The West Virginia Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2026 Governor’s Schools of West Virginia. This program offers summer residential learning experiences at designated universities for high school students.
Founded in 1984, West Virginia Governor’s Schools offer students unique experiential learning opportunities in the humanities and the arts, computer science, business communications, entrepreneurship, leadership and more. In addition to refining talents and workable skills, young scholars develop lifelong personal and professional networks and receive instruction from practicing professionals in their areas of interest.
The grade level is the grade the applicant currently holds. School name, location, grade level, application due date and school duration, respectively, are as follows:
•Governor’s Computer Science Institute, West Virginia University Tech, 9/10, April 3 and July 6 – 12;
•Governor’s Honors Academy, West Virginia University, 11, April 3 and July 11 – 25;
•Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship, Marshall University, 9/10/11, March 13 and July 17 -26;
•Governor’s School for the Arts, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 10, March 6 and June 21 – July 11; and
•Governor’s School for Tourism, West Virginia University with various travel destinations, 9/10, May 1 and June 20 – 29.
“Governor’s schools take student learning to the next level, empowering them to recognize their potential and exceed what they thought was possible,” said Michele L. Blatt, state superintendent of schools. “From experiencing the multi-disciplinary impact of the arts to learning from industry-leading professionals and building elaborate business proposals, students leave these programs well-equipped for future success in their chosen career paths.”
Host universities are planning events to celebrate America250. This initiative, spearheaded by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, honors the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each governor’s school will embed a variety of activities to recognize the historic occasion.
Learn more about the West Virginia Governor’s Schools program by visiting the WVDE website.
