While many local teens took an academic hiatus this summer, North Carroll freshman Trent Gerber was busy learning how to use chemistry to improve the world.

Gerber participated in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s (CTY) program for academically gifted students. For three weeks, Gerber lived on the campus of LaFayette University taking an intense course called Chemisty in Society.

Nearly 100 CTY Summer Program courses were available during two, three-week sessions this summer. The format of the program makes it possible for students to work at an accelerated pace, study topics in depth, and explore subjects that are not usually available to students their age, according to Johns Hopkins.

CTY Summer Programs are offered at 25 sites, from Johns Hopkins University in the east to Stanford University in the west.

In the course Gerber took, students investigate topics in chemistry as a means to solving simulated real-world problems, including water pollution, the toxic properties of pharmaceuticals, and the need for alternative fuels.

Gerber said the program offered more than just a simple chemistry class.

"It felt like I was away at college. I stayed in a dorm, had a roomate, and went to class every day," Gerber told Patch. "The class was a lot lecturing but we got to do really cool experiments, too. It was a lot of work but I learned so much. I met a variety of people with different backgrounds, some of the kids were even from other countries. I had an amazing time."

According to Johns Hopkins, Gerber qualified for CTY Summer Programs by participating in CTY’s Annual Talent Search, which accepts applications from early September through May. During the Talent Search, advanced young learners take above-grade level tests designed for older students as a means of gaining insight into their abilities. Seventh and eighth graders take the SAT or ACT—the same tests used for college admissions. 

Gerber, who is hoping for a career in astronomy or engineering, said he learned that the harder you work, the more opportunitys you will have available to you. He also said he's definitely prepared for his freshman year.

"I think it prepared me to be able to focus in any sort of  lecture class," he said. "I also am going to be really prepared for the chemistry course I will be taking this year."

For more information about enrolling in the CTY Talent Search, visit www.cty.jhu.edu.