Recent Recognition
Linking Learning to Life’s programs were reviewed by the University of Illinois, Chicago, as one of ten case studies that appear in the May 2009 Capstone Project, Navigating Career Based Outreach Programs. The goal of this report is to provide a list of best practices from across the United States. The UIC research team concludes that LLL, “As one of the outreach programs with the strongest career exploration components, is a good resource… especially as related to partnerships, dual enrollment credit, work readiness skills, and evaluation/annual reports.” The authors note in particular that LLL's evaluation report clearly describes methodology and research results, and that student stories are prominently featured in the annual report, with supporting statistics conveyed using sidebars, sending a clear message that, “the success of the individual student is more important than participation numbers or funds generated.”
Linking Learning to Life is one of 8 programs nationally selected as a Partnerships for College Access & Success site in 2005. LLL was cited by the Lumina Foundation in its 2009 report “Making the Numbers Add Up.” This publication is an easy to use guide for organizations interested in making better use of educational data. To receive a copy, contact LLL at 802-951-8845.
The Lumina Foundation also features LLL online in its reports Using Partnership as a Strategy (see pages 21 & 22) and Theory of Change & its Significance (see pages 49 & 51)
In addition, LLL’s College Connections program was featured in the Spring 2009 Vermont Community Foundation’s Newsletter.
Awards
Northeast Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired
The Vermont Connections Team was organized .jpg)
by the Vermont State Division for the Blind & Visual Impairment in 2007 to prepare our local youth for the world beyond high school. This Connections Team recently won the 2010 Team Award from the Northeast Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired, competing against the New England states and the eastern parts of Canada. The combination of these six unique organizations, the State Division for the Blind & Visual Impaired, the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Linking Learning to Life, the Vermont Youth Conservation Corp, ReSource & the Gibney Foundation made the Learn Earn AND Prosper (LEAP) program successful. Each summer LEAP provided opportunities for youths with visual impairments to gain the employment skills needed to become independent, confident, productive young adults, capable of making friends and having fun!
PEPNet
Linking Learning to Life received national recognition in 2000 as one of only seven PEP (Promising and Effective Practices Network) Awardees. PEP Net recognizes excellent youth programs across the country. BHS student Stephanie Watson joined LLL staff members and Executive Director Rich Tulikangas for awards ceremonies and presentations in Washington D.C.
PEPNet, National Youth Employment Coalition's Promising and Effective Practices Network, established itself as one of the premier sources on what works for youth. PEPNet annually recognizes programs that become models of effective practice, resources for others in the field nationally and internationally. PEPNet has recognized 58 exemplary initiatives in the United States and Canada to date.
All Means All School-to-Work Award
The purpose of the All Means All School-to-Work Project and Award Nomination is to recognize and celebrate local school-to-work partners that are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure access and benefit by all learners in their local school-to-work system. LLL was selected as an All Means All site in 1999.
All Means All School-to-Work Award Sites were identified through an award nomination process. A National Advisory Panel reviewed the identification, dissemination, and celebration of award sites that are using strategies to serve all of their learners.
Planning for Life Award
Linking Learning to Life has also been recognized twice by The Planning for Life Award, made by the United States Army in partnership with the American School Counselor Association. The awards recognize LLL for promoting student success through an excellent career planning process.
Institute for Educational Leadership and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
In 2005, the Institute for Educational Leadership and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth recognized Linking Learning to Life as a national “Pro-Bank Promising Practices Feature Site.” LLL is also featured as an Innovative Strategy in their online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively address the needs of youth with disabilities.
LLL has also been Recognized by Several other State & Local Partners
Business Advisory Council
In 2008 LLL was recognized for invaluable support in furthering employment opportunities for people with disabilities by the Business Advisory Council and its Collaborating Partners, the Vermont Association of Business & Industry Rehabilitation, and The Center for Community & Neighborhoods.
Vermont Campus Compact
Linking Learning to Life and one of its partners, Champlain College, were recognized for their meaningful and committed engagement for mutually beneficial results, receiving a Community Partnership Award at the Vermont Campus Compact Gala.
