Vermont Business Magazine On the weekend of February 4th, The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) hosted an intensive, online climate change Winter Weekend in partnership with AT&T and Norwich Solar Technologies. Over thirty-five Vermont high school students were in attendance, working together to propose actionable solutions to climate change issues in their communities.
Over the course of the weekend, the students met with Vermont legislators and climate experts, including State Representative Becca White, State Senator Becca Balint, and US Senator Bernie Sanders.
Together with GIV’s faculty, they drafted plans to create a carpooling phone app, install green roofs at their schools, convert USPS trucks to electric vehicles, and much more. As Sen. Sanders put it: “it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
Thanks to the support of AT&T and Norwich Solar Technologies, GIV was able to offer “pay what you can” tuition, and support students from all over the state with world class resources and opportunities, regardless of their financial situation.
The non-profit also got the chance to connect students with leaders in climate change and renewable energy workforce development, allowing them to explore career pathways and internship opportunities through local organizations, like the Vermont Energy Education Program and Norwich Solar itself.
“Every student deserves an opportunity to make their dreams a reality. Organizations like the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont are making it happen,” says Owen Smith, president of AT&T Vermont. “We’re proud to support these efforts because we know that these students are the next generation of leaders in Vermont. Programs like the Winter Weekend help give them skills and confidence to be active in their communities and think critically about the issues impacting Vermont.”
“We applaud this year’s focus on climate change, as AT&T has committed to being carbon neutral by 2035,” Smith continues. “This program was an important and worthwhile opportunity to showcase the fresh ideas and innovation we have right here in Vermont. We can’t wait to see the students put their plans into action!”
Vermont high school students will have another opportunity this year to delve deeply into topics they are passionate about with the guidance of expert mentors at one of GIV’s nine 2022 summer Institutes. To learn more, please visit www.giv.org, or email [email protected] with any questions. Students can visit www.giv.org/apply to fill out a simple application.
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The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that welcomes business sponsorships and individual donations to help fund GIV’s efforts to deliver high quality programming to all interested Vermont students, regardless of their family’s finances. If you are in a position to give, please call 802-865-4448 or visit www.giv.org/support
Montpelier. 2.17.2022. Governor's Institutes of Vermont
