WUSD Awarded State Grant to Expand Gifted Education for Middle School Students

WHITEWATER, WI — The Whitewater Unified School District has received a 2025-26 Gifted and Talented Student Education Program Grant to expand services for advanced middle school learners.

The grant, awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, will fund Future Problem Solving (FPS) programming. The international program teaches creative and critical thinking through complex social, environmental, and scientific issues. Advanced learners at Whitewater Middle School will pilot the initiative through English Language Arts enrichment.

“I look forward to seeing our Future Problem Solving teams collaborate and think outside the box,” said Caroline Nelson, the district’s Advanced Learner Teacher. “Through the FPS six-step process, students will engage in analyzing and exploring global issues and developing action plans, with the option to submit their work in competitions.”

The Gifted and Talented Student Education Program Grant supports services and activities beyond regular school programs, helping advanced learners fully develop their abilities. School districts, educational service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and University of Wisconsin institutions may apply under Wis. Stat. § 118.35(4).

Superintendent Samuel Karns said the grant is an important step toward expanding learning opportunities for students in our district.

“This program will give our advanced learners new ways to engage with real-world challenges while developing their creativity and leadership,” Karns said. “We are proud to offer innovative learning opportunities that help all our students grow and thrive.”

Additional information about the Future Problem Solving program is available at https://fpspi.org.

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