The Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) began in 1984 with a single session in New Jersey and has expanded over the past twenty-five summers to include ten residential sessions in eight states and numerous day programs. In 2009, we served close to 2000 academically gifted students in Kindergarten through 11th grade.SIG provides academically advanced students with an interesting and challenging educational experience. The program combines remarkable academic courses with cultural, social, and recreational opportunities. The academic program is central to the design and purpose of SIG. Our program provides students with academic challenges designed to fit their abilities and interests. It also provides them with the opportunity to engage with other students who have similar abilities and interests. Because of our small classes, low teacher-student ratio, and teaching assistants, we are able to individualize the program for each and every student.Meeting other diverse students who are interested in learning provides a sense of belonging that many gifted students seek. The richness of a broad range of geographical, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, the stimulation created by talented and intellectually engaged students working and playing together, the depth and diversity of the SIG faculty and staff, and the beautiful and well-equipped college campus environments create a perfect atmosphere for learning, growing and accomplishing meaningful goals.