Grantees

The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro (BGCB) is expanding two ongoing academic support programs that serve groups of young people at our downtown Brattleboro facility. These two programs include a supported daily afterschool study hall and a college counseling workshop series; both will be offered free of charge. BGCB will hire math and science STEAM mentors to offer subject-specific tutoring during our study halls. We will also deliver a new quarterly five-part college counseling workshop series to help youth navigate the college application process. BGCB will promote these programs within our network of local schools and partners. We will also offer a daily afterschool transportation service from five area schools.

Changing Perspectives engages preK-12 students in open dialogue and real-world experiences to promote disability awareness and foster inclusive communities. We accomplish our mission through a combination of curricular materials and educator professional development opportunities. About 20% of Vermont students receive school-based support for a disability through an IEP or 504 plan. Changing Perspectives assists educators in proactively addressing awareness of disability as another dimension of diversity in their schools. In doing so, our programs support schools in fostering social-emotional competence among all learners.

Through in-school and after school enrichment classes, WonderArts provides direct programming to over 500 children in a tiny corner of Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom. We support the physical, social, and emotional development of local youth by offering outlets for self-expression, exposure to new activities, and opportunities for development of creative skill sets. In an area where resources are limited, WonderArts collaborates with schools, community organizations, and local teaching artists to create meaningful experiences and guide our children and young people in achieving their true potential. RAC will continue building vibrant, safe, and resilient communities around our valued youth and their families.

Through in-school and after school enrichment classes, WonderArts provides direct programming to over 500 children in a tiny corner of Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom. We support the physical, social, and emotional development of local youth by offering outlets for self-expression, exposure to new activities, and opportunities for development of creative skill sets. In an area where resources are limited, WonderArts collaborates with schools, community organizations, and local teaching artists to create meaningful experiences and guide our children and young people in achieving their true potential. WonderArts seeks support from VCTF to continue building vibrant, safe, and resilient communities around our valued youth and their families.

Friday Night Group is Outright Vermont’s (ORVT’s) signature social-support program—meeting every Friday in Burlington since 1989! Today, groups in Burlington, Montpelier, Morrisville, and Brattleboro offer a drop-in space that celebrates who LGBTQ+ youth are. Groups enable youth to be themselves, connect with peers about shared joys and challenges, and engage with LGBTQ+-identified adults who model healthy behaviors and ensure that group is safe and supportive. Youth choose topics and lead conversations, while facilitators uphold youth generated rules that govern group, provide support, and referrals. ORVT established a strategic priority to increase access for rural LGBTQ+ youth; Friday night group can expand statewide!

Outright is building a Vermont where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity, and power through programs like the vibrant and robust statewide Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Network. While 30% of VT public schools have a GSA, only 2% of the state’s GSAs are in an elementary school. Why is this important? Because by age 4, most children have a stable sense of their gender identity (American Academy of Pediatrics), by age 8, the average trans person has socially transitioned, and between ages 10-13, the average LGBTQ+ youth has begun feeling they may not be straight (Pew). Outright is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for young people by celebrating their identities, combating isolation, and making their schools safer, by expanding supports in elementary schools.

NEYT is a non-profit theatre serving students ages 6-19, year-round. In 2019 NEYT piloted its Leader-In-Training (LIT) program, giving participants training as well as opportunities for teaching and leadership. Under the guidance of the Education Director, LITs work alongside directors and teachers, embedded in the programs that serve our younger students. In addition to gaining skills in teaching, leadership, communication, and organization, LITs build deep relationships with each other, younger students, and staff, while strengthening our entire NEYT community. LITs are selected through an application and interview process. Each LIT receives a stipend and a certificate of leadership training upon completion of the program.

The Town School Theatre program currently offers free afterschool arts education to at least 50 students from local public elementary schools. Students from these schools are provided with transportation to NEYT, where they rehearse, and ultimately perform a play. NEYT staff coordinates efforts with principals, guidance counselors, and support professionals to understand students’ behavior plans and personal life circumstances. The program was piloted with Brattleboro’s three elementary schools in 2015 as a means of developing important life skills to help students succeed in both educational and social settings. For the upcoming three year grant period, NEYT will expand the program to include 50 more students from three more area schools.