Exciting STEM Institutes Postponed Until 2021

GSI 2020 Has Been Cancelled;

Students Selected for 2020 May Attend in 2021

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has postponed the 2020 Governor’s Schools planned for this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including all three sessions of the Governor's STEM Institute (GSI).

Next year (Summer 2021) the WVDE will double the number of programs offered to make sure that those students selected this year will still be able to participate.

Applications Still Being Processed

The application process was changed to allow students who had not turned in their applications by March 13 when schools were closed to submit them. Counselors worked diligently with interested students to get their applications, and county officials have submitted their recommendations. Using the county recommendations and reviewing each application, a statewide committee will select students for GSI as soon as possible. We had hoped to complete this process by June 30; however, we have not been able to pull together a selection team during these unstable times. When choices are completed--and it could be September before that occurs, a letter telling students they have been selected and will be able to attend during Summer 2021 will be sent from Governor Justice. Stay safe and make wise decisions.

Become a Scientist, a Mathematician, or both at GSI

For decades, students were encouraged to learn about science, and they did. They did not, however, experience the excitement of discovery--of proving a theory. Carl Sagan's declaration that we can "do" science fired the movement to make young students actual scientists. Books are still important; they contain necessary, fundamental, background knowledge. With that knowledge, students can soar into the unknown. Recognizing that the scientific and mathematic discoveries have made a difference in the world were developed over long periods of time by motivated, dedicated, thorough, and creative minds, the State of West Virginia offers the Governor's STEM Institute, inviting students to delve into projects that allow them the time and opportunity to think and work like scientists and engineers, using high level mathematics and thinking skills while employing the latest technology. There are two sessions for current 7th graders at WVU. They are June 25-July 3 and July 5-13. Students who are current 8th graders will experience life in the quiet zone at the Green Bank Observatory, June 28-July 11. Students may attend following 7th or 8th grade, but not both.

The theme of GSI for current 7th graders is "The Math and Science of Food." A more developed description will appear later, but students will learn and discover some fun facts about food and food preparation as they work in research groups to solve problems and issues both scientifically and creatively.

Current eighth graders learn about the magic of the universe as they study the mysteries of outer space at the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County. Living for 14 days in a quiet zone, students learn about the constellations, outer space and, perhaps just as importantly, about their inner selves.

Learn more by reading the information on the "Opportunities" link at the bottom of this page.

Do your best on your application, turn it in, and hope that you will be one of the 156 students chosen in 2020. It's like the lottery. You can't win if you don't play.