What is FAME?
FAME provides students with a gateway to achieve success in life and uniquely motivates and stimulates each child by focusing on academics first, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) subjects at its core. Hands on application and team-based engineering projects generate a high level of enthusiasm for learning and promote problem solving and the cognitive skills necessary for pursuing a math, science, engineering or technical degree. Students benefit from knowledgeable teaching professionals, industry and subject matter experts, scholarship opportunities, and cultural enrichment. FAME plots the road map for success!
What grade does FAME start?
FAME starts at the close of the 6th grade school year for most. Students attend FAME the summer before they enter the seventh (7th) grade. Once enrolled, FAME students are expected to matriculate completely through their senior year (12th grade) of high school.
Does my child have to live in New Castle County Delaware?
No, students living outside of New Castle County Delaware may participate in FAME. Students come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Northern Maryland.
What schools does FAME accept students from?
FAME students mainly attend public, private, parochial, and charter schools.
Is there a fee for the program?
$200 covers one student for an entire year. The fee includes both the summer and school-year program. Students attending either the summer or school-year program independently pay $100. Households with more than one child pay an additional $100 for each child.
Are Scholarships provided?
Yes, household that can prove need are provided with partial or in some cases full scholarships.
How can I apply for FAME?
FAME accepts applications for its summer program no later than the final Friday in May annually. Applications for the School-year program must be submitted no later than September 1st annually. Applications are available online at www.famedelaware.org or by requesting one directly from the fame office. Click here for the office address and telephone number.
What are the requirements for admission into the FAME program?
FAME applicants must complete an application and provide a copy of their most current report card and standardized test scores. Applicants should maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better with good attendance and community activity to be considered for admission. Letters of recommendation are required. Students that may not have a 3.0 are required to interview with their parents and the Executive Director of FAME. Meeting our minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
Where is the program held?
Saturday classes are currently held at Alexis I. DuPont Middle School (AIMS) located at 3130 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807. Summer classes for students in grades 7-10 are also held at AIMS. Summer sessions for 11th and 12th grade students are held at the University of Delaware on the main campus in Newark, Delaware.
How long are the classes?
The summer program runs for 4-6 weeks and operates from 8am through 3pm. The school-year Saturday program is approximately 15 weeks in duration and operates from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Can my child apply if he or she is home schooled?
Yes, home-schooled children are welcome to apply. Please include a recent progress report with your child’s application.