LYNDON, VT. — Vermont State University’s Lyndon Campus will welcome high school students from across Vermont and the region for the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont’s 2026 Weather & Climate Science Institute, taking place Sunday, July 5 through Saturday, July 11.

This immersive summer program invites Vermont students in grades 9 through 11 to explore how weather is predicted, how climate systems function, and how a changing climate is affecting communities. Participants are guided by the expertise of VTSU Lyndon’s nationally recognized Atmospheric Sciences program.

Throughout the week, students will delve into the fundamentals of weather, climate, and environmental science through applied learning. They will work side by side with professional meteorologists, newsroom weather personalities, environmental stewards, and storm-chasing experts.

Using advanced tools such as weather balloons and data-driven generative modeling software, participants will gather and interpret atmospheric data to understand how weather events are observed, analyzed, and communicated.

“One of the most exciting things we get to do at VTSU is introduce young people to the science behind the weather they experience every day,” said Andrew Westgate, Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at VTSU Lyndon. “The Institute gives students hands-on opportunities with real meteorological tools and data, just like our undergraduates use. They learn not only how weather is forecasted, but why it matters, how it affects communities, safety, industries, and the future of our climate. It is inspiring to watch students discover that they can play a role in understanding and communicating this science.”

The Institute is offered in partnership with the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV), a longstanding Vermont nonprofit that provides college-level, experiential summer learning opportunities to high school students. Each year, GIV convenes institutes across a range of disciplines on college campuses statewide, giving students access to advanced resources, professional mentorship, and a residential campus experience.

“GIV is committed to giving Vermont students learning experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and possibility,” said Jennie Gartner, Director of Programs at GIV. “Students leave this program with new skills, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.”

College credit is available for the summer camp. Thanks to GIV’s sliding-scale, Vermont-area students can attend for as little as $10. Applications are accepted until March 31, 2026 at https://giv.org/apply.