The Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program is designed to build a nationwide capability in gifted and talented education and encourage rich and challenging curricula for all children. Improving the education of gifted and talented students is an integral part of achieving the National Education Goals, which require that every student attain higher standards of academic excellence. Gifted and talented programs contribute to systemic education reform by modeling coordinated systems of challenging standards and assessments, curricula, and teacher preparation aligned with those standards to improve education. The use of challenging content and performance standards is the most promising way to raise students achievement.
Educators are eager to raise the achievement levels of all students.
Previously funded Javits grants have been credited with creating an environment that recognizes talents in students whose education needs otherwise might not have been addressed. In 1996, the Javits office received 125 applications and 8 grants were awarded. An additional 8 grants were awarded in 1997 using the same slate. The Javits grants are highly competitive. Javits grants are three-year awards.