What is TIPS?

TIPS provides youth with an opportunity to learn pre-employment skills, participate in an internship with a local business, earn high school credit, and potentially gain paid employment. In the classroom, instructors utilize practical learning activities to prepare students for work while encouraging them to explore their individual abilities and interests. Students are then matched with employers that can offer them a meaningful internship experience. Such internships provide real work experiences that go outside the boundaries of the conventional classroom. The goals of the program are to enable students to identify their own interests, make the connection to a potential career field, and learn more about themselves in a real work environment.

How does TIPS work?

TIPS involves a 20-hour pre-employment skills class that includes interactive student activities, site visits with businesses, and classroom presentations by employers. Students learn about 21st century job skills to prepare for an internship that they help set up. The TIPS Curriculum is linked to the VT Framework of Standards enabling students to receive academic credit designated by their school. The second phase of the program is a 40-hour internship with a local business where students are able to practice the skills talked about in the classroom. Many students that successfully complete the class and internship are offered paid employment at their internship site. However, this is not guaranteed. Internship Coordinators track and support students throughout the program and provide job placement assistance when needed.

Where is TIPS?
TIPS is currently happening in the following regions throughout Vermont:
- Chittenden County
- Rutland County
- Franklin/Grand Isle Counties
- Bennington County
- Upper Valley 
- Central Vermont   

Why is TIPS important?

TIPS bridges the gap between students, businesses, schools, and the community. Students are able to develop skills in a supported internship environment. These skills support the workforce needs of Vermont and help students succeed. Employers develop the workforce they demand and Vermonters gain access to career opportunities they desire.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: Employers can offer a meaningful and supported internship to a student with the intent to hire if the student is successful. All employers can interview the student prior to offering the internship.

Schools: Schools can host the TIPS program at their school and have a school staff champion the pre-employment skills class and help recruit internship placements. Teachers and Guidance Counselors can also indentify and recommend potential students for the program.

Students: Youth can participate in the program if aged 16 or older. Both in-school and out-of-school (high school completion students) youth are able to participate in the program. Contact Linking Learning to Life or your Guidance Counselor if you are interest in participating in TIPS.
 

For more information, contact:
Lindsey Lathrop at (802) 951-8849 or llathrop@bsdvt.org

TIPS is a program supported in part by Vermont Next Generation Workforce Development/Student Internship funds as well as federal funds through the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention.

What is Learn to Earn?

Learn to Earn offers a way for 8th - 10th grade students to learn about emerging fields of work while encouraging them to cater their coursework to these opportunities. More specifically, the program emphasizes the importance of math, science, communication, and technology coursework and its relation to the emerging job opportunities in Vermont.

The main component of the program is dynamic in-school presentations by professionals from the local business community that are in growing career fields. According to the Vermonts Next Generation Commissions 2007 Report, this includes but is not limited to: healthcare, sales, community and social services, high-tech and information technology, and manufacturing and engineering occupations.

How does Learn to Earn work?

Local business professionals give interactive in-class presentations to students in dynamic teams. The presentations are a way for students to personally connect with area businesses, learn what a typical work day might entail, and better understand the job opportunities that are available to them in their very own state. The business presenters are trained by the Learn to Earn Coordinator in order to ensure that the goals of the program are met.

The 3 major objectives of Learn to Earn are:

1. To encourage teens to consider careers in emerging and growing occupations (e.g. healthcare, high-tech, communication, and manufacturing careers).
2. To highlight how math, science, communication, and technology skills are used daily on the job.
3. To show teens how their current coursework choices relate to their future career goals.

Why is Learn to Earn important?

Research continually shows that high school students consider math and science courses the most challenging. Students are often not interested in pursuing related careers until they learn more about these fields. A key factor in Learn to Earns success is reaching students early enough to affect their course selections in high school. As a result, students are inspired to take more math, science, communication, and technology courses. The program also emphasizes the link between their current coursework choices and their future career goals.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: Businesses can give interactive presentations at a local school(s).

Schools: Schools can host the Learn to Earn program. This can happen in a variety of ways in a classroom, at a career fair, etc.

Students: Youth can request the Learn to Earn program at their school.

For more information, contact:
Lindsey Lathrop at (802) 951-8849 or llathrop@bsdvt.org

What is Ready, Set, Work! (RSW!)?

Ready, Set, Work! (RSW) is a program designed to develop job readiness skills and the motivation for continued learning for at-risk Burlington students aged 14-16. The program begins with an intensive 5-week summer session, which combines classroom based employment skills training 2 days per week and on-the-job work experience 3 days a week.

How does RSW! work?

Many participating students are transitioning from middle schools to high school and are recommended for enrollment by guidance staff or teachers. The summer program is followed up with a scheduled after school component during part of the school year to continue job skill development and maintain support connections for students. Students participate in team building and problem solving activities, research careers as well as their personal skills and interests, develop job search strategies, write resumes and cover letters, and conduct mock interviews. Career guest speakers and work site tours are integrated into the curriculum to expose students to a range of career options in area businesses and to understand professionalism on the job, employer expectations, and ways to make their employment search successful. Students are also matched with community employers for paid work experiences throughout the summer program. The classroom time also provides an opportunity to discuss work experiences the previous day and too jointly problem-solve issues that arise on the job.

Why is RSW! important?

Many students don't see the connection between school and the 'real world'. When they are not being successful in school for any of a number of reasons, students may choose to drop out and try to find ways to make some money. The transition from middle school to high school can be particularly challenging because of the additional factor of moving into that big, unknown institution from a smaller and more comfortable setting. Creating a way for students to clearly make the connection between learning and earning can be very motivational. Students also develop a sense of personal pride and confidence by getting paid for a job well done. Additionally, the Ready, Set, Work! program operates out of the high school during the quiet summer hours and thereby also builds a sense of ownership of the high school by at-risk students coming in.

For more information, contact:
Simon Parlante at (802) 864-8430 or sparlant@bsdvt.org

What is YES!?

The YES! Program provides students with disabilities in grades 9-12 with transition planning, career exploration, job preparation, and work experiences in the community. This LLL program is developed through a partnership with the Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation which began in 1998, with the creation of the School-Based Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position. This position was implemented to ensure high school students with disabilities in the Burlington schools receive timely services related to employment and smoother transitions from school to work.

How does YES! work?

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Employment Training specialist work together to provide transitional, vocational, and employment services. These services are individualized depending on the youths needs. In addition, Vocational Rehabilitation can provide post secondary educational assistance.

Why is it important?

Youth Employment Services has many important functions. First it provides job readiness to students so when they transition into the community they have the skills and supports to be successful in a competitive job market. Through career guidance and job skills training individual develop self worth and confidence. Positive work experience in high school directly correlates to successful employment after school.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: Consider becoming a host for a job shadow, training program or student employment

Schools: Invite the Employment Training Specialist or the VocRehab Counselor to meet your student and their education team to discuss services.

Students: Ask your teacher, or contact Linking Learning to Life, to set up a meeting with us to discuss services.

For more information, contact:
Pam Gowland, (802) 864-8430 or Pamela.gowland@ahs.state.vt.us

Simon Parlante, (802) 864-8430 or sparlant@bsdvt.org

What is Summer Work Crew?

The Summer Work Crew provides a supported, structured, fun, work environment where youth can gain hands-on job skills while simultaneously developing their social skills through an interactive, community based training course. Participants work approximately 72 hours over the course of six weeks at Lake Monster's Centennial Field earning minimum wage. The youth perform a variety of jobs from basic maintenance to painting to stadium upkeep. Youth gain comfort and understanding of employment related work situations. All participants leave the experience with improved communication skills and an understanding of their individual career related skills, interests and goals.

The Summer Work Crew has been successfully enrolling WIA eligible youth for the last four years. This workforce development project has been successful due to the collaborative efforts of several area high schools, the Lake Monsters manager and team and Centennial Field’s stadium manager, who oversees the youth’s work projects.

How does it work?

In early spring, six students are selected by area high schools based on their being WIA (Workforce Investment Act) eligible and appropriate. Once selected, students fill out the necessary Department of Labor (DOL) paper work, meet the DOL case manager and the program coordinators set up an orientation. Throughout the six weeks, participants engage in the painting and maintenance projects two days out of the week. The third paid day is a skill building workshop day. Students meet community members and learn about community resources for working towards their goals. Students evaluate their individual skills and interests and devise a plan for accomplishing their personal goals.

Why is it important?

The Summer Work Crew offers our struggling youth a supportive, supervised first job experience. Participants begin to develop the skills that they need to be participating, productive community members. Participants form meaningful relationships with peers and adults to assist them in reaching their future employment or personal goals.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: Consider leading a discussion on a specific topic (e.g. diversity, money management, etc.)

Schools: Contact LLL to discuss including students from your school into the program.

Students: Ask your teacher, or contact Linking Learning to Life, to set up a meeting with us to discuss services.

For more information, contact:
Dayna Collette at (802) 540-0286 or dcollett@bsdvt.org

What is L-Works?

L-Works is a program designed for 16-and-older Burlington High School English Language Learners (ELL) to improve their employability by teaching basic job skills, cultural competencies, and exploring career options. It provides ELL students with an introduction to workplace expectations through classroom instruction and hands-on experience with an employer.

Generally, ELL students have recently arrived to the US, and have limited proficiency and understanding of the skills necessary to successfully gain employment. Along with the expectation of making financial contributions to the family, finding a job can be quite intimidating. Teaching practical, competency-building activities allows ELL students to develop basic skills that are essential in meeting workplace expectations. An internship with a host organization will provide real-life practice, going beyond what is possible in a school setting.

How does L-Works work?

Classroom sessions take place twice a week for four weeks, covering topics such as: job search strategies, communication, networking, interviewing skills, employer expectations, job vocabulary, and filling out job applications. Following this, students are matched at a job site for a forty-hour paid internship, during which the coordinator supports both them and the host site, ensuring that both the student and employer have a positive experience. The goal of the program is for these students to be offered paid employment upon successful completion of both the classroom course and internship.

Why is L-Works important?

L-Works was piloted in 2007 at Burlington High School. Many of the new Americans at the school were struggling with the current career class, which is a graduation requirement, and so the idea was born. LLL worked with ESL teachers to come up with an appropriate program and goals that were vital to these students’ success, both in school (the career class requirement) and in the workplace. Set to begin its third year, L-Works has become an in-demand course for the ELL students at BHS and LLL hopes to expand the program to other local schools.

L-Works is designed to help students make the connection between school and work, and learn the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. An inherent outcome of the program is ELL students becoming more integrated in their school, community, and work settings.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: You can host a student internship or offer paid employment.

Schools: You can indentify and recommend potential students for the program.

Students: You can contact Linking Learning to Life of their Guidance Counselors about participating in L-Works.

For more information, contact:
Simon Parlante: (802) 864-8430 or sparlant@bsdvt.org

What is College Connections?

College Connections is a dual enrollment program that allows high school students in Chittenden County and students from alternative programs options to explore college prior to graduation. Students can enroll in courses at all six of the area colleges:

• University of Vermont (UVM)
• Community College of Vermont (CCV)
• Champlain College
• Saint Michael's College
• Burlington College
• Vermont Technical College 

Students earn both high school and college credit for successful completion.

How does College Connection work?

College Connections is offered during after school hours and is not intended to replace existing high school courses. Our College Connections Coordinator provides necessary placement testing for enrollment, assistance registering for courses as well as advising on courses, college tours, orientation, and ongoing support throughout the semester. Students have the opportunity to get first hand experience with taking college classes while still in high school.

While College Connections is open to all students, it is particularly designed to benefit students who may not see themselves as college bound, students who want to experience a college setting, and students with diverse barriers to pursuing a college education. The program is also available to out-of-school youth who are working toward some form of high school completion.

It is important to note that the Introduction to College Studies (ICS) course is not required to take part in College Connections.*

*There are a few cases in which ICS is required.  Please contact Dhyana to discuss.

How do I get involved?

Students: If you are interested in participating in College Connections please contact Linking Learning to Life’s College Connections Coordinator or your high school guidance counselor. Our College Connections Coordinator is located in the Career Direction Center in Burlington High School. You don't have to be a student at BHS to participate. You can also download an application in the right side column.

Schools: Contact our College Connections Coordinator to find out more about getting involved with our program.  LLL is open to working with other regions throughout Vermont.  College Connections is also in Rutland County.

For more information, contact:
Dhyana Bradley: (802) 540-0953, dbradley@bsdvt.org

What is the TOEFL Prep for Success?

Linking Learning to Life’s TOEFL Prep course is an intensive program to build academic English language skills and to prepare students to successfully take the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL exam evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand English in a college setting.

How does the TOEFL Prep for Success work?

The TOEFL Prep course is put on in collaboration with Saint Michael’s College. English Language Learners attend a 30 hour class spread out over 6 weeks taught by a Saint Michael’s professor at Burlington High School after school. Students learn to improve their reading, writing and listening skills, all of which are tested on the TOEFL. Students take a preliminary TOEFL exam, a midway assessment, and at the end of the course they take the official TOEFL exam free of charge.

Why is it important?

The TOEFL exam is now required of non-native English-speaking applicants at almost all English-speaking colleges and universities to ensure that they have the language skills necessary to succeed in college. As a supplement to the SAT, this exam is one of the primary college entrance exams for English Language Learners and is the gateway into post-secondary education for many immigrant and refugee youth. Our TOEFL Prep for Success helps prepare students specifically with this test, which is not something offered in their daily high school courses.

How do I get involved?

Students: If you are an English Language Learner contact Linking Learning to Life, an ESL teacher, or your guidance counselor to find out more about benefitting from this course.

Schools: Contact Linking Learning to Life to find out about getting TOEFL Prep for Success in your school.

For more information, contact:
Dhyana Bradley, (802) 540-0953, dbradley@bsdvt.org

What is PILOT?

PILOT (Program to Inspire Leadership, Opportunity, and Thought) is a youth leadership program for high school juniors in Chittenden County, Vermont. The vision behind PILOT is to motivate and empower young people to make a positive difference within their communities through leadership, creativity, and action. This program targets “latent leaders”, bringing together juniors from four Chittenden County high schools (Burlington, South Burlington, Champlain Valley Union, and Essex High Schools), for an interactive year long community and career exploration program.
 

How does it work?

PILOT participants meet for a full day seminar each month to discuss important issues affecting the community and explore different career pathways. During each seminar day, PILOT students visit different businesses and non-profit sites, meet with professionals who work there, and engage in presentations and follow-up discussions related to the seminar topic. Seminar topics include: Health Care, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Government and Politics, Business, Media and Communications, and Community Service.

The PILOT program is comprised of 4 main components:

1. Leadership and Self-Awareness: Students engage in discussions with community and business leaders at each seminar. They also have opportunities to develop their own leadership skills through individual and group activities.
2. Community Engagement: Students meet for a full day seminar each month at various community locations to discuss important topics and issues affecting the community.
3. Career Exploration: Students explore different careers at each seminar. They are also individually matched with area businesses and organizations to explore career paths of interest through research, job shadowing, and internships during the second half of the program year.
4. Community Service: PILOT students partner with local non-profit organizations to complete community service projects or design their own projects that address a specific community need

Why is it important?

PILOT is an innovative program that focuses on developing leadership skills, addressing relevant community issues, and exploring future career options. Outside of PILOT, there are few leadership programs that specifically target students who are emerging or non-traditional leaders, who may otherwise not have the opportunity to cultivate their leadership skills. This program encourages these students to utilize their skills, gain a better understanding of their community, expand their thinking, and prepare for a successful future.

How do I get involved?

Businesses: You could host a student for a job shadow or internship, participate in PILOT seminars by presenting on your business’s role in the community on your profession, or you could sponsor a student to be in PILOT.

Schools: You can identify and nominate students who could benefit from participating in PILOT

Students: You can contact Linking Learning to Life of your high school Guidance Counselor and let them know you are interested in participating in PILOT

Community Organizations: You could participate in PILOT seminars, host a student for a job shadow of internship, or sponsor a student to be in PILOT.

For more information, contact:
Dhyana Bradley, (802) 540-0953 or dbradley@bsdvt.org

What is community service at the middle school level?

How does community service work at the middle school level?

What is community service at BHS?

Students at Burlington High School are required to complete 10 hours of community service at a non-profit organization each school year. LLL plays an integral part in coordinating the Community Service Program at BHS by making volunteer experiences more accessible to BHS students through individual consultation, daily homeroom announcements, a community organization database and bulletin board postings.

How does community service work?

The role of the LLL in BHS’s community service requirement is to be a reference point for students, teachers, parents, and non-profit organizations looking for volunteers. Students can find listings of monthly, ongoing, and school break specific volunteer opportunities posted outside the Career Direction Center, on Burlington High School’s website and in the daily announcements. The Community Service coordinator helps BHS students connect to the many volunteer opportunities in the Burlington area.

Why is it important?

Community Service programs offer students a greater knowledge of their community and develops a greater confidence in their role as citizens. Volunteering provides early workplace skills as well as exposure to many different careers, as students work within non-profit organizations. Students benefit by the meaning that comes from doing real-world work. Community Organizations benefit from the genuine contributions made by students to the work of their organizations, and from the connections made with the schools in their community.

How do I get involved?

Schools: Help direct students to volunteer opportunities

Students: Pick up a copy of opportunity lists outside the Career Direction Center, or look them up online and start volunteering!

Non-profit organizations: Email or call the Community Service Coordinator about upcoming volunteer opportunities at your organization

For more information, contact:
info@lllvt.org