Above: A Leland & Gray student demonstrates professionalism while meeting one of over 40 college recruiters who presented at the 1st Annual College Fair at Leland & Gray
Leland & Gray and BDCC hosted their 1st college fair specifically designed for middle and high school students this spring. The event featured 40+ presenters, including local businesses that offer tuition reimbursement and college recruiters and representatives from every New England state.
This event gave younger students a valuable opportunity to explore diverse post-secondary pathways and directly engage with admissions professionals. The event emphasized accessibility, equity, and the importance of planning for higher education from an early age. One sixth grade student decided he would like to pursue a career in boat building after speaking to a representative from the Landing School of Boat Building and Design in Maine. The school prepares students for careers in the marine industry as designers, builders, systems technicians, and managers. Although his plans may likely change by the time he reaches his senior year, the point is, he’s already contemplating his future goals after high school.
The event represents a major step toward bridging the gap between secondary education and college readiness, especially for students who might not typically envision themselves on a college campus. Guidance Counselor, Sarah Grasso, emphasized the importance of bringing opportunities to local students, most of whom do not have the ability or resources to visit multiple college campuses.
“Since the fair, I have had 27 different meetings with students about something they learned that inspired them. Two seniors submitted an application to a college and another senior applied to a tech program. Multiple underclassmen have asked about making sure they are on track to apply to a school to whom they spoke that day. And a few motivated middle schoolers have asked about when they will get to “talk to the college people” again!”
Plans are already underway for next year’s College Fair. The pilot included only L&G students, but the 2026 event will extend invitations to students from across Windham County. That event will take place on April 15, 2026.
About Pipelines & Pathways
BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) provides career education within the four southeastern Vermont public high schools and the Windham Regional Career Center. P3 helps students develop their personalized learning plans (PLP) by providing work-based learning experiences that increase their knowledge of career opportunities and achieve their postsecondary goals. Students develop soft skills, financial literacy, knowledge about economic sectors and skills that are in-demand through hands-on informational interviews, work-based learning, and mentorships. Pipelines & Pathways is a BDCC Workforce Center of Excellence program based on SeVEDS strategies to increase the size and quality of the region’s workforce. For more information please visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/engaging-with-high-school-students/
P3 was originally launched as a five year pilot, thanks to historic investment from the Vermont Community Foundation and McClure Foundation, the Vermont Training Program, WCEDP Vermont Yankee closure funds, and municipal contributions to SeVEDS. In 2023, at the end of that pilot phase, P3 reached a major program milestone by commitments from the private sector. M&T Bank, whose support was matched by local employers G.S. Precision and C&S Wholesale Grocers joins funding partners McClure Foundation, the George W. Mergens Foundation, the Windham Regional Career Center, the West River Education District, and the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, in supporting P3 across southeastern Vermont. Portions of the program also receive support through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) program of the Northern Border Regional Commission.
