We want CTY in Slovakia and Czech Republic!

The minister of education of Czech Republic, professor Štys, named the project of CTY as "inappropriate for the country" late last year. According to his words, the project is "elitist and commercial". However, all of us, who were honored to become a part of CTY know that contrary is the very case...

Centre for Talented Youth (CTY) and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. belong to elite educational institution throughout the world - it is not only because of its unique ways of teaching, but more significantly because of its interest to search and support young talents even during their teenage age. Although the interest for this CTY courses and programs is still rapidly increasing among the youth worldwide, over the last three years with the support of AFCSLS (American Fund for Czech and Slovak Leadership Studies), well over 600 czechoslovak students got an opportunity to taste the benefits of CTY programs for exceptionally talented and hardworking youth.

Nevertheless, in Czech Republic the CTY project threatens to end. Neither the sponsores, nor even the Ministry of Education itself have shown any interest in supporting of this international program. Gifted students from Czech and Slovak Republic may begin to worry that - without the financial support of AFCSLS - they will not be able to participate in CTY Online courses, or even to be the short-term members of prestigious university campuses - from the east coast of the United States (Princeton University, New Jersey) to the sunny shores of Pacific Ocean (University of Berkeley, California).

Thus, let's add our bits into the amazing work of AFCSLS and express our opinion - let's show the politicians that we want our students to have the same opportunities to learn and study as other 11 countries, where CTY fully works. Don't allow our students to lose this unique opportunity! Support our talented youth, which is ready to compete for the placing and invaluable experience at CTY programs the same way as it was until now...

Kristína Uličná    Contact the author of the petition