VIMS Governor's School
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor's School is a 4-week summer residential school provided in cooperation with The Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary, and the students are housed at Christopher Newport University. Since 1993, this program has been serving high-achieving high school students throughout Virginia and providing participants with authentic experiences in marine research.
Each summer, VIMS hosts up to 6 students who have demonstrated an interest in and aptitude for marine science. The program is structured as an apprenticeship and is administered concurrently with a similar program sponsored by the Jefferson Lab (Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility). 
VIMS apprenticeships offer a broad variety of marine research experiences, and specific learner outcomes and achievements vary accordingly as each student works with a faculty sponsor on a VIMS research project.
Objectives
The objectives of the program are for students to
- develop realistic and personally meaningful concepts of the nature and scope of scientific inquiry in general and particularly in marine research;
- gain intellectual and practical experiences which allow them to evaluate some career options in marine science from the perspectives of their aptitudes, skills, and interest; and
- assist with VIMS research projects by assuming responsibility for specific research duties as assigned by VIMS faculty sponsor and prepare reports based on this work.
The Virginia Governor's Schools Program
Since their inception in 1973, the Virginia Governor's Schools have been providing some of the state's most able students with academically challenging and enriching programs that reach far beyond what is offered in their public school. With the support of the General Assembly and the Board of Education, the Governor's Schools include summer residential, summer regional, and academic-year programs. Educational opportunities are available in science, mathematics, technology, the arts, and humanities. Participants' experiences are consistent with Virginia's Standards of Learning as identified by the Virginia Department of Education.
To Apply
To apply, visit the Virginia Department of Education website, scroll down to "Applications," and click on "Application for Marine Science.”