The GRC games encouraged task organization, flexibility and analytical thinking. In addition to being intellectually stimulated, students improved their social skills because the format, which required them to work cooperatively, fostered participatory decision-making and teamwork. Kuc said that the experience stimulates her children to explore similar activities with one another and with their friends at home. Gifted Resource Council, a nonprofit educational agency, has provided challenging enrichment programs for bright and talented youngsters throughout the metropolitan area for 17 years. In addition to Academic Challenge Cup, GRC offers Saturday Learning Labs, summer academic camps and thought-provoking workshops for parents and teachers.
Many people consider children with unusual talents to be advantaged, and in some ways they are.
But gifted children face unique developmental hurdles and need resources and supportive programs like those offered by Gifted Resource Council. However, these students receive less support than any other at-risk population in the nation. With many school districts struggling to balance their budgets with diminishing funds, enrichment programs for gifted and talented students are often being reduced. For almost two decades GRC has offered much need programs to meet this growing need. As an at-risk group, children with outstanding abilities often accomplish much less than they are capable of.