Unofficial Pillars

Health and Labor:

There is physical labor involved, where students work and volunteer in under-resourced areas, go on long hikes, and even go through obstacle courses and run marathons. Students are expected to hold each other accountable regarding their health goals. There are consistent group workouts on most days. Depending on the program, there may be other forms of physical labor involved, such as repairing equipment and hunting for samples. Every student is expected to learn how to bike and swim, with it being the job of those who already know how to do so to teach those who do not.

Travel:

While travel varies greatly between programs, students can expect to go on, at the very least, 6-7 trips a year. Whether they are to competitions, conferences, or unique trips to one of our partners, such as farms, national parks, company HQ's, across the border, and much more, students will gain important experiences to meet new people and communities to expand their worldviews

Competition:

There are always competitions, where our teams compete against other institutions, and while results are not what matters, the process in which we approach these competitions often naturally lead to favorable results. Nearly all research done by students are submitted to competitions and conferences. We encourage every student to build, to the highest of standards, a standard for the appreciation of others' work and the criticism of their own. In addition, any prize money won from competitions are generally split 50-50 between students and being invested back into their program; although each program may set it's own policy.

Transparency:

In any functioning democracy, there must be a sensible degree of openness and honesty. This is why our board meetings, starting soon, will be completely open to the public. We especially encourage our students to join to recommend any policy changes. Students are also encouraged to note down thoughts on their Vitality experience throughout their time here, ultimately writing a senior thesis to end their journey at Vitality. Different programs are encouraged to work together on anything they may find helpful. Not a single person involved in Vitality is paid monetarily for our efforts.

Exploration:

Exploration means many different things in Vitality. Whether it is the monthly unique readings, films, and discussions (that will not be taught in any school), participating in monthly Vitality-wide guest speaker events, or via the other pillars of Vitality, students will have every opportunity to explore our big world in ways unavailable from any other program

The Vitality Oath

students take the oath prior to becoming an official student in Vitality

As a Vitality student, I seek knowledge with passion,
lead with integrity, and serve with purpose.

I will challenge limits, uplift others,
and leave every space better than I found it.

I do not wait for change—I become it.