Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted

What Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted does

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 and headquartered in Waunakee, Wisconsin (with a listed office in Wausau). It operates as Wisconsin's primary state-level association dedicated exclusively to gifted and talented education, serving a multi-stakeholder constituency of educators, GT specialists, parents, caregivers, school administrators, homeschoolers, and K-12 gifted students. Its mission is to educate about and advocate for the needs of gifted learners, organized around five pillars: Inform/Educate, Connect, Advocate, Expand, and Sustain.

WATG's product portfolio centers on a membership program (enrollment via Neon CRM), an annual conference (Wisconsin Dells, October 2025), professional development webinars, conference recordings, a Professional Directory of 25+ partner organizations, scholarship programs (Summer Scholarships, Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award, Donna Rae and Bob Clasen Scholarship Fund), and curated resource hubs for students, educators, and parents covering assessment, SEL, curriculum, and equity topics. The underlying technology stack is a website-based content platform powered by Neon One CRM, with Google Sign-in for member authentication and Google Forms for scholarship applications — no proprietary AI/ML or advanced technical capabilities are disclosed.

The business model is membership-fee and donation-driven with transactional event revenue. Annual membership dues for educators, parents, counselors, administrators, and homeschoolers constitute the recurring base; tax-deductible donations to the General Fund and Scholarship Fund (with named donors including Marcia Sattelberg, Dal and Jackie Drummer, and SOAR Camp) supplement income; conference and webinar registration fees provide episodic revenue. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and staffed by 7 employees, with no venture capital or external equity backing. Distribution is digital-first via watg.org, supplemented by the annual conference and (in 2026) hosting of the NAGC26 national convention in Milwaukee.

Name

Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted

Legal name

Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted, Inc.

Website

https://watg.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that serves as Wisconsin's primary state-level association for gifted education, providing membership programs, annual conferences, scholarships, and curated resources to educators, parents, students, and administrators statewide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Advocacy Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) Programs (EDAJAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Gifted & Talented (G&T) / Advanced Learner Tutoring (EDANAKAC), Online & Virtual Gifted/2e Programs and Communities (EDAKALAL), Gifted & Twice-Exceptional (2e) Specialized Programs (EDAKAAAI)

Keywords

• Gifted education advocacy
• Education nonprofit services
• Professional development resources
• Membership association services
• Scholarship programs education

Headquarters

HQ city

Wausau

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees for educators, parents, school counselors, administrators, and other stakeholders supporting gifted education
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable contributions to the General Fund or Scholarship Fund supporting gifted students in Wisconsin
3. Event Registration: Conference and webinar registration fees for professional development and educational events

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is a 501(c)(3) membership-based nonprofit organization that educates about and advocates for the needs of gifted students in Wisconsin. It delivers an annual conference, membership program, scholarships and student awards, professional development webinars, curated resource libraries, and a Professional Directory of partner organizations serving gifted learners. Its core activity is connecting parents, students, educators, and administrators through information, advocacy, and community-building resources.

Product overview

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a membership-based educational resource hub rather than a traditional software product. The organization provides a portfolio of services including membership programs, an annual conference, scholarships (Summer Scholarships, Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award), professional development webinars, and conference recordings. These core offerings are supported by resource hubs for students (summer opportunities, books, STEM/logic games, technology tools, creative enrichment), educators (books, assessment resources, classroom strategies), and parents/caregivers. WATG also hosts the NAGC26 convention in 2026 and maintains a Professional Directory of partner organizations serving gifted learners. The organization's offerings are delivered through its website powered by Neon One, with Google authentication for member login and Google Forms for scholarship applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WATG Membership Program Annual membership program for educators, parents, school counselors and psychologists, school board members, school administrators, and homeschoolers, providing access to webinars, conference recordings, educator resources, and a member community focused on gifted education in Wisconsin.
• Annual Conference In-person annual conference for gifted education professionals, parents, and advocates held in Wisconsin Dells, offering professional learning sessions, keynotes, and networking.
• Summer Scholarships Scholarship program supporting Wisconsin gifted students in pursuing enriching educational experiences including summer programs, camps, and specialized learning opportunities such as Badger Precollege programs at UW-Madison.
• Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award A $250 award for Wisconsin students in grades 3-6 recognizing young people developing their unique gifts and talents, administered by WATG since 2014.
• Webinars Professional development webinars for educators, parents, and advocates covering gifted education topics, social-emotional learning, and instructional strategies.
• Conference Recordings Recorded sessions from past WATG conferences made available to members for ongoing professional development.
• Professional Directory Directory connecting families and educators with partner organizations supporting gifted students, including arts programs, assessment tools, educational schools, 2e support, professional learning, and student enrichment camps.
• NAGC26 Convention Hosting Hosting the National Association for Gifted Children 2026 Annual Convention in Milwaukee, WI, featuring 200+ sessions, keynotes, and 2,000+ attendees focused on gifted education.

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Central Wisconsin School of BalletminorOthersArts and culture partner providing dance education opportunities for gifted students in central Wisconsin. Included in WATG's Professional Directory.
• Concordia Language VillagesminorOthersLanguage immersion programs for ages 8-18, providing cultural and linguistic enrichment opportunities. Featured in summer opportunities and partner directory.
• Donna Lexa Art CentersminorOthersInclusive art community for young adults and adults with disabilities, providing creative expression opportunities. Partner in arts and culture category.
• Mensa of Wisconsin Foundation, Inc.minorOthersCharitable foundation providing scholarships and grants for intellectual pursuits for Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Michigan residents. Partner in arts, culture, and community category.
• Red Oak WritingminorOthersWriting support organization helping writers of all ages achieve their writing goals. Featured in partner directory.
• UWM School of Freshwater SciencesminorOthersUniversity program advancing knowledge of freshwater systems through research and education. Partner in arts, culture, and community category.
• Kendall Hunt Publishing CompanyminorOthersPublisher of research-based curriculum for high-ability learners in grades K-12, focusing on language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics.
• Oak MeadowminorOthersEducational curriculum provider offering engaging learning experiences for students and families.
• PBS Wisconsin EducationminorOthersPublic media education service providing standards-aligned, free educational content for PreK-12 classrooms.
• PearsonminorOthersGlobal learning company providing high-quality educational content, assessments, and learning materials for K-12 education.
• UW Badger PrecollegecoreOthersUW-Madison program engaging youth along a path to life readiness through academic and recreational programs including GEM, PACE, STEP, ALP, and Badger Summer Scholars. WATG supports Clasen Scholarship Fund for this program.
• Between the Lakes Virtual Academy and Kiel eSchoolminorOthersOnline instructional program providing standards-aligned, personalized learning for students in flexible home environments.
• Center for Talent Development (Northwestern)minorOthersNorthwestern University program helping academically talented students age 4 through grade 12 realize their full potential through assessment, enrichment, and accelerated programs.
• Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY)minorOthersProgram inspiring intellectually curious students to pursue their passions within a diverse, inclusive community. Featured as summer enrichment opportunity.
• Wisconsin Destination ImaginationminorOthersOrganization empowering students to master STEAM skills and creative problem-solving through student-led challenges, fostering confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
• SOAR Camp Inc.minorOthersTraditional summer camp for gifted students in grades 3-8 in northern Wisconsin, providing opportunities to explore new skills and deepen self-understanding.
• Gifted Learning LabminorOthersOrganization providing parents of intense, sensitive gifted and twice-exceptional kids with information, understanding, and support for less conflict and more connection at home.
• Center for Advanced AcademicsminorOthersOrganization creating a safe space to challenge all students and develop their unique talents. Listed in Professional Learning and School Services category.
• Club SciKidz Greater MilwaukeeminorOthersSTEAM enrichment provider offering summer camps, after-school programs, and in-school field trips for children in greater Milwaukee area.
• Math Kangaroo USAminorOthersNational math competition and enrichment program helping students love math. Listed in Student Enrichment, Camps, and Competitions category.
• National Inventors Hall of FameminorOthersOrganization recognizing inventors and promoting creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Includes Camp Invention program.
• National Math StarsminorOthersNonprofit providing free resources and opportunities to young gifted math students.
• PilotsmithminorOthersAviation industry training and support organization. Listed in Professional Directory for GT coordinators and school administrators.
• Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVisionminorOthersK-12 STEM competition engaging students in real-world problem solving through collaborative brainstorming and research of future technology.
• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization WATG partners with as a state affiliate. WATG is hosting NAGC26 Annual Convention in Milwaukee, November 2026. Provides 200+ sessions, 2,000+ attendees, keynotes including Gloria Ladson-Billings and Carlos Ojeda Jr.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC): The national parent organization of which WATG is a state affiliate. Directly comparable because both serve educators, parents, and advocates of gifted students through professional development, advocacy, and resource curation, but NAGC operates nationally with a far larger staff and budget.
• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY): A national gifted education center offering identification testing, summer programs, and online courses. Comparable as a major player in gifted assessment and enrichment, though CTY operates nationally with university backing and paid program revenue.
• Davidson Institute for Talent Development: A national nonprofit providing programs, resources, and advocacy for profoundly gifted youth. Comparable because both organizations serve the gifted community through scholarships, family/educator resources, and policy advocacy, though Davidson operates nationally.

Direct peers

• Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY): A regional summer enrichment program serving intellectually curious students in grades 1-12. Listed as a WATG partner, and comparable as a neighboring Midwestern nonprofit providing summer academic programming for gifted students.
• SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted): A national nonprofit focused on the social-emotional needs of gifted individuals, offering resources, webinars, and parent groups. Comparable because both deliver parent education, professional development, and resources for the gifted community.
• Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT): A peer state-level nonprofit association for gifted education in Texas. Closely comparable to WATG in structure, mission, and offerings—memberships, annual conference, advocacy, and resources for educators and parents within a single state.
• California Association for the Gifted (CAG): Another state-level nonprofit association serving the gifted community in California. Direct structural peer to WATG, offering memberships, annual convention, publications, and advocacy for gifted education in its state.
• Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University: A university-based program offering assessment, enrichment, and accelerated courses for gifted learners grades pre-K through 12. Listed as a WATG partner, and directly comparable because both serve the same gifted K-12 population with enrichment programming and family resources.

Regional players

• The Association for the Gifted (TAG), a CEC Special Interest Group: A division of the Council for Exceptional Children focused on gifted education professionals. Comparable because it convenes educators and produces resources on gifted instructional strategies, though it operates as a professional division rather than a parent-facing association.

Emerging players

• Hoagies' Gifted Education Page: A long-running online resource hub for parents and educators of gifted children. Comparable because both aggregate curated books, resources, and links for the gifted community, though Hoagies is volunteer-run and online-only.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wisconsin-association-for-talented-and-gifted

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted