The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth identifies and develops the talents of the most advanced K-12 learners worldwide. As part of Johns Hopkins University, CTY helps fulfill the university’s mission of preparing students to make significant future contributions to our world.
CTY’s roots extend back to our 1979 founding, and even before, to Johns Hopkins psychologist Julian Stanley’s pioneering work with gifted middle school prodigies. His work put the spotlight on exceptionally bright young people and their capacity and enthusiasm for academic challenges matched to their advanced abilities.
Today, CTY is the Center where young talent thrives. A former CTY student started Facebook. Another co-founded Google. Self-described ‘CTYers’ routinely compete in the ranks of top national academic competitions such as the Intel Science competition and Rhodes Scholar awards.
Since 1979 CTY has identified young people of great academic promise through our annual Talent Search, then nurtured their intellects and personal growth through Summer Programs, CTYOnline courses, and other services and resources. Each year, qualified elementary and secondary students are invited to take the Johns Hopkins test. Criteria include standardized testing results, academic performance, and teacher recommendation.
CTY’s broader mission is to be a national voice that supports and encourages academic talent and achievement; to help in locating and nurturing talent from all neighborhoods and nations; and to engage in, and communicate, meaningful research to advance the understanding of teaching the world’s most capable young people.