Igniting the Spark: The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont’s Quest to Help Future Generations

Deciding on a career path is extremely difficult, especially when you’re a high schooler navigating the other demands of being a teenager. Thankfully, programs like the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) exist to help the youth make these complex decisions. A 43-year-old nonprofit organization located in Winooski, Vermont, the organization serves the Upper Valley’s 9th through 11th graders by offering a wide variety of summer programs under different institute umbrellas (Engineering, Arts, Health & Medicine, Mathematical Sciences, etc.). Hosted on college campuses, these programs involve various local career professionals, who give their time back to the community to help students find the pathway that works for them.

Elizabeth Frascoia, executive director GIV. Photo: Matthew Binginot

Taftsville, Vermont resident Elizabeth Frascoia, the executive director of the GIV, said the organization changed her life, leading her to become a career musician after completing the program. Though her father was also a musician, Frascoia explained that when she attended GIV’s Arts program 30-something years ago as a 15-year-old, she found people her own age who were excited to be spontaneous and try new things. This experience inspired Frascoia to pursue her preferred profession. In the program, she built connections with attendees and mentors, one of whom is still a good friend of hers in music.

Students sing on stage during the GIV Summer Arts Institute.

Propelled by the program’s initial spark, Frascoia became a professional musician in New York City playing trombone and singing. In addition to teaching, Frascoia was a freelancer and session musician who often toured with the likes of Michael Bolton, Adele, and St. Vincent.

Then, in 2020, Frascoia had the chance to give back to the organization that initially changed her life. The previous executive director, Kaomi Taylor Mitchell, who served for 11 years, let Frascoia know the position was opening, so she applied.

“I wasn’t necessarily looking for a job at that time, but when this job opened up, I thought it was the coolest job you could have,” Frascoia said. “Because you get to talk to folks in all kinds of different fields.” Even though Frascoia is now an executive director, she still plays in The Dropoffs, a band that includes Quechee resident Alex Beram.

Frascoia also explained that GIV’s impact on the local community is dynamic, and said after this program students go back to school, carrying “so much spark that they are infectious in a positive way. They want to give back and inspire their friends.”

With examples of students who left their Global Issues and Youth Action Institute advocating for laws, and others that won the organization’s business plan pitch competition and plan to submit their idea to the University of Vermont, it’s clear these programs often inspire participants.

Students dissect a sheep heart during the GIV Summer Health & Medicine Institute.

Though the GIV may be aimed at high school students, the organization is always looking for more volunteers. If you’re one of many, as Frascoia puts it, “dedicated folks who want to pass on their love for their fields,” perhaps you can help a student find a lifelong passion worth pursuing. Volunteers can reach out via the contact form on the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont website at giv.org or through the organization’s social media. Also, if you want to check out Frascoia’s band, the Drop Offs have a show scheduled November 20 at Woodstock’s Town Hall Theater.