Resources for Students

“ You might surprise yourself and learn more than you could dream. Throughout the process of applying, being accepted, while I was there, and after, I was consistently excited and my expectations were certainly met.”

— Lydia, Arts Institute Alum

A Simple Test to Determine if GIV is Right for You

Not sure if you should come to a Governor’s Institute? Here’s a simple test to help you make a decision:

Can you think of an academic or artistic topic you would like to explore in much greater depth?
Would you like to meet people who passionately share your same interests?
Are you ready for the adventure of trying out a short immersion in college campus living and course-work?
Wonder what it would be like to build a career doing the things you love?

If you answered yes to any of these, take the plunge and apply next Spring. You won’t regret it!

Who Attends GIV

GIV’ers are a very diverse group, brought together by their shared thirst for learning and readiness to grow!

To ensure that all students can be successful in our programs, our Institutes are reserved for Vermont high school students who have completed their year as…

Freshman
Sophomores
Juniors

Graduating Seniors are not eligible for our summer Institutes.

We also accept students from schools in NH and NY that have reciprocal education arrangements with Vermont school districts. Examples of such schools include Groveton High School, Kimball Union, Hanover High School, and Salem NY High School.

Here's what GIV alumni want you to know:

Anja Samsom (GIV Mathematical Sciences 2017-2019 Alum)

Rowan Harple (GIV Arts 2022 Alum)

Chris Woodworth (GIV Engineering 2007 Alum)

Jedediah Baker (GIV Arts 1997 Alum)

And some more thoughts:

“ 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.”

– Anna, Global Issues 2015 Alum

“ For the first time in my educational career, I truly felt as if I was an equal. I was never bummed to be in any group because I never had to explain and teach processes or worry about anyone that would get off task…I always found myself pondering the ideas brought up while I was laying down in bed reflecting on the day. After being nearly brain dead throughout the year, it was truly wonderful to come to this institute and have my educational needs exceeded.”

– Eric, Environmental Science 2015 Alum

“ When talking to a faculty member and hearing her describe all the research she does, it made me realize how diverse opportunities are in the scientific field, and that I really could find something I love and do it as work.”

– Environmental Science 2022 Alum

“ It was the best two weeks of my whole summer, and perhaps of my entire existence.”

– Samantha, Arts 2019 Alum

“ 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.”

– Isabel, Environmental Science and Tech 2019 Alum

“ My week attending the GIV program not only boosted my knowledge of the environmental science field, but it boosted my mental state, brought me out of a mid-summer slump, and got me excited for the school year to come.”

– Anna, Environmental Science and Technology 2019 Alum

“ GIV was fantabulous, filled to the brim with friendship and learning. [My week was] smoothed over with wonderful catership and exquisitely pleasant teachers and RAs, and topped off with unforgettable memories and knowledge galore.”

– Jade, Arts 2018 Alum

“ 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.”

– Danielle, Global Issues & Youth Activism 2019 Alum

What Should Students Considering GIV Know?

A Message from GIV Founder Ellen Lovell, Recorded in 2023

Details about Applying

These resources will help you better understand what is required to successfully enroll in a Governor’s Institute. They will help guide you through the application process, provide information about financial aid, give you access to key school personnel, and help you with any remaining post-acceptance tasks.

Summer Institutes

All the details you need to know about our summer residency Institutes.

Summer Institute Tuition

For information on our summer Institute tuition structure.

Winter Institutes

All the details you need to know about our winter residency programs.

Winter Institute Tuition

For information on our winter Institute tuition structure.

Accepted?

Here’s what you can expect next.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications open?

Applications for our Summer 2023 season are now closed. Check back next January for applications to join us in 2024!

What are the Summer Institute dates and locations?

Each Institute takes place at a different time during the summer, and on different campuses. Visit each Institute’s page on our site for more info about each Institute!

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?

Students currently in 9th - 11th grade who go to school in Vermont, or at a school that has an arrangement with VT school districts. We’re also willing to consider out-of-state students on a case by case basis.

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 we need to know which classes you have taken and your grades in just those classes.

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! If you need support, check out our Online Application guide video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSfp18-5ibs or email us at [email protected] .

Is there a deadline for applications?

Yes - Summer 2023 applications are open from January 5th, 2023 until March 31st, 2023.
2024 Application Dates will be posted later this year!

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. 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-to-late April, around two weeks after our application deadline.

What COVID policies will be in place?

GIV will be requiring students to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, as defined by the CDC. If a student cannot be vaccinated or boosted, they may request an exemption form by reaching out to [email protected] after being accepted to a GIV program.
GIV will also be requiring day one rapid testing for all students upon arriving at their Institute, and requesting that any symptomatic students test at home.
Additional precautions may be required based on the program.
Policies are subject to change in accordance with CDC and/or host college guidance.

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 hello@giv.org. We’ll coordinate travel arrangements to get you there!

Can I attend multiple Institutes in one summer?

Possibly! If the dates align, 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.

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.

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?

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. See our Academic Guide on this page for more information and specific credit area opportunities!

Can I earn college credit?

Yes! Two of our Institutes - Entrepreneurship and Environmental Science & Technology - can be taken for college credit. Visit the Institute Pages for more information!

Each GIV Institute Offers Credits & Proficiencies!

You can get even more out of your experience at GIV by getting high school credit, PLP entries, proficiency-based graduation requirements, or even college credit.

Explore our 2023 Academic Guide for a detailed overview of the many opportunities for you at each GIV Institute, including those that offer college credit!

2023 GIV Academic Guide

Do You Want College Credits?

Students have the opportunity to receive UVM and VTC college credit for participation in the Environmental Science and Technology or Entrepreneurship Institutes.

For many students, this is free thanks to the state of Vermont’s Dual Enrollment voucher program.

For more information, visit the Institute pages for Environmental Science and Technology or Entrepreneurship.

Other opportunities and resources for Vermont students...

Vermont's Most Promising Jobs

This year, the McClure Foundation worked in partnership with the VT Department of Labor to identify over 50 promising jobs projected for young Vermonters entering the workforce. Each pays above the state median wage of $22.55/hour and is expected to have at least 500 openings over the next ten years.

Check out the McClure foundation website to read about these exciting opportunities and how you can pursue them, with links and resources for students and jobseekers alike.

Many of our Institutes provide training towards these exciting career paths, so please reach out to us with questions about how GIV can support you!

Check out these other recommended Opportunities for Curious Students in Vermont

Entrepreneurship Students Discussing 2023

School Contacts

Need help with your GIV application or have questions about our Institutes?

We have partners at almost every Vermont-area school to represent us and work with you in your own community! If you want to talk to someone in your school district about GIV, find your school representative below and send them an email.

Otherwise, don’t forget that we are always here to help and you can contact us directly at [email protected].

Contact Your GIV School Representative

School

Talent Scout

Email