On January 30th, the VYCC hosted an information session for schools interested in learning about the Youth in Agriculture and Natural Resources program and how to bring the program to their schools. The program is a partnership between the VYCC, the Smokey House Center in Danby and the University of Vermont Extension.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, and representatives from Winooski, Cabot, South Burlington, St. Albans, Randolph, Middlebury, Richmond, and Pine Ridge attended. The director for the Center for Technology-Essex partnership, Kathy Finck, and the principal of MMU, Jen Botzojorns, along with VYCC staff made up the panel which discussed curriculum, funding, and the impact of the program.

Since the meeting, several follow-up meetings with schools have been very promising. With the help of a Next Generation grant from the Vermont Department of Labor and the support of private foundations and donors, the VYCC hopes to launch at least two additional schools in fall 2008.

To learn more about the VYCC’s school programs, visit our webpage or contact Harry Frank at 434-3969 ext. 146 or hfrank@vycc.org.