The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) recently helped dozens of Vermont teenagers, including a handful of local students, aspire to careers in technology. The one-day adventure, entitled “Digital Horizons,” provided a taste of the intensive summer GIV Institute in Technology & Design, held each summer.
Forty-two Vermonters hailing from high schools across the state, from Newport to Brattleboro, participated in workshops on computer programming, digital illustration, and game development. Throughout the day, they had access to industry-level software and hardware, and professional mentorship from professionals, including Champlain College faculty member Emily Andrews. They also heard about the college application process, toured the Champlain campus, and connected with like-minded students from around Vermont.
Students paid nothing to attend the daylong event, thanks to partnerships with Champlain College and AT&T,
This “Digital Horizons” program showcased pathways to education and job opportunities within the state, and opened the door for students to further pursue their passion for technology and design at GIV’s summer Institutes, where students learn from industry professionals, participate in hands-on projects, and explore career options -- all while having fun and making friends! GIV’s summer Institutes are designed to be affordable to all Vermont families with scholarships that allow students to pay as little as $10-20 to attend. Applications for next summer will open in January 2025; passionate ninth, tenth, and 11th graders can learn more at the nonprofit’s website: https://giv.org
The following Mad River Valley students took part in GIV's Digital Horizons One Day Adventure:
Harwood students: William Clark, Morrisville; Jake Venafra, Waterbury; Violet Ames, Waterbury; Sophia Hill, Waterbury; and Cat Kasvinsky, South Duxbury.
Homeschool student: Noah Ruggiero, South Duxbury.
