Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer 2025 Institutes

Check out the amazing programs happening this summer...

Sunday, June 22^nd – Sunday, July 6^th, 2025
@ Vermont State University Castleton Campus
Castleton, VT

Are you looking to ignite your creativity?

At the Arts Institute you are given the platform to amplify your artistic voice and join a community of young artists from all over Vermont for an exciting two weeks of collaboration, creation, and inspiration. The experience helps develop skills in whatever artistic disciplines you choose alongside fellow creators who share a passion for art and creative thinking! With immersions into theater, music, writing, visual arts, film, dance, and more, the community at the Arts Institute fosters a diverse, meaningful, and life-changing shared experience.

At this Institute you will…

Discover new ways to interact with a variety of artistic mediums and styles.
Explore new media and professional-grade equipment to create emergent forms of art.
Network with professional artists and learn about their artistic practices.
Make new friends with artistic peers from all over the state who share your passions and interests.
Learn about college options and opportunities in professional art careers.
Unleash your unique talents and hone your original voice.
Have the time of your life!

Click here to learn more!

Engineering

Sunday, June 22^nd – Saturday, June 28^th, 2025
@ Norwich University
Northfield, VT

Are you driven to think creatively and create a better future?

At the Engineering Institute you learn to think like an engineer and help create a sustainable future through a week-long program on Norwich University’s campus. Collaborate, iterate, and expand your creative thinking by developing your own projects in fields like energy, robotics, and structural engineering. Surrounded by peers who share your interests, you will work together to create resilient solutions to the planet’s most pressing problems. With access to professional equipment and the guidance of renowned engineers, everyone at Engineering works together to build bridges to a better future.

At this Institute you will…

Dive into several areas of engineering to explore possibilities.
Meet other young Vermonters who share your interests.
Learn to “think like an engineer,” analyzing and solving real-world problems.
Take on a variety of design challenges to hone creativity and problem-solving.
Hear from a wide range of engineers and discover academic and career pathways.
Explore technology and equipment used by engineers.
Have the time of your life!

Click here to learn more!

Entrepreneurship

Sunday, June 22^nd – Friday, June 27^th, 2025
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Do you want to turn your creativity and innovation skills into profit?

At the Entrepreneurship Institute you bring your passion and curiosity to a transformative and world-expanding dive into creativity and innovation. Learn how to develop, produce, and market new products and services with your own ideas and interests. With the guidance of proven entrepreneurs and examples from experts, everyone at the Entrepreneurship Institute joins an active network of peers and future collaborators that work together, empowering you to leverage your own unique business ideas and propel your ambitions into future success.

At this Institute you will…

Learn how to translate your ideas into a real, successful, and sustainable business.
Examine your own strengths and learn to develop a winning team of business partners.
Acquire financial, operational, and marketing insights to enable you to launch and grow your own business.
Delve into the ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility of business.
Network with successful Vermont business people and visit local businesses.
Work with professional mentors to make your product ideas a reality.
Have the time of your life!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Global Issues & Youth Action

Thursday, July 10^th – Sunday, July 20^th, 2025
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Do you aspire to make a difference in the world?

At the Global Issues and Youth Action Institute you can take on the political, environmental, and social justice issues you care about through education, discussion, collaboration, and action. Together, we create a community of motivated youth who work together to tackle the topics society is facing, such as climate change, race, gender, sexuality, freedom, economic inequality, and more. Our learning community mobilizes into action by connecting with activists from around the world and leading movements for real change and a more informed future.

At this Institute you will…

Learn about current events, leadership, activism, politics, and social change.
Meet and work with Vermont’s political leaders and activists.
Examine all sides of political issues and perspectives, and learn tools for productive inquiry, dialogue, and debate.
Make friends and build community with young leaders from around the globe.
Develop skills to lead from any seat at the table.
Learn how to make a difference in your community.
Have the time of your life!

Click here to learn more!

Health & Medicine

Students can choose between either the Northern or Southern Sessions based on date or location.

NORTHERN SESSION
Sunday, July 6^th – Saturday, July 12^th, 2025
@ Vermont State University Lyndon Campus
Online Introduction June 23^rd – June 26^thHosted in Partnership with the Northern VT Area Health Education Center (NVTAHEC)

SOUTHERN SESSION:
Sunday, July 13^th – Saturday, July 19^th, 2025
@ Vermont State University Castleton Campus
Online Introduction July 8^th – July 10^th
Hosted in Partnership with the Southern VT Area Health Education Center (SVTAHEC)

Do you want to learn the science of saving lives?

At the Health and Medicine Institute you can step into the world of health care in a real-world way! By diving into hands-on medical and health science skills, you will experience what it’s like to work in medical careers and will be guided every step of the way by professional healthcare mentors and faculty. Applicants are encouraged to choose either the Northern or Southern session based on date availability and specific interests.

At Health & Medicine North, you will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into pre-hospital clinical skills, and will earn credentials in CPR, Stop the Bleed, First Aid, and have the option to complete your VEFR certificate (Vermont Emergency First Responder).

At Health & Medicine South, you will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into primary care and prevention, and will earn credentials in CPR, Stop the Bleed, First Aid, and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) certification.

Both sessions offer an adventurous approach to medicine where you can lead your own lab work, participate in crisis simulations, and sample a huge array of health care occupations.

Produced in partnership with Northern Vermont AHEC and Southern Vermont AHEC.

At this Institute you will…

Explore careers in health science, research, and medicine.
Practice hands-on medical skills like assessing vital signs and interviewing patients.
Receive certifications and earn credentials to kickstart a career in medicine.
Choose from a variety of hands-on lab activities and workshops led by health professionals and college faculty.
Work closely with medical student mentors throughout the week.
Have the time of your life!

Click here to learn more!

Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Mathematical Sciences Institute

Sunday, July 13^th – Sunday, July 20^th, 2025
@ University of Vermont
Burlington, VT

Do you love math with a passion?

At the Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Mathematical Sciences Institute you are surrounded by fellow math lovers in a community of collaboration and knowledge. We work together to explore theoretical and real-world applications of mathematics in the classroom and beyond. This Institute seeks to expand your knowledge bases and perspectives, encouraging you to take on challenges and explore statistics, programming, geometry, and more. If you’re looking for hands-on mathematics, engaging lectures, exciting career opportunities, and a chance to revel in all the things that make math so much fun, this is the Institute for you!

At this Institute you will…

Take on advanced math challenges and puzzles that keep mathematicians awake at night!
Explore hands-on practical applications of math.
Network with professional mathematicians.
Learn about the academic and career pathways open to people who enjoy mathematics.
Celebrate the ways math can help us understand our surroundings.
Make lifelong friends with peers who share your interests.
Have the time of your life!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Technology & Design

Saturday, June 21^st – Sunday, June 29^th, 2025
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Do you come to life in a digital world?

At the Technology and Design Institute you get to dive into game design, 3D modeling, cybersecurity, graphic design, programming, and more! Creating a shared interest community for all things tech, design, and creative, the experience is filled with exploration and creation in state-of-the-art computer labs using professional software and hardware. Choose your own classes to create projects, games, art pieces, screenprinting, and whatever you imagine. Supported by Champlain College’s faculty and undergraduate advisors, this Institute provides a window into the tech world and the career paths of the future.

At this Institute you will…

Explore the intersection between technology, art, and culture.
Collaborate as designers and creators on projects that excite you.
Learn how iterative design practices can enhance your digital and graphic design skills.
Program microcontrollers, model game assets in 3D, and experiment with the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Learn about the technical, artistic, and business aspects of technology and design.
Make lifelong friends with peers who share your interests.
Have the time of your life!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Weather & Climate Science

Sunday, July 6^th – Saturday, June 12^th, 2025
@ Vermont State University Lyndon Campus
Lyndon, VT

NEW FOR 2025!

Are you ready to predict the weather and investigate climate change?

At the Weather and Climate Science Institute you get to learn about weather, our environment, and climate change in an immersive and active way. The experience centers around specialized software and hands-on tools to forecast extreme weather events, learn what it means to be a meteorologist, launch a weather balloon to collect data, and learn about the impacts of climate change on local communities. Guest speakers and interactive lessons will expose you to a variety of career paths in the atmospheric sciences beyond what you see on television, opening a world of opportunities in the world of weather and climate science!

At this Institute you will…

Forecast extreme weather events, including a storm chasing simulation and historical flood threats.
Work with professional weather tools and modern computing technology.
Present the weather in front of a green screen.
Chat with locals about the impacts of climate change on their businesses.
Become familiar with academic and professional career paths after college.
Build relationships and meet with professionals in the field of weather and climate.
Connect with peers who share your interests.
Have the time of your life!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Institute dates and locations?

Each Institute takes place at a different time during the summer, and on different campuses. Visit each Institute Page on our site for more info about each Institute including, the specific dates!

How much do the summer Institutes cost?

Tuition uses a sliding scale model, which means you only pay what your family can afford. Check out the Summer Tuition Page for more details!

Who can attend GIV?

Students currently in 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th grade who go to school in Vermont, or at a school that has an arrangement with VT school districts.

We also accept students from schools in NH and NY that border VT and have reciprocal education arrangements with Vermont school districts.

We’re also willing to consider out-of-state students on a case-by-case basis.

Contact us with questions about your eligibility!

Do my grades matter for attending GIV?

In most cases, no! We don't look at grades/transcripts when considering applicants. The only exception is our Math Institute, where the application asks which classes you have taken to prepare our curriculum.

How do I apply?

Applying is easy! Just hit one of the many “apply” buttons on our website, create a SurveyMonkey account, and fill out the application. It will ask you to enter your contact info and some additional details about your interests, then prompt you to request recommendations from two adults. Don’t forget to hit submit!

What is the application like?

Our application is easy and is online, so you can apply with any internet device. Here are the main steps...

1️⃣ Create a SurveyMonkey account, or use the account you made from past applications.
2️⃣ Fill out some basic contact information and select the Institute(s) you’re applying for.
3️⃣ Answer a few questions that will help GIV get to know you.
4️⃣ Ask two teachers/adults for recommendations. When they agree, all you have to do is enter their email addresses and let them know you’ve requested the recommendation online. (GIV will take care of the rest!)
5️⃣ Pay a $25 application fee* and hit submit!

*If the $25 application fee is a financial hardship for your family, GIV will waive the fee.

Is there a deadline for applications?

Yes- see our Apply page for this year's application dates. We cannot accept late applications, so make sure you submit on time!

When are Summer Tuition fees charged?

Summer Tuition is only requested once a student has applied and been accepted into an Institute. Following application submissions, we will reach out to accepted students and their families to collect information and make a final determination on Summer Tuition based on your family's income and situation. Our sliding scale tuition is automatically applied for all applicants based on the information provided-- no additional paperwork or forms are necessary. Beyond the sliding scale tuition, we are always willing to work with families to make sure they can take part in GIV and get the support they need!

When will I know if I’m accepted?

We’ll begin reaching out to students to let them know their application status in mid April, around two weeks after our application deadline.

What illness policies will be in place?

The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for our in-person Institutes. While people can never be completely shielded from all risk of exposure or illness caused by COVID-19 or other infections, even if vaccinated, GIV expects students, families, guests, and staff to do their part to contribute to a safe and healthy community.

GIV’s policies and procedures are based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Camp Association (ACA).

They are subject to applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and may be updated according to public health conditions and at the discretion of GIV. GIV reserves the right to add safety measures as necessary, such as testing, masking, quarantining, and other hygiene-related best practices.

We require that staff and students:
● Arrive healthy
● Be evaluated if presenting symptoms of serious transmissible illness, and follow the Institute leadership’s recommendations such as taking measures to limit contagion.
● Be sent home from the program if testing positive for COVID-19 or any other highly contagious illness. This decision rests with the Institute Director, who may consult with a healthcare provider.

How will I get to the Institute?

If you aren’t able to drive or be driven to your Institute, reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We’ll coordinate travel arrangements to get you there!

Can I attend multiple Institutes in one summer?

Possibly! If the dates allow, we can explore this option. However, many of our Institutes overlap; if your Institute dates overlap, we ask students to choose one or the other.

Our application allows students to choose multiple Institutes of interest.

Can I return to an Institute that I attended in a previous year?

We want to make sure that all of our Institutes have space for new incoming students, so we generally ask that students returning to GIV multiple years try a new Institute! Part of the GIV experience is trying new things, so we highly encourage returning students to explore a new Institute to expand into new areas of knowledge.

The only notable exceptions are Mathematical Sciences and Technology & Design which both welcome returning students due to the many class offerings and pathway opportunities offered each year.

What will my living situation be?

While at GIV, you’ll live in a dorm on your Institute’s host college campus. Most students will have a roommate or roommates. Living on campus is a big part of the GIV experience and is how some of the closest friendships are made!

When will I know my Institute’s schedule?

The dates for each program are listed on the Institute pages here on our website. Otherwise, the Program Director for your Institute will reach out to you via email to share your Institute schedule in advance of the program. If you have questions before then, feel free to email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer them!

Can I earn high school credit by attending GIV?

Yes! Please reach out to your high school guidance counselor to make a plan to get credit for your participation through the Flexible Pathways Program or through your school's curriculum.
More information can be found in our Academic Guide here.

Can I earn college credit by attending GIV?

Yes! Some of our Institutes including Entrepreneurship, Mathematical Sciences, Technology & Design, and Weather & Climate Science can be taken for embedded college credit.

Every rising junior and senior who completes the Institute is eligible for these credits. Some minor additional assignments may be required beyond the Institute activities. The experience of being at the Institute is the same whether a student chooses to pursue this credit or not.

Please note that colleges charge extra tuition fees on top of GIV tuition for granting credits, but several payment options and opportunities are available to support students and families.

More information can be found in our Academic Guide here.

Can I compare and see more details about the academics and credits at GIV Institutes?

For sure! More information can be found in our Academic Guide here.

Is GIV fun?

Dude... like, yes. You have no idea. Seriously.

The GIV Summer Institutes

Summer 2025 Institutes

Check out the amazing programs happening this summer...

NEW FOR 2025!

Experience the vibe at the GIV Summer Institutes!

Each Institute Offers Credits & Proficiencies!

2025 Institute Overviews & Promotional Materials

The 2025 Institutes

Arts 2025

Engineering 2025

Entrepreneurship 2025

Global Issues & Youth Action 2025

Health & Medicine 2025

Mathematical Sciences 2025

Technology & Design 2025

Weather & Climate Science 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Institute dates and locations?

How much do the summer Institutes cost?

Who can attend GIV?

Do my grades matter for attending GIV?

How do I apply?

What is the application like?

Is there a deadline for applications?

When are Summer Tuition fees charged?

When will I know if I’m accepted?

What illness policies will be in place?

How will I get to the Institute?

Can I attend multiple Institutes in one summer?

Can I return to an Institute that I attended in a previous year?

What will my living situation be?

When will I know my Institute’s schedule?

Can I earn high school credit by attending GIV?

Can I earn college credit by attending GIV?

Can I compare and see more details about the academics and credits at GIV Institutes?

Is GIV fun?

Learn More About GIV's Mission and History!