The goals of the Young Sscholars Program in Fairfax County are (1) to identify students who may not be considered for gifted and talented (GT) programs using traditional methods of identification, and who, without that opportunity, are less likely to pursue advanced levels of learning on their own and (2)to nurture high academic potential at an early age so that identified students will be prepared to engage in challenging subject matter and rigorous courses in upper elementary school and beyond. The "targeted" students are those who are considered to be underrepresented groups of economically disadvantaged and culturally diverse students, and have gifted potential but lack advocactes, access, and affirmation. Students are nurtured throughout the school year, in after school programs, and during a three week session in the summer. The three week summer school intiative focuses on an interdisciplinary theme that promotes open-ended learning experiences, critical and creative thinking skills and global perspectives. The program at the 3-6 level rotates through four topics over four years: "Acid, Acid Everywhere", "The Chesapeake Bay", " The Dig" and "Patterns".