Countdown to College Radio

How can martial arts training help build a child’s strength and character? What kind of research should families do before deciding on a school to join? Mrs. Denise Owings, a fourth-degree black belt in the Songahm Taekwondo discipline and co-owner of the Owings Martial Arts Academy in California for the last 17 years, answers these questions and more.
http://www.ataonline.com

How can martial arts training help build a child’s strength and character? What kind of research should families do before deciding on a school to join? Mrs. Denise Owings, a fourth-degree black belt in the Songahm Taekwondo discipline and co-owner of the Owings Martial Arts Academy in California for the last 17 years, answers these questions and more.
http://www.ataonline.com

What if students were allowed to become deeply involved in enrichment activities that helped motivate them to accomplish amazing things, helped them understand how their academics fit into the big picture, and helped them build a track record of accomplishments that would be very impressive at college admissions time? Author and educational strategist Elizabeth Wissner-Gross provides a blueprint for doing just that in her book, “What High Schools Don’t Tell You: 300+ Secrets to Make Your Kid Irresistible to Colleges By Senior Year.” Why are summers so important in this plan, and why is it important to think big? Find out in this informative interview.
http://www.educationalstrategy.org

What if students were allowed to become deeply involved in enrichment activities that helped motivate them to accomplish amazing things, helped them understand how their academics fit into the big picture, and helped them build a track record of accomplishments that would be very impressive at college admissions time? Author and educational strategist Elizabeth Wissner-Gross provides a blueprint for doing just that in her book, “What High Schools Don’t Tell You: 300+ Secrets to Make Your Kid Irresistible to Colleges By Senior Year.” Why are summers so important in this plan, and why is it important to think big? Find out in this informative interview.
http://www.educationalstrategy.org

In this third of a three-part series on Duke Univeristy’s Talent Identification Program, Dr. Rick Courtright, a gifted education research specialist at Duke TIP, discusses new ways that academics are working to identify the many diverse ways in which students manifest giftedness, and describes the three components necessary to identify a child as gifted.
http://www.tip.duke.edu

In this third of a three-part series on Duke Univeristy’s Talent Identification Program, Dr. Rick Courtright, a gifted education research specialist at Duke TIP, discusses new ways that academics are working to identify the many diverse ways in which students manifest giftedness, and describes the three components necessary to identify a child as gifted.

In this second of a three-part series on Duke TIP, Brian Cooper, Director of Domestic Education Programs, gives an overview of the online and in-person educational courses and opportunities that Duke TIP provides to both participating students and the general public. These include online book clubs, independent learning courses, e-studies opportunities, summer programs, and more.
http://www.tip.duke.edu

In this second of a three-part series on Duke TIP, Brian Cooper, Director of Domestic Education Programs, gives an overview of the online and in-person educational courses and opportunities that Duke TIP provides to both participating students and the general public. These include online book clubs, independent learning courses, e-studies opportunities, summer programs, and more.
http://www.tip.duke.edu

What is Duke TIP, and how does a Talent Search work? When are the benefits to early (4th, 5th, and 7th grades) identification of academically talented children, and what is . Joy Baldwin, Duke TIP’s Director of Identification and Support Services, answers these questions and more in this discussion about eligibility and enrollment.
http://www.tip.duke.edu

What is Duke TIP, and how does a Talent Search work? When are the benefits to early (4th, 5th, and 7th grades) identification of academically talented children, and what is . Joy Baldwin, Duke TIP’s Director of Identification and Support Services, answers these questions and more in this discussion about eligibility and enrollment.
http://www.tip.duke.edu

Every March, nearly 150,000 students from the U.S. and around the world sit for the National Latin Exam. Who gives this exam, what is it all about, and how does it look on college applications? Jane Hall, Co-Chair of the National Latin Exam’s writing and steering committee, gives the details.
http://www.NLE.org

Every March, nearly 150,000 students from the U.S. and around the world sit for the National Latin Exam. Who gives this exam, what is it all about, and how does it look on college applications? Jane Hall, Co-Chair of the National Latin Exam’s writing and steering committee, gives the details.
http://www.NLE.org

Tom Shepard, Producer and Director of the new documentary Whiz Kids, talks about this coming-of-age film that tracks three teen competitors in the Intel Science Talent Search program. Shepard discusses the making of the film and how the students profiled can serve as role models to other students interested in changing the future—their own and the world’s--through science.
http://www.WhizKidsMovie.com

Tom Shepard, Producer and Director of the new documentary Whiz Kids, talks about this coming-of-age film that tracks three teen competitors in the Intel Science Talent Search program. Shepard discusses the making of the film and how the students profiled can serve as role models to other students interested in changing the future—their own and the world’s--through science.
http://www.WhizKidsMovie.com

Gail Grand, founder of the Enrichment Alley database of extracurricular, summer, and gap year programs, discusses what’s new on her site since her 2008 interview on Countdown to College Radio, including the new alliance that embeds EA within the popular Naviance software used by many counselors and students nationwide. She also discusses ideas for extracurricular activities for students and families who are more budget-conscious in today’s economy.
http://www.EnrichmentAlley.com

Gail Grand, founder of the Enrichment Alley database of extracurricular, summer, and gap year programs, discusses what’s new on her site since her 2008 interview on Countdown to College Radio, including the new alliance that embeds EA within the popular Naviance software used by many counselors and students nationwide. She also discusses ideas for extracurricular activities for students and families who are more budget-conscious in today’s economy
http://www.EnrichmentAlley.com

Howard Chang, Chair of the Medusa Mythology Examination Committee, describes this annual, international exam for middle- and high-school students. The exam encourages and rewards the study of ancient Greco-Roman mythology—which is not only interesting in its own right, but which is either the centerpiece of, or is referenced in, many great works of literature and art from the history of western civilization. Students who earn gold medals in their age group categories are then invited to compete for college scholarships.
http://www.MedusaExam.org

Howard Chang, Chair of the Medusa Mythology Examination Committee, describes this annual, international exam for middle- and high-school students. The exam encourages and rewards the study of ancient Greco-Roman mythology—which is not only interesting in its own right, but which is either the centerpiece of, or is referenced in, many great works of literature and art from the history of western civilization. Students who earn gold medals in their age group categories are then invited to compete for college scholarships.
http://www.MedusaExam.org

Dr. Linda Mitchell, Chair of the Congressional Award Programming Committee, describes this national but non-competitive award that motivates young people to challenge themselves in each of four areas: volunteer service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Students aged 14 through 24—including those with less than stellar grades or those with disabilities—can set their own challenges and earn recognition at the bronze, silver, and gold certificate levels before achieving the bronze, silver and gold medal awards.
http://www.congressionalaward.org

Dr. Linda Mitchell, Chair of the Congressional Award Programming Committee, describes this national but non-competitive award that motivates young people to challenge themselves in each of four areas: volunteer service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Students aged 14 through 24—including those with less than stellar grades or those with disabilities—can set their own challenges and earn recognition at the bronze, silver, and gold certificate level before achieving the bronze, silver and gold medal awards.
http://www.congressionalaward.org

Canoe Island French Camp program director Justine Robinett describes their two- and three-week overnight camp programs in Washington’s San Juan Island region for 9- to 16-year-olds. Each session focuses on a different theme (such as the French Revolution or the knights of the round table) and offers beginning and advanced French language learners a chance to practice in a semi-immersion environment.
http://www.canoeisland.org

This global extracurricular program for kindergarteners to college students develops students’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fun and collaborative environment. DI’s Drew Coburn gives more details about the program and how to get involved.
http://www.destinationimagination.org

This global extracurricular program for kindergarteners to college students develops students’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fun and collaborative environment. DI’s Drew Coburn gives more details about the program and how to get involved.
http://www.destinationimagination.org

Jeannie Borin, president and founder of College Connections, discusses the components of a student activity resume and describes how they are used by those writing commendations and reviewing college applications.
http://www.college-connections.com

The Getting In EDU College Admissions Journal and web site provides students, parents, and counselors with direct access to the advice of today's college athletic coaches and admissions officers. Knowing what coaches and admissions officers are looking for helps student-athletes prepare for, research and get recruited by the right college. GettingInEdu.com founder Chris Strausser explains.
http://www.gettinginedu.com

The Getting In EDU College Admissions Journal and web site provides students, parents, and counselors with direct access to the advice of today's college athletic coaches and admissions officers. Knowing what coaches and admissions officers are looking for helps student-athletes prepare for, research and get recruited by the right college. GettingInEdu.com founder Chris Strausser explains.
http://www.gettinginedu.com

Sherwin Little, President of the American Classical League, discusses the activities and scholarship opportunities for high school students involved in the National Junior Classical League, a group dedicated to the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture and language.
http://www.njcl.org

Sherwin Little, President of the American Classical League, discusses the activities and scholarship opportunities for high school students involved in the National Junior Classical League, a group dedicated to the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture and language.
http://www.njcl.org

Mary Lee Elden, Director of Geography Competitions at the National Geographic Society, discusses the National Geographic Bee, which involves more than 13,000 schools and approximately 5 million fourth- through eight-grade students in the U.S. She outlines the calendar of competitions, the scope of the material covered, and how students and schools can get involved.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee

Mary Lee Elden, Director of Geography Competitions at the National Geographic Society, discusses the National Geographic Bee, which involves more than 13,000 schools and approximately 5 million fourth- through eight-grade students in the U.S. She outlines the calendar of competitions, the scope of the material covered, and how students and schools can get involved.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee

More than 11 million students participate annually in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which culminates in a national championship that is broadcast live on ESPN and ABC. How does the Bee benefit participating students and how can you get involved? Paige Kimball, Director of the Bee, gives us the answers.
http://www.SpellingBee.com

More than 11 million students participate annually in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which culminates in a national championship that is broadcast live on ESPN and ABC. How does the Bee benefit participating students and how can you get involved? Paige Kimball, Director of the Bee, gives us the answers.
http://www.SpellingBee.com

Jim Weiss, an internationally acclaimed storyteller, author, and audio reader, talks about the benefits of listening to stories. These benefits include developing an ear for language, cultivating a deep vocabulary, and familiarizing the listener with many of the seminal stories of western culture (such as the Greek myths, Shakespeare’s plays, and even the Bible as literature) that are still commonly referenced in today’s newspapers, magazines, and online writing—and college-level academic work.
http://www.Greathall.com

Jim Weiss, an internationally acclaimed storyteller, author, and audio reader, talks about the benefits of listening to stories. These benefits include developing an ear for language, cultivating a deep vocabulary, and familiarizing the listener with many of the seminal stories of western culture (such as the Greek myths, Shakespeare’s plays, and even the Bible as literature) that are still commonly referenced in today’s popular writing—and in college-level academic work.
http://www.Greathall.com

Benita Goldman of Eastern Michigan University’s Academic Programs Abroad, discusses their summer programs, which offer students the opportunity to travel through major cities of Europe or Asia accompanied by professors of political science, history, art, and more, earning credit and broadening their understanding of other cultures past and present. Programs are up to 70 days long and students can earn up to 12 units of college credit.
http://www.emich.edu/abroad

Benita Goldman of Eastern Michigan University’s Academic Programs Abroad, discusses their summer programs, which offer students from any college the opportunity to travel through major cities of Europe or Asia accompanied by professors of political science, history, art, and more, earning credit and broadening their understanding of other cultures past and present. Programs are up to 70 days long and students can earn up to 12 units of college credit.
http://www.emich.edu/abroad

Penny Hastings, author of the book, “How to Win a Sports Scholarship,” discusses the college coach’s role in advocating for admission of student-athletes. (March 6, 2009)
http://www.winasportsscholarship.com

Adventure, language immersion, community service, world travel…teens who participate in The Road Less Traveled (RLT) summer programs spend three or more weeks experience themselves and their world in completely new ways. Find out in this interview with RLT Director Jim Stein.
http://www.theroadlesstraveled.com

Jennie Pitts, Community Outreach Manager for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, describes their Midsummer’s Camp for ages 8-13 and 14-18. Find out how spending part of a summer studying and performing Shakespeare can help youth and teens grow academically and as actors and theatergoers.
https://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/for_kids

One of the starter programs of the F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration of Science and Technology) continuum, the FIRST LEGO League provides a fun framework for teams of 9- to 14-year-olds to build small working LEGO robots. The Junior FIRST LEGO League provides a more age-appropriate challenge for the 6- to 9-year-old set. Hear about both programs from Courtney Hoppe, nationwide Program Manager of the FIRST LEGO League.
http://www.firstlegoleague.org

FIRST Robotics Competition Program Director Bill Miller introduces us to the basics of this international competition in which teams of high school students are given six weeks to design a working robot based on guidelines set (and changed) by the competition organizers each year. Competitions take place at the regional and national levels, with more than 40,000 students competing each year. Learn how to participate and what the competition entails.
http://www.USFirst.org

FIRST Robotics Competition Program Director Bill Miller introduces us to the basics of this international competition in which teams of high school students are given six weeks to design a working robot based on guidelines set (and changed) by the competition organizers each year. Competitions take place at the regional and national levels, with more than 40,000 students competing each year. Learn how to participate and what the competition entails.
http://www.USFirst.org

Jeffrey Durso-Finley, director of college counseling at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and author of the book, "Understanding Athletic Recruiting," discusses goal-setting and recruiting timelines for students who wish to continue playing their sport at the intercollegiate level.
http://www.lawrenceville.org

Jeffrey Durso-Finley, director of college counseling at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and author of the book, "Understanding Athletic Recruiting," discusses goal-setting and recruiting timelines for students who wish to continue playing their sport at the intercollegiate level.
http://www.lawrenceville.org

College admissions officers tend to look favorably upon students who are willing to explore places and experiences outside their comfort zones. In particular, a study abroad program during high school (summer, semester, or year-long) can help students to mature and to get a clearer view of who they are and what they want out of college. Lisa Chinnery of Youth for Understanding-USA explains.
http://yfu-usa.org

Lisa Chinnery, Coordinator of Outreach Programs at Youth for Understanding-USA, explains study abroad for international students who are interested in having a high-school experience in the United States, and describes why some American families are eager to host these students in their homes. She also outlines the logistics for becoming a host family.
http://yfu-usa.org

The Founder of Camp Millionaire, Elisabeth Donati, describes this one-week day camp, which teaches students aged 10-15 basic financial literacy, including earning, investing, saving, using credit wisely, and more. Camp Millionaire's sister program, Moving Out!, is designed to teach similar financial skills to older teens headed to college or into the working world.
http://www.creativewealthintl.org

Thea Sahr, Associate Director of Education Outreach at public television station WGBH in Boston, talks about the Engineer Your Life program and web site, which is designed to show high school students, particularly women, how creative and rewarding a career in engineering can be.
http;//www.EngineerYourLife.org

Steve Dunbar, Director of the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) and professor of math at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, describes the various AMC competitions, including AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12.
http://www.unl.edu/amc/

Rotary, the international service organization, has many programs for high-school students that help develop both leadership and community service skills, including Interact, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and the Rotary Youth Exchange program. These programs also make students eligible for Rotary scholarships.
http://www.Rotary.org

Rotary, the international service organization, has many programs for high-school students that help develop both leadership and community service skills, including Interact, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and the Rotary Youth Exchange program. These programs also make students eligible for Rotary scholarships.
http://www.Rotary.org

Bill Steele, Director of the National Eagle Scout Association, discusses the requirements for earning the Eagle Scout rating through the Boy Scouts of America. Achieving the Eagle Scout rating earns a college applicant points for both community service and leadership, and opens the door for many financial scholarships as well.
http://www.scouting.org

Bill Steele, Director of the National Eagle Scout Association, discusses the requirements for earning the Eagle Scout rating through the Boy Scouts of America. Achieving the Eagle Scout rating earns a college applicant points for both community service and leadership, and opens the door for many financial scholarships as well.
http://www.nesa.org

The Bruce Beck and Ian Eagle Sports Broadcasting Camp offers high school students a week of hands-on experience in the world of sport broadcasting.
http://www.SportsBroadcastingCamp.com

Selective colleges are looking not only for good grades and strong test scores, but for passionate involvement in a few extracurricular activities as well. Gail Grand explains.
http://www.EnrichmentAlley.com

Enrichment Alley is a searchable database of summer, gap year, and school-year extracurricular activities for high-school students. Find out how it works in this interview with the visionary behind the web site, Gail Grand.
http://www.EnrichmentAlley.com

The College of William and Mary hosts the Pre-College Program in American History for high school students interested in learning about history both in the classroom and at some of the country's most historic sites.
http://www.wm.edu/niahd

Lou DiGioia, Executive Director of the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, talks about how this nationwide extracurricular program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students helps develop students' math and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.
http://www.MATHCOUNTS.org

Kris Manley, author of the book, "Resumes for Children: 17 Years of Age and Under," discusses the benefits of having students track their activities in a resume format, starting at an early age and continuing right up to the college application.
http://www.ResumesForChildren.com

George Wozencraft, President of the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society, tells us about the experience-based scholarships and internships their society provides for college students interested in careers related to aquatic environments.
http://www.OWUscholarship.org

USA Math Olympiad winner, Princeton University graduate, and Art of Problem Solving founder Richard Rusczyk discusses the many extracurricular opportunities that students from first grade through high school have to sharpen both their math and their problem-solving skills through the many individual and team math competitions offered in the U.S.
http://www.ArtofProblemSolving.com