vase, or Program a Computer
Is your middle school student ready to use forensic science to solve a crime? Maybe
your younger sibling wants to design a website or create some unique pottery. Perhaps
you want to spur your grandchild’s interest in science. Walters State’s Talented and
Gifted (TAG) program makes this possible.
TAG meets for four Saturdays in January. Students in grades 5 through 8 choose two
classes, all built around hands-on learning TAG meets on the Morristown Campus.
“TAG is active learning at its highest level,” said Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, director
of youth programs for the college’s Division of Workforce Training. “This is a great
opportunity to beat winter boredom with fun activities geared toward the interests
of young people in our service area.”
New classes added this year include “Game Design Studio: Code Your Own Universe,”
“Mission to Space: Satellites, Sci-Fi and Sky-High Balloons” and “Home Hackers: Electricity,
Plumbing and DIY Tech.” These join longtime favorites such as forensic science, crime
scene investigation, archery, marine biology, physics, and pottery.
The first Saturday in February is a make-up day in case inclement weather cancels
a session.
Walters State professors teach many of the classes.
“TAG gives many students their first visit to a college campus,” Cardwell-Hampton
said. “They interact with professors and students. TAG opens the minds of many young
students, giving them possible career paths to explore before it’s time to choose
one.”
The cost for TAG, including all materials, is $199. The registration deadline is Dec. 14. Early registration is encouraged, as classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier the packet is received, the more likely it is that a student will receive their first choice of classes.
Parents may receive a packet from their schools or download one at www.ws.edu/tag. If you have questions, contact Sarah Gasparac, operations specialist, at 423.585.2675 or sarah.gasparacFREEWS.