Academics & Arts
Experiential Learning
VECTOR Program
VECTOR is one of several experiential learning pathways at Gilmour Academy. Like a vector, a student's education has both magnitude and direction. At Gilmour, we believe that a student's voice, passion and interest are the factors that determine how far students can go and on what course they travel. An individual student’s VECTOR is a concentrated set of classes and experiences that begin as early as Grade 9 and are channeled toward a particular theme or field. This results in a curated portfolio of reflections and experiential learning that culminate in a project before graduation.
| “ | VECTOR is an incredible program that really motivated me to think about the future and engage in experiential learning! At first, I was interested in law, so I was in the Civic Engagement and Law cohort. Through VECTOR, I was able to participate in a Harvard Law Program, attend events featuring speakers in the field, and participate in community service. However, as my personal dreams shifted, so did my path in VECTOR. I decided I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry, so I was able to instead join the Science and Medicine cohort. I shadowed a variety of dentists in different specialties, attended speaker events, worked at a dental office, and more. Participating in VECTOR was a great opportunity for me to get a head start on figuring out what I want to do for the rest of my life and it allowed me to experience, change my mind, and discover my true passion. Now, I am in the 3+4 Dental Program with the College of Wooster and Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine where I have guaranteed admission to dental school…I am so grateful for what the VECTOR program has done to help me on my career pathway. ~Gia Hilal ‘24 |
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Betsy Tietjen, Coordinator
tietjene@gilmour.org
A key component of a student's VECTOR experience is networking with professionals whose stories and impact resonate with the student's passions. The VECTOR Speaker Series invites professionals from a range of fields to be guest speakers for students in the program. Past speakers have included lawyers, physicians, university professors, small business owners and a Disney Imagineer!
