By Jacoby Soter, Youth Program Specialist
This year, I have been engaged in several impactful projects with UP for Learning. My work has focused on school-based programming, including supporting the Missisquoi Valley Union High School (MVU) Youth Council as they develop goals and vision in partnership with school and community leaders. An impactful moment was when both the youth and adults from the team came to share their leadership strengths and opportunities for growth. I have also collaborated with middle school staff in the Kingdom East school district to build capacity for youth–adult-driven change. This was an inspiring experience, because I got to listen to discussions and support for project-based and student-centered learning experiences.
At the statewide level, I am helping to plan UP for Learning’s P2 Conference. This will be a fun-filled day as UP teams from around VT share their work. I encourage you to attend if you can! I am also contributing to the Agency of Education (AOE) Statewide Graduation Requirements Proposal. This work supports greater equity and prepares students for success beyond high school. A highlight I have from past work with the AOE is the School Safety Dialogues. It was truly impactful to listen to the stories and experiences of young people from around Vermont on school safety, and I am excited to do that again, this time with graduation requirements.
I am excited to see what the next half of the school year will bring for me and for UP! It has been a really engaging year, and the momentum seems to keep building for our teams around VT and the country.
