Young adults earn wages and college credit at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
PRESS RELEASE
This year’s VYCC Crew Leaders can earn up to 12 college credits at no cost to them. The Crew Leader is a paid, seasonal position for young adults (ages 20+). While applicants must arrive with certain qualifications, Leaders also complete a paid training program.
New this year, in partnership with the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and the Community College of Vermont, Crew Leaders who pass an assessment can earn as many as 12 prior learning assessment (PLA) college credits.
Nathan Treadway is a 2022 Leader with VYCC’s Food & Farm Program. After graduating from Burlington High School, he completed five semesters at the University of Vermont.
“I needed to work full time. I was also starting to reconsider my double major in History and Classics,” said Nathan. “The careers I could go into didn’t seem immediately attainable. I’d end up with a ton of debt. I decided to pause school and work full-time for a while. I happily ended up at VYCC. We were in the farmyard when we learned about the credit. It was a cherry on top kind of moment. I was already drawn to this place for the other benefits beyond a paycheck – skill building – whether I go back to college or not.”
Nathan, second from left, and fellow Farm Leaders finished up a muddy spring day in good spirits.
All costs are currently covered by the All Learning Counts Grant, awarded by the Lumina Foundation to NEBHE, in partnership with NEBHE and CCV. As part of the Vermont State College System, these credits are fully transferable to any Vermont State College. Other transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis by the receiving school.
VYCC is employing approximately 30 people this year as Crew Leaders. In addition to credit and credentials, Leaders earn wages, and some Leader positions are AmeriCorps positions which, upon successful completion of their term of service, awards Leaders a Segal Education Award to put toward past or future education expenses.
“Getting to hear this job could directly translate to college credits, immediately a number popped up in my head for how much that would save me: around $10,000!” Nathan said. “Plus time spent going to classes. It was amazing news. I didn’t expect it, and it raised my spirits. I plan to return to college. I will choose a new major, go for something with immediate job opportunities that will be rewarding for me.”