Those who know and love Vermont are likely aware of the dual forces of an aging population and shrinking workforce. 

They also likely know there are several strong nonprofit organizations that work with young people.  

Four organizations formed a collaborative called Serve Learn Earn in 2021 to pool expertise and resources and to align programming so young people can move between the organizations to build skills. Those organizations are Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC), ReSOURCE, Vermont Works for Women (VWW), and Audubon Vermont. Each provides training, service, and work opportunities for young adults.  

When we work together, we can do more for Vermont. The collective impact of Serve Learn Earn partners is now available at servelearearn.org. As Kate Gluckman, SLE Director noted:

“The launch of our new website means we can share more widely stories of impact, as well as feature partner organizations and upcoming training opportunities. Through the site we will highlight our continued efforts to empower our young people and those sidelined from quality employment through skill building, personal development, and connection with caring instructors and ready-to-hire employers.”  

VYCC, ReSOURCE, VWW, and Audubon Vermont work with over 550 Vermonters annually, providing over 4,250 weeks of training and service opportunities. In the last year, participants earned over 300 industry-recognized credentials of value, college credit, and over $2 million dollars in wages and stipends. The various programs under the SLE umbrella can kickstart careers and set young adults on the path toward well-paid jobs in the state.  

Meanwhile, Vermont sees the benefit of skilled and engaged young adults with a desire to remain here. Many internship and service experiences turn into or lead to job offers. 

Numerous VYCC Members have opted to remain and work in Vermont over the years. Like Claire Scherf (pictured above), who served as a Food and Farm Leader in 2023 and then joined us as a fulltime staff member. Or Petra Castaneda, who moved all the way from Arizona to join a Forest Crew last season, and is now working in early childhood education in Vermont. These are just two of the many stories that illustrate the impact of the programs within the SLE collaborative. 

Visit the brand new SLE website at servelearnearn.org to learn more and stay on top of SLE news!