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Duke TIP Comes to India
May 29, 2009
Dr. Belinda Chiu
Director of International Programs
Duke TIP
Some of the brightest young scholars in India will experience a new academic challenge this summer through the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). On May 17, 2009, 64 academically talented students who most recently completed the 8th standard will arrive on the campus of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. These students were selected from the top 5 percent of their class in schools from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Dehradun, Delhi, and Mumbai, representing some of India's brightest.
For almost 30 years, Duke TIP has been a recognized U.S. leader in identifying academically talented students and providing innovative, challenging academic programs and resources to meet the needs of these students. Each summer, students from all over the United States and the world attend residential academic programs on university campuses throughout the U.S.
In 2008, Duke TIP took its flagship U.S. model to India, holding a successful pilot program in India for 34 academically talented Indian students. In 2009, the Duke TIP in India Program is pleased to expand the program and number of courses. For three weeks, these 64 students will live on the prestigious campus of the Indian Institute of Management campus in Ahmedabad (IIM-A), studying one of four subjects at a university-level: Engineering Problem Solving, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Forensic Science, and JAVA for Video Games. The students will also participate in a variety of enriching residential activities.
Duke TIP in India continues to collaborate with the Fuqua School of Business on this initiative. Two graduating Fuqua students will be members of the Duke TIP in India staff: Vishal Patel B'09 (Instructor, Entrepreneurial Leadership) and Amy Bambic B'09 (Residential Counselor). In addition, Fuqua alumni have generously offered their time and expertise to the Entrepreneurial Leadership course as guest speakers and mock business plan competition judges. One of these alumni is Bharat Tandon B'86, who is President and CEO of SABIC India and proud father of a current Duke '12. Mr. Tandon will be addressing the young scholars.
On May 28, 2009, Duke TIP will host an Educator's Open House for local educators and media. Those in attendance will hear about the Duke TIP in India Program and Duke University's initiatives and partnerships in India from Dr. Blair Sheppard, Dean of the Fuqua School of Business; Dr. Martha Putallaz, Executive Director of Duke TIP; and Dr. Shailendra Raj Mehta, Duke Corporate Education Regional Managing Director, India, Middle East and West Asia, and Visiting Professor, Business Policy, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
During 2008's pilot program, students used the computer programming language Java to create their own video games, or they built bridges to demonstrate their understanding of such physics properties as force. They played ultimate Frisbee and American football, they went on fieldtrips and to dances, and they lived on a college campus, getting a taste of college life.
Duke TIP in India helps the organization to stay current with the globalizing factors at work in today's world, according to Martha Putallaz, Ph.D., Executive Director of Duke TIP.
"Duke TIP is excited to be in India, pursuing innovative models of educating academically gifted students for the second year," Putallaz said. "In our increasingly globalized world, the lessons we learn from Duke TIP in India will provide a broader worldview for all Duke TIP students, both in India, the United States, and elsewhere."
Duke TIP's ultimate goal is to connect gifted students worldwide, and with more readily available technology, there are many options, from hosting a teleconference for gifted students around the world to conducting an online course that connects international and U.S. students.
"Duke TIP's presence in India demonstrates Duke University's commitment to a truly global educational experience, and offers a unique and holistic learning opportunity in India for the academically talented student," added Belinda Chiu, Ed.D., Director of International Programs at Duke TIP.
For additional information, please contact Meena Dorr, Associate Director, Corporate Relations, The Fuqua School of Business, meena.dorr@duke.edu or Dr. Belinda Chiu, Director of International Programs, Duke TIP belinda.chiu@duke.edu .