Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer 2026 Institutes

Choose your adventure...

Sunday, June 28^th – Sunday, July 12^th, 2026
@ Vermont State University Castleton Campus
Castleton, VT

Ignite your creativity.

At the Arts Institute you are given the tools and guidance to explore and amplify your creative side. Join young artists from all over Vermont for an exciting two weeks of collaboration, creation, and inspiration. You’ll be surrounded by a supportive community that unites around the artistic disciplines that excite you. Attendees chose two focus areas from a wide range of creative mediums including: theater, music, writing, painting, film, dance, comics, and more. Workshops, nightly artist series performances, and collaborative projects prompt new discoveries and inspiration. The Arts Institute celebrates diverse perspectives and artistic styles, fostering meaningful and life-changing experiences.

At this Institute you will…

Discover new artistic mediums and styles.
Explore professional-grade equipment to create innovative forms of art.
Network with professional artists and learn about their practices.
Make new friends from all over the state who share your passions and interests.
Learn about college options as well as opportunities in artist careers.
Uncover your unique talents and amplify your individual voice.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

Click here to learn more!

Engineering

Sunday, June 21^st – Saturday, June 27^th, 2026
@ Norwich University
Northfield, VT

Design systems to solve pressing problems!

At the Engineering Institute you will explore the foundations of leading engineering pathways. Collaborate, iterate, and expand your problem solving skills by developing your own projects in fields like energy, electrical, and structural engineering. You will work with peers who share your interests to develop your own hypotheses and test them using professional mechanical hardware and software. Learn how to utilize professional equipment with the guidance of renowned engineers. Everyone at the Engineering Institute works together to build a better future.

At this Institute you will…

Investigate career and educational pathways in engineering.
Meet other young innovators who share your interests.
Learn to “think like an engineer,” by analyzing and solving real-world problems.
Take on design challenges to hone your creative and problem-solving skills.
Connect with professionals in different engineering fields to learn the roles of modern engineering.
Explore technology and equipment used by engineers.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

Click here to learn more!

Entrepreneurship

Sunday, June 21^st – Saturday, June 27^th, 2026
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Turn creativity into innovation and profit!

At the Entrepreneurship Institute you will turn your passion and curiosity into creativity and innovation. Learn how to develop, produce, and market new products and services based on your own ideas and interests. With the guidance of real life entrepreneurs and examples from experts, the Entrepreneurship Institute cultivates an active network of peers and future collaborators. This transformative experience will empower you to leverage your unique business ideas into future success.

At this Institute you will…

Learn how to translate your ideas into a successful business.
Identify your own strengths and learn to use those within a team of business partners.
Acquire financial, operational, and marketing insights that enable you to launch and grow a business.
Explore the ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility of entrepreneurship.
Network with successful Vermont business people and visit local businesses.
Work with professional mentors to make your product ideas a reality.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Global Issues & Youth Action

Thursday, July 9^th – Sunday, July 19^th, 2026
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Take action and create real change in your community!

At the Global Issues and Youth Action Institute you will explore the political, environmental, and social issues of our time. Through discussion, collaboration, and action, you will join a community of motivated youth who work together to make the world a better place. You will examine topics society is facing, such as justice, housing, race, gender, sexuality, climate change, economics, and more. Find your niche in making positive change and learn from activists around the world leading important movements and catalyzing 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 pressing issues and perspectives, using curiosity, dialogue, and debate.
Make friends and build community with young leaders from Vermont and Ireland.
Develop skills to lead from any seat at the table.
Learn how to make a difference in your community.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

Click here to learn more!

Health & Medicine

Sunday, July 12^th – Saturday, July 18^th, 2026
Essential Introductory Virtual Sessions July 6^th – July 9^th, 2026
@ University of Vermont
Burlington, VT

Learn the science of saving lives!

At the Health and Medicine Institute you jump into the world of health care with experiences, action, and transformative exploration. By diving into hands-on medical and health science skills, you will explore what it’s like to work in various medical careers and will be guided every step of the way by professional healthcare mentors and faculty. Each day is an adventure of discovery with options in general medicine and patient care, surgery and diagnostic imagery, respiratory health, multiple fields in nursing, emergency medicine and pre-hospital care, neuroscience and psychology, biomedical research engineering, dentistry, rehabilitation therapy, and more.

Program completers can earn credentials in CPR, Stop the Bleed, First Aid, and have the option to complete a VEFR certificate (Vermont Emergency First Responder) to kickstart your career in professional medicine.

Hosted in partnership with Northern 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 students and professional advisors throughout the week.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

Click here to learn more!

Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Mathematical Sciences Institute

Sunday, June 21^st – Sunday, June 28^th, 2026
@ University of Vermont
Burlington, VT

Cultivate curiosity into connection and knowledge!

At the Kenneth I. Gross and Anthony Trono Mathematical Sciences Institute you will find yourself 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. The Mathematical Sciences Institute seeks to expand your knowledge and widen your perspectives, encouraging you to take on challenges and explore statistics, programming, geometry, and more. If you’re looking for an adventurous approach to mathematics with engaging lectures, games that work your brain, career opportunities, and a community that revels in all things technical and innovative, then this is the Institute for you.

At this Institute you will…

Take on advanced math challenges and puzzles
Explore hands-on practical applications of math.
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.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Technology & Design

Saturday, June 20^th – Sunday, June 28^th, 2026
@ Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Immerse yourself in a digital world!

At the Technology and Design Institute you are given the tools to create whatever you can imagine with innovative technology, software, and hardware. The learning community explodes with passion for the ever-expanding world of modern technology, connecting the wonders of the digital world to the boundless possibilities of career and professional opportunities of the future. Utilizing advanced media technologies and under the guidance of Champlain College faculty and undergraduate advisors, the many classes and workshops offered each day allow you to choose your adventure. Explore game design, 3D modeling, cybersecurity, graphic design, screenprinting, programming, and more.

At this Institute you will…

Explore the intersection between technology, art, and culture.
Collaborate as iterative 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 Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Learn about the technical, artistic, and business aspects of technology and design.
Make lifelong friends with peers who share your interests.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

College credits available.

Click here to learn more!

Weather & Climate Science

Sunday, July 5^th – Saturday, July 11^th, 2026
@ Vermont State University Lyndon Campus
Lyndon, VT

Predict the weather and investigate climate change!

At the Weather and Climate Science Institute you get to understand the wonders of our world. You’ll learn the foundational elements of weather, environment, and climate change. Following the pathways of the groundbreaking Atmospheric Sciences program at Vermont State University Lyndon, this adventure explores the connection between the atmosphere and our living ecosystem. Using advanced technologies like weather balloons and generative software models to collect and interpret data, you become your own meteorologist and learn firsthand how the weather is understood and predicted. Guided by environmental stewards, newsroom weather personalities, and storm-chasing weather professionals, the sky’s the limit at Weather & 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 meteorological technology.
Present the weather in front of a green screen.
Interview community members about the impacts of climate change on local industries.
Build relationships and meet with professionals in the field of weather and climate.
Connect with peers who share your interests.
Experience a life-changing adventure!

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 if they follow instructions to register for the course and if they successfully complete the projects within the Institute. 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 2026 Summer Institutes

Apply now and join the learning adventure.

Summer 2026 Institutes

Choose your adventure...

Ignite your creativity.

Design systems to solve pressing problems!

Turn creativity into innovation and profit!

Take action and create real change in your community!

Learn the science of saving lives!

Cultivate curiosity into connection and knowledge!

Immerse yourself in a digital world!

Predict the weather and investigate climate change!

Compare 2026 Institute One Page Overviews

2026 Institute Overviews & Promotional Materials

Experience the GIV vibe.

Each Institute Offers Credits & Proficiencies!

Institute Videos & Recaps

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!