Students reflect on possible careers and and gain valuable pre-vocational experiences. A volunteer “H.R. specialist” guides students through mock job application and interview processes, including review of videos of the interview. Students also visit and tour potential work sites, and meet local professionals working in “dream jobs,” then reflect on those experiences with their peers and mentors.

Participation from dozens of community partner organizations and a variety of community mentors offers our students a wealth of opportunities to engage businesses, organizations and local leaders, and to discover valuable community resources in a structured way.

“Each interaction helps erode barriers to full participation and becomes another step on the path toward true inclusion.” – former Bridging Coordinator Emily Anderson.

Students gain training, support, and experience for independent living skills of their choosing – from using public transportation, to cooking and nutrition, to finances.

Opportunities Credit Union in Burlington is a strong program partner, offering students sessions on: the history of money, lending, and banking.

Bridging participants work directly with Green Mountain Self-Advocates to learn about their rights, develop skills for speaking up, and engage topics from community safety to voter education. Work culminates with students creating their own advocacy group and choosing four goals to accomplish by the end of the year.

Contact Liz Underwood, Bridging Coordinator (802) 655-0511