Summer 2020 Student Programs Update

The Belin-Blank Center is committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of all our visitors and we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic over the last several weeks. Following the guidance of the University of Iowa and College of Education leadership, we are sad to share that we must cancel many of our 2020 summer programs for K-12 students. After considering guidelines for social distancing, whether families and staff would be able to safely travel and stay on campus, and the protection and wellbeing of minors on campus during a pandemic, we made the difficult decision to cancel much of our summer programming. 

For information about a specific event or program, please check our Emergency Alerts page for further updates.

Photo by Magda Ehlers

We know this is difficult news to hear, and we share your disappointment. We are working hard to create future opportunities for talented students, and their families and teachers, to create community, learn new things, and be supported in their unique needs. Stay tuned! Given this year’s unexpected events, our Summer 2021 programs will be even more special.  

In the meantime, we hope you will stay connected with us through our website, newsletter, and social media channels (@belinblank on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at summer@belinblank.org.    

We will miss seeing our students this summer, and we hope you stay healthy, safe, and well during this unprecedented time. We look forward to seeing you again soon! 

COVID-19 Update

In response to COVID-19, we are following the University of Iowa’s guidance and the CDC’s recommendations, and will continue to do so as the situation changes. We are committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of all our visitors.

Currently, all Belin-Blank Center events are scheduled to proceed as planned. As the days and weeks go on, please monitor our Emergency Alerts page often for updates about whether a specific Belin-Blank Center event or program has been canceled, rescheduled, or moved online.

If the University of Iowa requires that we cancel an event or program due to reasons related to COVID-19, all registered participants will receive a full refund of any paid fees associated with that event or program. They will also receive an email.

Upcoming Event or Program	Date Scheduled	Status (Current March 12, 2020)
AP Teacher Training Institute	June 29 – July 2	Proceeding as Planned
Belin-Blank Fellowship Program	June 21 – 26	Proceeding as Planned
Blank Summer Institute	June 22 – 26	Proceeding as Planned
Bucksbaum Academy Information Day	March 24	Proceeding as Planned
Bucksbaum Academy Information Day	April 28	Proceeding as Planned
Chautauqua I	July 5 – July 11	Proceeding as Planned
Chautauqua II	July 12 – July 18	Proceeding as Planned
I-Excel test date at Belin-Blank Center	June 11	Proceeding as Planned
Invent Iowa State Invention Competition	April 20	Proceeding as Planned
Javits-TICE Professional Development	June 15 – 16	Proceeding as Planned
Junior Scholars Academy – Session 1	June 15 – 19	Proceeding as Planned
Junior Scholars Academy – Session 2	June 22 – 26	Proceeding as Planned
Junior Scholars Academy – Session 3	July 6 – 10	Proceeding as Planned
Junior Scholars Academy – Session 4	July 13 – 17	Proceeding as Planned
National Invention Convention	June 3 – 5	Proceeding as Planned
National JSHS	April 15 – 19	Under Review
Perry Research Scholars Institute	July 6 – 17	Proceeding as Planned
Secondary Student Training Program	June 17 – July 24	Proceeding as Planned
STEM Excellence Professional Development	June 9 – 10	Proceeding as Planned
Summer Art Residency	July 6 – 24	Proceeding as Planned
Summer Writing Residency	July 6 – 24	Proceeding as Planned
Summit on the Neuroscience of Twice Exceptionality	July 20 – 21	Proceeding as Planned

Current as of March 12, 2020, 2:15pm CDT.

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Assessment & Counseling Clinic

In order to maintain the health and safety of our staff and clients, please contact us to reschedule if you or your child are ill, if you have known exposure to COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled to a location with a high rate of COVID-19 (as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We will work with you to ensure your rescheduled appointment occurs as soon as possible. If you are planning to travel by airplane for the evaluation, you may also consider rescheduling your child’s appointment to reduce risk of exposure.