Governor’s Computer Science Institute (GCSI)

GCSI 2026 Updates and Application

Computer science, coding, and programming drive modern innovation. Computer science allows students to create programs and build applications to solve real-world problems. Opportunities to collaborate and work like computer scientists and programmers are part of the GCSI.

Where

The 2026 Governor's Computer Science Institute (GCSI) will be hosted on WVU Tech’s campus in Beckley, WV.

When

The GCSI will take place on July 6 - July 12.

Apply For The 2026 GSCI Program

Download flyer

School and County Information

The GCSI requires high schools and county boards of education to actively recruit and assist 9th and 10th grade students during the application window. The school counselor should not be the only individual involved in recruitment. GCSI provides career technical education students an opportunity to get involved in the Governor’s Schools program. High schools should share information about the GCSI with all teachers. Please use the flyer attached below to share this information in classrooms and with teachers who may be able to promote the program.

2026 GCSI Flyer (for High School students)

High School Responsibilities

• Inform all qualifying students of their eligibility. Speak with students about the merit of GCSI.
• Post the flyer in multiple areas of the school.
• Inform students of the application.
• Applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:50 PM. Please share this deadline with interested students.
• The school counselor must print transcripts and first-semester student grades as required in the application.
• The school principal is required to sign a certification form. Please assist student applicants with this section of the application.
• The application requires two teacher recommendations. Please inform students to ask teachers for recommendations promptly.

County Contact Responsibilities

• Review all the information about the GCSI on the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) website.
• Share information from the WVDE with all high schools and CTE centers.
• Communicate the PDF flyers with all high school principals and counselors to post and share with students and parents.

Apply Online

Thank you for your interest in the West Virginia Governor’s Computer Science Institute (GCSI). Please review the qualifications listed below before completing Part I and Part II of the application.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a current high school student in West Virginia with plans to attend next school year.
• Must be a West Virginia resident.
• Must be a 9th or 10th grade student at the time of application.
• Must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0
• Must have a recommendation from the school principal (include in your application)

General Information

• The state deadline for Part I and II of the application is Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:50 PM. It is the responsibility of the student to collect all required documents.
• Part II of the application (this form and all supporting documents as required within the application) is submitted directly to the state file submission location (on the last page of this application).
• The application must include a copy of the student’s transcript.

Application Part I

Complete Part I of the application online.

We recommend collecting all required documents within the application before starting the online form. We do not accept a PDF version of Part I. Please submit this part online only.

You can download and print the PDF version of Part I of the application to prepare your answers before starting the online form.

Part I goes directly to the WVDE. Students must complete this part of the application before beginning Part II.

Application Part II

Part II of the application requires students to type information within the PDF and print pages to be completed by the school counselor and principal. You may fill out the application electronically (using a pdf viewer) or print the PDF to fill out manually.

Important: Once you have all the required signatures and supporting documents, please scan all documents into one PDF file and electronically submit it to the Application Part II Upload Folder.

The state deadline for applications is Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:50 PM.

Parent Information

Drop Off and Pickup

Please be advised, parents are required to drop off students on July 6th and pick up students on July 12th at WVU Tech in Beckley, WV,

Handbook

The 2025 GCSI Handbook and Packing List are available for students and parents to review to familiarize families to the general expectations of the program. The 2026 handbook will be posted in the spring.

The West Virginia Department of Education maintains a Facebook page to showcase students during each school. Please visit the page to view all the exciting activities going on throughout the summer. 

Jobs

The GCSI employs both faculty and residential employees to accomplish the mission and goals of the program. These positions are considered part-time and require specific qualifications.

If you have questions about these positions, please contact the GCSI Dean Dr. Kenan Hatipoglu (kenan.hatipoglu@mail.wvu.edu)