GIV offers the learning adventure of a lifetime!

Applications are open now for the
Summer 2025 Institutes!

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" GIV was a catalyst for ongoing personal and collective growth. It provided not only an educational platform, but also connected me with invaluable individuals who have become my collaborators, mentors and friends."

Get to Know GIV

The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont creates life-changing learning adventures for Vermont high school students like YOU! 

Known as “Institutes,” GIV’s summer learning experiences are open to any and every Vermont 9th, 10th, and 11th grade student. Each Institute takes place on a college campus and offers in-depth experiential learning, interacting, and discovery using advanced resources and professional guidance. Throughout the adventure, you experience life on a college campus and build a community with passionate and curious peers from every corner of the state.

Each Institute offers a unique, collaborative and hands-on experience bursting with creative learning and boundless fun! Anyone can attend for as little as $10 with the sliding scale tuition.

The experience of GIV provides you a chance to try something new, make lasting memories, and have more fun than you could ever imagine. You don’t know what you’re missing until you experience GIV for yourself– take the plunge and join the adventure!

Check out this video to experience the vibe at the Summer Institutes!

The Institutes

For Families Considering GIV

Attending the Governor’s Institutes is a life-changing experience that helps students grow academically, socially, and thoughtfully. As Vermont’s longest-running accelerated enrichment program, GIV is designed to give curious mind a transformational world-class experience with in-depth resources and passionate professional mentoring.

Learn More

Make a Donation

Give Vermont’s young people empowering learning opportunities on college campuses by donating to the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont today. Your tax-deductible gift will go towards helping young learners from less privileged families join GIV regardless of their ability to pay tuition.

Donate Today
GIV

Why Attend GIV?

GIV provides a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for students from all experiences and identities.

If you are a high school student in Vermont that is curious, passionate, and driven, apply now to take part in the adventure.

Some Reasons Why Choosing GIV Could Be the Best Decision You Will Ever Make

Find your calling in life.
Make lifelong friends.
Network with peers and professionals in your career industry.
Discover a path to college and career success.
Have fun while learning!

Here’s What Some of Our Alumni Have to Say About GIV

“ GIV was the best educational experience I’ve ever had.”

“ This was one of the best things I have ever done with my summer.”

“ It was amazing how many brilliant like-minded people surrounded me. There was never a dull moment and I was never in a room that didn’t contain at least a half a dozen friends.”

“ At GIV, I made meaningful connections with other people from around the state and around the globe, gained a wealth of valuable information, developed self-confidence, and gained a greater sense of who I am.”

“ I really valued the people there (I made some great friends) and how engaged they were, the opportunity to learn about and use cool and new equipment and an introduction to what a career in environmental science could look like.”

“ The experience I had at GIV was not like others. I was able to become vulnerable and share things I have never shared with anyone. I was able to relate to other experiences people had that I thought I was alone in experiencing.”

“ My attendance resulted in the most enjoyable, informative, and enlightening two weeks of my life.”

Learn More about GIV by exploring our Mission & History