Governor’s Schools to Mark America250 with Special Summer Programming Across West Virginia

Charleston, W.Va. - As part of the national Semiquincentennial celebration, several of the 2026 West Virginia Governor's Schools will incorporate special America250-themed activities and programming this summer, giving students the opportunity to explore the nation's history, culture and innovation while preparing for future careers.

Approximately 350 students have been accepted into one of the five Governor's Schools programs hosted at college and university campuses across the state. Since 1984, the Governor's Schools of West Virginia have provided students with immersive residential experiences focused on the arts, sciences and emerging industries, while encouraging a deeper understanding of how art, culture, knowledge and innovation evolve over time.

Led by industry professionals, the programs offer students a glimpse into today's workforce while helping them strengthen critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

The Governor's Schools of West Virginia occur on the following dates:

America250 Celebrations

Each participating Governor's School has planned comprehensive programming and activities to commemorate America250, as outlined below.

Governor's Computer Science Institute

GCSI faculty will host America250: Innovation, Freedom and the Future with CS, which immerses students in a multidisciplinary experience that honors America's past while inspiring forward-thinking innovation in computer science.

Additional activities include:

• End of GCSI Drone Show: Participating students will work on a freedom-themed air show using drones.
• America250 Student Innovation Expo: Students will exhibit their projects, prototypes and research through displays highlighting West Virginia's historic contributions to American progress.
• Celebration Dinner and Keynote: An evening program featuring a distinguished speaker and student recognition.
• "Voices of 1776" Historical Reflection Sessions and Community Service Events: Humanities faculty and/or invited guest speakers will lead an interactive discussion on the evolving meaning of freedom, civic responsibility and the ideals of 1776.
• Commemorative America250 Kits: Each student will receive a backpack, educational booklet and commemorative badge.
• Community Engagement: Student projects and event highlights will be shared online to extend the impact beyond campus.

Governor's School for the Arts

GSA faculty have prepared several themed activities to commemorate America250. Students will participate in a structured evening event designed to pair celebration with reflection, and to emphasize the role of the arts in West Virginia life.

Activities include:

• John Inghram Band Performance: This performance will blend rock, jazz, bluegrass and Appalachian folk - a perfect reflection of the unique genres of music that have originated in the United States.
• Happy Birthday America Postcard Station: Students will create original postcards (e.g. visual art, micro-poems, sketches, collage) addressed to family and friends, with a curated set mailed to the Governor's Office as a tangible commemoration of the milestone.

Governor's School of Entrepreneurship

GSE students will travel to Blenko Glass for a private hot shop tour and participate in the "Blow Your Own 384 Water Bottle" experience. Students will see behind the scenes, learn about the history of Blenko Glass and experience the glass-blowing process by shaping, blowing and finishing their own 384 water bottle - an iconic American and West Virginian product.

Governor's School for Tourism

GST students will collaborate in teams to create a shared digital map highlighting historic, cultural and artistic locations across West Virginia. Each team will contribute curated locations aligned with the America250 celebration and centered around thematic topics such as statehood, Appalachian arts, labor history and regional foodways.

Follow along with each school this summer through the Governor's Schools of West Virginia Facebook page.