ristotle had Plato, Mozart had Haydn, and now, thanks to a new website developed by the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University, many of the country’s most gifted students in math, science and engineering will have a mentor too.

A new collaborative website named Cogito.org is being developed to offer students of the highest academic ability under the age of 18 the chance to further develop their intellect and receive encouragement. It also offers them an opportunity to join an international hub for social interaction with their peers.

Carol Blackburn, who is leading the development of Cogito.org at the Center for Talented Youth reports that accelerated students frequently mention their desire to make relationships with peers from around the world as a driving principal behind the website. “We’ve been working with high-ability students for 25 years and we’re thrilled with the opportunity to get to work with them in an interactive environment. Cogito.org will be a place they can have the intellectual discussions they are hungry to have.”

Supported by a three-year $1.7 million grant from the Foundation, Cogito.org is timed to launch in September 2006, just as students are heading back to school. The site will feature news stories of interest to young scientists, searchable directories of programs and activities of specific interest to minds geared toward math and science. It will also offer interviews with professionals and guest experts from a range of disciplines, including: nanotechnologists, physicists, bioethicists and climate experts. “We really want to show students the range of professional careers available to anyone who pursues an education in math and science,” says Blackburn.

The website’s designers are placing a special emphasis on the password-protected section. It is there that invited students will have the opportunity to communicate with one another and mentors in a dynamic but secure environment. “The idea is to allow them to connect with other people, while maintaining the privacy of their identity,” says Blackburn.

The initial group of students invited to participate with the website will be contacted during the summer with a personal invitation prior to Cogito.org’s official launch. “We’ll be contacting about 5,000 students who are still in high school,” says Blackburn, “As well as some students in college who are eager to be involved with the site as mentors.”