School Corps Member Positions

The VYCC High School Leadership Program is an intensive community-based education program. Corps Members participate in work projects to gain real world experience and valuable work skills through hands-on learning.

Each project has an academic component through which Corps Members earn credit and learn basic work skills. Learning comes from the work we do, the places we work, and the people with whom we do the work.

In order to accomplish our mission, we have policies that are similar to what one would find in any work place. Corps Members are expected to follow these policies, such as using appropriate language, tucking in their uniform shirt, and maintaining respect while contributing to the experience in a positive way. Corps Members who do not follow the policies can be dismissed from the program.

 

Past Projects:

The High School Leadership Program has four areas of curricular focus.  These include Forestry, Design/Build, Watershed, and Agriculture.  Sample projects include:

  • Harvesting trees and collecting seeds for the Intervale Conservation Nursery
  • Visiting a local blacksmith’s shop and working with him to repair VYCC’s tools
  • Working with local farms on planting, harvesting and construction projects
  • Creating a school garden
  • Ski trail maintenance
  • Participating in riverbank restoration
  • Building nesting platforms and signs for a loon conservation project

 

WoRD - Writing, Reading, and Discussion

The WoRD program is a fundamental component of all VYCC Crews.  WoRD encourages Corps Members and Leaders to engage in thoughtful discussions about meaningful, relevant topics throughout the work week. Using a compilation of current articles and essays, all crews read aloud about important environmental and social issues that are relevant both locally and nationally. After reading, crews discuss what they have read and take time to reflect in their journals.

 

Responsibilities

Qualifications
  • Work hard as part of a team
  • Participate in all VYCC activities, including WoRD, academic lessons, and community activities
  • Respect and encourage fellow
    Corps Members and Instructors
  • Respect the natural environment
  • Complete high-quality work on all projects, safely
  • Complete a group presentation each quarter
  • Follow all VYCC rules and policies
  • 15-18 years of age
  • Student at participating High School
  • Strong desire to join the VYCC and work with others
  • Thrives in hands-on setting
  • Open to learning and receiving feedback
  • Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings and in all types of weather

 

Benefits:

  • Academic Credit
  • $1,000 scholarship available to all VYCC alumni attending Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT
  • Discounts at local businesses
  • Meet great friends and talented instructors
  • Meaningful work projects

 

 

For more information about the School Program, please contact Breck Knauft at breck.knauft@vycc.org or 802.434.3969, ext. 110.