The Acting President of King Khalid University, Prof. Saad bin Mohammad bin Dajam, inaugurated the executive framework for gifted and talented programs at his office in the university city in Al-Fara'a. The framework consists of a comprehensive set of organizational procedures to support gifted and talented students. The launch took place in the presence of the General Director of Education in Aseer, Mr. Fahad bin Saleh Uqala. The framework aims to enhance innovation and creativity among students in line with Saudi Vision 2030, by providing an advanced educational environment that motivates students to excel in various fields and enables them to play a leading role in Saudi society.

The Dean of the Deanship of Student Affairs at King Khalid University, Dr. Ali bin Mosfer Al-Qahtani, explained that this initiative is part of the university's strategy aimed at enhancing academic excellence and innovation among students. The university seeks to attract outstanding and gifted students from all across the Kingdom to help develop their skills and guide them towards the proper programs for their abilities. He added, "We believe in the necessity of providing an educational environment that encourages students to excel in their various fields, whether academic, scientific, athletic, or creative."

Al-Qahtani explained that the university recruits gifted students from high schools through various pathways such as academic acceleration, which allows students to shorten the duration of their university studies by equating the courses they studied at the secondary level with the academic standards followed at the university. Al-Qahtani explained that among the distinguished programs that the university provides for gifted students is the dual enrollment program, which allows gifted students to take university courses while they are still in high school, and are later counted as part of the university's study units upon their admission to the university.

These procedures also include the flexible learning pathway, which is a set of advanced educational courses offered remotely through accredited educational platforms such as FUTUREX, EDX, and COURSERA. Gifted students benefit from these courses to develop their skills and knowledge in specialized fields before and during the university stage. Regarding student exchange, he explained that the university provides gifted students with the opportunity to complete part of their university studies at prestigious international universities, according to specific standards, which provides them with a rich educational experience and broadens their scientific horizons. Dr. Al-Qahtani affirmed that the university seeks to provide distinguished opportunities for creative and innovative students by providing mentorship programs that connect them with faculty members and experts in their fields, which enhances the development of their talents effectively.

Among the groups benefiting from these initiatives are academically distinguished students who possess exceptional scientific abilities. Dr. Al-Qahtani noted that the university has set criteria for recruiting them, based on their excellence in tests such as the "International Baccalaureate," "Cambridge Advanced Level," and "Advanced Placement Tests." In addition, special opportunities have been provided for students who are creative in fields other than academics, such as arts and sports. He affirmed that the university works to provide special privileges for academically distinguished athletes, by recruiting them based on their athletic achievements accredited by official authorities such as the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Sports Federations.

The university also provides special opportunities for creative and innovative students by evaluating their individual achievements in international competitions and patents, and are granted exceptional opportunities to study and participate in international scientific activities. Dr. Al-Qahtani explained that the university supports innovative talents by representing students in local and international competitions, and provides financial benefits for participants and winners in these competitions. All of these programs are supervised by the Talent and Creativity Unit at the Deanship of Student Affairs.

He also explained that an executive council was formed to care for gifted students at the university, chaired by the university's Vice President for Educational Affairs, and with the membership of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of Admission and Registration, in addition to a group of academics and specialists in the fields of education and talent. This council works to approve the programs and procedures that ensure the activation of this initiative in line with the vision and strategic goals of the university.

Dr. Al-Qahtani affirmed that they are working hard to create the appropriate academic environment that enables students to explore and develop their talents, as they consider them partners in building a bright future for the Kingdom. The university spares no effort in providing the necessary support and guidance to gifted students, and they are confident that these efforts will result in distinguished graduates capable of making a positive change in society and leading the march of development and advancement in the Kingdom.