Gifted and Talented (GT) programs serve over 3 million students nationwide, providing advanced academic instruction and enrichment opportunities tailored to high-ability learners. These programs span both in-school and out-of-school settings, with a growing number of districts and providers offering afterschool, summer, and weekend enrichment to meet the intellectual and creative needs of gifted youth. While formal identification methods vary by state, GT students are generally those performing or showing potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with peers.
Many GT initiatives focus on academic acceleration, critical thinking, and specialized instruction in STEM, the arts, and humanities. Increasingly, programs also emphasize equity in identification and access—addressing historical underrepresentation of students from low-income families, English language learners, and Black and Latino communities. Out-of-school time providers play a critical role by delivering advanced learning opportunities that supplement school-day services, especially in districts with limited formal GT infrastructure. While local and state policies guide program implementation, federal funding through Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants) and other education initiatives may support enrichment efforts indirectly.