Resources for Families

Students who attend GIV come away with knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper sense of their future possibilities. Each Institute is a supportive and engaged community featuring industry experts who provide world-class learning experiences and mentorship.

GIV exists to help Vermont students discover their passion for learning, expand their horizons, and successfully pursue the higher learning that will help them achieve the career of their dreams.

GIV has an impressive 40+ year achievement record. Our graduates have launched businesses and nonprofits, traveled the world in careers ranging from archaeology to performance art, and have returned to their communities as important contributors at all levels of Vermont’s economic, political and social fabric.

GIV is also committed to accessibility as more than just a buzzword. We deliberately make our programs affordable to every Vermont family using a sliding scale tuition model, and have a conscious focus on physical and mental support for all students at a systematic level.

But, perhaps most importantly: GIV is FUN! GIV alums will attest that the GIV experience is defined by lifelong memories and friends, a sense of community, and a celebration of what makes every person unique.

As an added bonus, college admissions officers recognize GIV participation as a significant achievement, and value it highly in their considerations for student admissions. 

We are committed to making GIV accessible for all families by ensuring that attending GIV is not a financial burden for any family or situation.

Each Institute’s tuition is based on a sliding scale starting at just $10. Beyond the automatic sliding scale tuition system, we are happy to provide financial aid, scholarships, and further support to any student and family who needs it.

See GIV’s sliding scale tuition calculator here, and please reach out to us at [email protected] with questions about how we can support every applicant!

We aim 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.

We require that staff and students:

• Arrive healthy. We recommend testing for COVID-19 in the 24 hours leading up to arrival at the Institute. If they are experiencing symptoms of serious transmissible illness* within 24 hours of the first day, they should stay home.
• Be evaluated if presenting symptoms of serious transmissible illness, and follow 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 disease. This decision rests with the Program Director, who may consult with a healthcare provider.

Additional precautions may be required based on the program.

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. We reserve the right to add safety measures as necessary, such as testing, masking, quarantining, and other hygiene-related best practices.

Policies are subject to change in accordance with CDC and/or host college guidance.

Students are supported throughout the day and will always be accompanied by staff members. This includes time between classes, recreation, and social events. Extra staff members are on hand for any field trips and off-campus community visits as part of the program.

Students live on a dorm floor with a team of RAs and staff members who are on call to help with emergencies 24/7, ensuring dorm safety and making themselves available for students’ needs. Lights out typically happens around 10:00 PM, after which students are expected to stay in their rooms.

Part of our application process involves processing IEP, 504, and EST plans to ensure our program content takes into account the accommodations and support systems that make students successful.

Multiple staff members are available throughout the day to support students in their physical, mental, and academic well-being.