‘Making connections’ BDCC’s summer ‘bootcamp’ works with local students
Above: Students take a tour of Brattleboro Food Coop as part of BDCC’s Summer Career Bootcamp. Kris Radder, Brattleboro Reformer
BRATTLEBORO (Brattleboro Reformer) — One participant in this year’s Summer Career Bootcamp faced an unexpected challenge during his week in the Pipelines and Pathways Program hosted by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation and the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro.
“It’s a lot harder to tie a tie than I thought,” said Zekiel Younger, who will be starting his sophomore year at Brattleboro Union High School next month. “But apparently I’m pretty good at interviews.”
Younger’s classmate, Xylus Somsy, was honest when he said he wouldn’t have attended the bootcamp if not for the $250 stipend the participants get at the end of the week.
“My parents just randomly signed me up,” said Somsy, though he said it has been interesting visiting businesses as part of the program.
Read the full Brattleboro Reformer coverage below:
About WFCoE
The Workforce Center of Excellence (WFCoE) is a workforce and career training and education initiative that supports youth, adults, New Americans, and women in taking their next step in a career pathway. Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) provides one-to-one assistance, supportive services and career readiness training. The WFCoE leverages BDCC’s relationships with employers and regional workforce development partners, supporting both sides of the labor exchange to connect people with opportunity, and employers with the talent they need. The WFCoE is funded by a Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission and US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
Funding under WORC 5 – NBRC via the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as part of an award totaling $1,038,681 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources, and 100% financed with governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by BDCC, DOL, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please contact BDCC at ExecutiveDirector@brattleborodevelopment.com.
About Pipelines & Pathways
BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) provides career education within the five southeastern Vermont public high schools. P3 helps students develop their personalized learning plans (PLP) through learning experiences to develop knowledge about career opportunities, and achieve their goals after graduation. Students develop soft skills, financial literacy, knowledge about economic sectors and skills in-demand through hands-on activities, 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 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 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.
