The study investigated perceptions of student participants (N=97 ) and their parents (N=80) in the "Mini-Course Enrichment Program," a 1-week program for gifted secondary students offered each spring by two universities in Ottawa, Canada. A questionnaire which examined the areas of achievement, career aspirations, and self-observation/personal competence was developed. Among findings were: over 95% of students and parents were satisfied with the program; 59% of students felt the program helped them in preparing for a career; 86% were proud of the work they did in the program; 66% of French speaking students (but only 37% of English speaking students) enjoyed talking in front of others; and 55% of students felt the program had a positive effect on their self-image. Parents expressed significantly different responses in several areas, e.g., need for increased guidance and counselling (parents 87%, students 72%); child's desire for more personal freedom to accomplish goals (parents 51%, students 76%). Among six recommendations for program improvement are the provision of inservice training for faculty instructors, provision of personal counseling for students, and provision of guided opportunities for self-directed learning within the courses. (DB)