Over the past two summers, Burlington High School students have continued to build meaningful connections with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC), gaining hands-on work experience while contributing to the Vermont community. Across the two summers, approximately 22 BHS students have participated in VYCC programs, primarily through the Food & Farm program, with additional opportunities through conservation work.
Through the VYCC Farm Crew, students have gained practical experience in sustainable agriculture while developing skills that translate directly to the workplace, including teamwork, communication, following directions, problem-solving, and time management. Students have participated in preparing beds, planting, weeding, harvesting, processing chickens, and other farm tasks.
The work also has a meaningful impact beyond the students themselves. Over an eight-week period this past summer, the Farm Crew produced approximately 3,200 farm shares using organically grown food. These shares help provide Vermont community members with increased access to fresh, healthy food, including individuals whose medical conditions can be helped or partially treated through improved access to nutritious food, as well as people experiencing food insecurity. BHS students are therefore able to see a direct connection between their work and the well-being of others in their community.
This past summer, seven BHS students participated in VYCC programs, including two students who returned after participating the previous summer. One student was a recent BHS graduate, providing an especially meaningful example of how the partnership can extend beyond graduation and support students as they transition into adult employment and community life. Three students also completed an eight-week AmeriCorps position, gaining an extended experience with workplace expectations, responsibility, and service.
While BHS students had previously participated in conservation projects with VYCC and Burlington Parks & Recreation—including work improving local green spaces and constructing and renovating a bog bridge in Burlington Arms Forest—this summer we were unfortunately unable to complete a conservation project. Changes to funding sources within Burlington Parks & Recreation prevented the department from partnering with VYCC this year. We hope opportunities for students to participate in local conservation work can return in the future.
The continued partnership between BHS and VYCC reflects an important part of transition work at BHS: giving students opportunities to learn by doing, contribute to their community, discover their strengths and interests, and experience authentic workplace environments. These experiences allow students to build confidence and develop skills that can carry forward into employment, further learning, and life after high school.
This growing partnership was recently recognized by VYCC, which honored Simon Parlante as an Outstanding Community Partner for his work connecting BHS students with VYCC opportunities. VYCC staff members Chris Humphrey, Food & Farm Program Manager; Bo Malcolm, Senior Community Business Manager; and Christine Hadekel each recognized Simon’s commitment to supporting students and strengthening the partnership between VYCC and BHS. They highlighted his willingness to go above and beyond to help students access opportunities and have positive experiences at VYCC.
The recognition is ultimately a reflection of what can happen when schools and community organizations work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people. BHS is grateful to VYCC for its continued partnership and for providing our students with opportunities to work, learn, contribute, and take important steps toward their futures.
Congratulations Simon!
