The Governor’s Institute of Vermont recruits Winooski high schoolers for summer programming
Sanii Stewart, left, a Winooski high school student, participated in the global issues and youth action institute last summer. Photo courtesy of GIV.
The Governor’s Institute of Vermont is recruiting Winooski high school students for an immersive educational experience that connects teens with industry professionals.
The institute, known as GIV, is a one to two-week-long program hosted across Vermont college campuses in the summer. There are eight educational tracks that students can be a part of, such as art, engineering and mathematical science.
Matthew Binginot is the outreach and communications manager at GIV. He said the program builds students’ interpersonal skills and knowledge in their areas of interest.
“If any student wants that extra experience beyond school, where they can meet people from all over the state who share their interests, that’s what it’s all about,” Binginot said.
Despite its name, GIV doesn’t have formal ties to the Governor’s Office. An initiative started by teachers and artists in 1983, GIV was modeled after the 1980s trend of governor’s schools. The nonprofit receives some state funding, however.
Current high school students from all over the state, plus bordering New Hampshire and New York schools, are invited to apply through an online application process. Applications are due March 31.
“Our goal this year is that we can accommodate every applicant, so we are adding more staff and doing more fundraising because that is our mission,” Binginot said. “Our goal is to make sure every kid knows it’s available, and if they want to go, they can go.”
There is no GPA requirement students must meet to be in the program. Rather, the application includes a recommendation and four short essay questions to assess the students’ interest in the program. This, Binginot said, is the number one qualifier for student selection.
“The goal is that [students] want to take part in the process. If they are forced to go, it doesn’t work,” said Binginot.
Students live on campus during the experience, getting a preview of college life. Tuition is determined on a sliding scale. If a family can pay more, it is considered a donation. Students can attend for as little as $10.
Every program track, known as an “institute,” is structured differently and takes on its own culture, but the experience typically includes daily activities and workshops. The institutes include art, engineering, entrepreneurship, global issues and youth action, environmental science, technology and design, health and medicine and mathematical science.
Passy Matendo, a Winooski high school student, participated in the arts institute last summer. The basket weaving workshop was one of her favorite parts, she said. Photo courtesy of GIV.
“Students aren’t just in a class or on a field trip,” said Binginot. “They are individuals, and we treat them as future professionals and learners that want to enjoy the experience.”
In 2022, 15 Winooski high school students were involved in the program. GIV, which is based in Winooski, hopes to have even more this year through intentional recruiting efforts at Winooski High.
Passy Matendo, a Winooski student, was involved in the arts program last year. She said her favorite part was meeting new people and making new friendships.
“I learned from GIV to have confidence in myself and accept everyone for who they are,” said Matendo. “Basket weaving was so fun, and I had a wonderful time weaving with my classmate and experience living with a roommate.”
Sanii Stewert, a Winooski high schooler, attended the global issues and youth action track last summer. She said she enjoyed learning about other students’ lives and how each wanted to improve the world. She shared some words of encouragement for potential applicants.
“I think you should apply to GIV and go for it. It’s a really good learning activity, and it can help you discover new things, learn from other people and make new friends,” Stewart said. “It’s just a very good environment, and I think if you’re considering applying, you should.”
Binginot tells students that the program will be both transformational and challenging because it requires students to step out of their comfort zones to make connections.
“I think [GIV] gives students this interpersonal sense of the world that’s hard to get in Vermont,” Binginot said. “Realizing that we are not alone and there are people all over the state who share the things that we’re interested in and passionate about.”
The institutes are taught by hired industry professionals from all over the world. Binginot said many local companies in addition to the host colleges support GIV to ensure the program has the best-equipped staff and resources.
Students can learn more and apply for GIV here.