School2Work is being developed and enhanced as a working model with five area high schools:

• Burlington H.S
• Colchester H.S.
• Mt. Mansfield Union H.S.
• South Burlington H.S.
• Winooski H.S.

Students, who gain: an individualized transition plan that includes job readiness training to be part of the competitive workforce; work experience in “industries of choice,” and the social capital and quality of life built through sustainable employment;

Families, who learn about adult services and gain their own transition plan and support structure;

Schools, who can fully concentrate on their primary role – to educate the next generation;

Employers, who both inform CCS about, and – in some cases – help design training for, the skills needed for the next generation’s workforce, and who benefit from a previously untapped. but eager and skilled workforce;

Our community, which benefits whenever all its resources are recognized, valued, and energized to contribute.

School2Work won $10,000 in the statewide “Build a Stronger Vermont” competition, coordinated by KeyBank, in 2013 that enabled the program to launch. Voters from around Vermont caught the excitement of the new initiative, and we have continued to earn support.

The project is funded by program fees from participating schools or individuals, and we’ve also received funds in part from The Gibney Family Foundation, United Way of Northwest Vermont, KeyBank Foundation, and Peoples United Community Foundation.

School2Work operations are also greatly enhanced by an ongoing partnership with the University of Vermont that brings UVM students to CCS for an academic year internship experience.