School-to-Work Programs
Community Service
Community Service is a participatory action, service learning course familiarizing students with empowerment and social action. Our goal is to assess community needs and act on those needs. In other words, we are engaging in a process of consciousness and action. “Service learning combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and personal and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address community-identified needs, while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community." -The American Association of Community Colleges
Field Study
Field Study helps students explore possible career interests while developing the "soft" and life skills necessary to succeed in the world of work. Students begin by taking part in an interest inventory survey in order to identify their interests and strengths. Then they research the possible opportunities available to them in the community where they can obtain some hands-on, real life experiences in those fields.
Senior Project
Senior Project offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to design and direct their own learning process inspired by their personal interests. Through a series of introspective exercises, students define an area of interest to pursue and use 21st century skills to develop their curriculum. They take responsibility for their own learning and become engaged citizens by making a contribution to some aspect of their school or greater community. They explore their topics, write research papers, and the project culminates with a presentation and portfolio of their work.
Work Experience
Work Study is a non-paid work experience (up to 30 hours) in the community after successful completion of the Vermont State Employment skills curriculum.
"I've learned that you can make an impact on someone's life even if you can't see it at the time, but the impact can be huge."
~ Jayden Buck, Grade 10
"I enjoy seeing past Shaftsbury students come back and work with my classes."
~Kathy Clark, Shaftsbury Elementary