The strength of our democracy, the vitality of our economy, and the emotional and physical well-being of our population start with our youth and a shared belief in a positive future. In order to build strong communities and realize our vision for a thriving economy, we must adequately prepare our youth with the tools, support, and connections they need to establish and then realize educational, career, and life goals and expectations; effectively engage in the economy of today and of the future; and seize opportunities here in Vermont and beyond.

The Youth Opportunity Initiative, an initiative of the Future of Vermont Action Team, will engage thousands of Vermonters of all ages in a deep discussion on the future of youth opportunity and aspiration in our state. The process, facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, will ask the question:

What can we do to ensure youth in Vermont can be successful in meeting goals and aspirations for the future?

Input from thousands of Vermonters will be collected through:

• A statewide online input form

• Forums held in each region of the state that will invite together community members, businesses, educators, youth, and more!

• Youth forums, co-facilitated by youth- in each region of the state

• A series of interviews with critical stakeholders

Findings will be shared with an Advisory Group of youth, parents, education practitioners, policy experts, youth organization leaders, education equity experts and advocates, municipal/community leaders, and business leaders. The group will use this input to make concrete policy and programming action recommendations back to the Future of Vermont Action Team for implementation.

Upcoming Forums:

Central Vermont Region
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 | 5:30-7PM
Northfield Middle/High School
37 Cross St | Northfield, VT

Past Forums:

Upper Valley Region
Thursday, April 20 | 6-7:30 PM

Northwest Region
Tuesday, May 23 | 5:30-7 PM
Bellows Free Academy

Rutland Region
Tuesday, September 12 | 5:30-7PM
The Hub CoWorks

Northeast Kingdom
Tuesday, September 19 | 5:30-7PM
St Johnsbury Academy

Southeast Region
Tuesday, November 14 | 5:30-7PM
River Valley Technical Center at the Howard Dean Educational Center
307 South St | Springfield, VT

Advisory Group Members

• John Castle, Executive Director, Vermont Rural Education Collaborative

• Saraswoti Chhetri, Student, Burlington High School

• Jess Decarolis, Division Director, Agency of Education

• Sam Dingba, Case Manager, AALV

• Emma Doucet, Student, Mt Abraham High School  

• Scott Farr, Superintendent, River Valley Tech Center

• Carlen Finn, Senior Policy Associate, Voices for Vermont’s Children

• Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Superintendents Association

• Ben Freeman, Network Coordinator, Vermont Learning for the Future

• Lindsey Halman, Executive Director, Up For Learning

• Tara Howe, Regional Manager Barre & Morrisville, HireAbility

• Mea Ree Jan, Student, Winooski High School and Essex Tech

• Joyce Judy, President, Community College of VT

• Max King, Youth Program Specialist, Up For Learning

• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, VT Youth Conservation Corps

• Kayla Loving, Education Justice Organizer, Education Justice Coalition

• Lilian Sophie Meyer, Student, Main Street Middle School Montpelier    

• Maddie McKinley, Student, Stowe Middle School

• Nicole Miller, Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool

• Dean Roy, Student, Stowe Middle School

• Samantha Stevens, Community Schools Coordinator, North Country SU

• Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal, Cabot School

• Shawn Tester, CEO, Northeastern VT Regional Hospital

VCRD Staff

Lauren Brady, Community and Policy Associate
Jenna Koloski, Community Engagement and Policy Director
Charlie Smith, Interim Executive Director