CTD Pathfinders Membership
Understand Your Abilities. Find Your Strengths. Chart Your Own Path.
(Grades 3 - 12)
Programs
Enrichment and credit-bearing, accelerated programs designed for students at every age and stage of talent development.
A Journey of Discovery
CTD's Pathways Approach to Talent Development
Giftedness is not a state of being. It’s a process — a journey — that involves developing potential into achievement. CTD’s Pathways approach to talent development recognizes that talents, passions, goals, and achievements are discovered and nurtured through exploration, experience, and guidance from mentors and experts. When students find their path and receive the proper challenge and support, they are on their way to becoming bold, creative achievers and contributors. Learn more about Pathways.
What is CTD Pathfinders
Your Guide to Talent Development
Experience CTD Pathfinders
The CTD PathfindersTM membership provides students with a community of peers who share their interests and excitement for learning. The resources provided serve as a guide to the talent development journey for both parents and students. From this brief video, learn how CTD's pathways approach to talent development comes to life in each element of the membership: assessment of strengths, interest-driven activities that build critical skills, a community of peers, and career exploration.
CTD Pathfinders Tools and Resources
CTD PathfindersTM is our peer community and resource hub for students grades 3 through 12 (and their parents), designed to provide the right activities, tools, and resources to support each step of the talent development journey from potential to expertise. A membership in CTD Pathfinders provides all of the components described below, connecting to each aspect of the path finding process!
Set Your Compass
Assessment or Exploration of Interest and Strengths
- Discounts on CTD Assessments, including MAP, CogAT, PSAT 8/9TM, ACT®, SAT®, or Iowa AssessmentsTM ; OR
- For students who prefer not to test, a discount on one CTD Encounters at Home session OR on a consultation.
Gather a Support Team for Your Journey
Get involved in our online communities.
CTD Backpack for Students
Students converse and connect in our moderated, worldwide network of fellow students. In Backpack, students can generate activities with their peers (e.g. book chats, creative story writing, Minecraft groups, chess club) or take advantage of CTD led activities of interest that support their talent development, such as video chats and podcasts with professionals in a wide variety of fields.
CTD Backpack for Parents
Parents receive guidance from CTD staff members and can network with other parents about issues related to parenting and gifted education. Monthly live webinars are hosted from September through June by CTD staff on topics related to parenting for talent development and issues of interest to community members. Check out our events calendar for each month's topic.
Please note: Complementary, limited-term access to CTD Backpack for Students (as a stand alone product) is provided to families registered for select Center for Talent Development courses.
Forge Your Talent Development Pathway
Engage in fun, interest-driven projects curated by CTD staff members.
- Activity playlists and badges: CTD has created playlists of media-rich activities in various fields of study (e.g. digital citizenship, law, politics) that work together to help students develop important knowledge and skills related to the topic. Completing a playlist results in a digital badge.
- Monthly webinars with an expert: (live and on-demand) Students have a chance to converse with experts from a variety of professions and fields of study. Check out a video of one of our sessions!
- Career interests survey
- Educational Program Guide: Listing of enrichment and accelerated programs from around the country
Present Your Pathway Discoveries
ePortfolio
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Pathfinder's ePortfolio helps students “tell their story” when they are applying for academic scholarships and programs, preparing for college, or seeking employment. Through ePortfolios, students can digitally collect and present their work (e.g. certificates, resumes, grade reports, photographs, videos, artwork). ePortfolios can also include activities such as volunteer experiences, job skills, extracurricular activities, and more.
Join CTD Pathfinders Today!
An annual CTD Pathfinders membership is only $149! If you purchase a Pathfinders membership in conjunction with another CTD program or with select CTD assessments, you pay only $114 and still receive all the benefits and related discounts listed above!
Need Help Getting Started?
If you would like to work with a CTD staff member to discuss your child’s strengths, interests, or talent development pathway, consider setting up a consultation.