Linking Learning to Life

Linking Learning to Life (LLL) is a comprehensive non-profit school-to-career organization whose goal is to assist students to make successful transitions into continued education and careers beyond high school. LLL operates several programs including the Career Direction Center at Burlington High School, the College Connections program, the Learn to Earn program, a school-based mentoring program, and several other community-based assistance programs. All programs are structured to assist students in receiving enough practical experience to make the successful transition to the workplace somewhat easier.

In addition to other school-to-career programs, LLL runs a school-based vocational rehabilitation (VR) program in partnership with the Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. It provides intensive career exploration, job preparation, job placement assistance, and follow-up to students in grades 9 through 12 who have an identified disability. The program has an active caseload at any given time of 50 to 60 students. A school-based VR counselor works with students to develop goals, transition plans, and activities to prepare them for employment opportunities. An employment-training specialist supports students and employers with work-site learning activities and paid employment

The mission of LLL is to improve the educational performance and advancement, and the employment and career prospects of all Chittenden County students.

LLL currently affects approximately 6,000 students per year. Actual work-based learning opportunities have been provided in approximately 250 Burlington area businesses and organizations, and include unpaid internships in businesses as well as community service learning experiences. The following are examples of students served in 2003:

- Thirty-two incoming ninth- and tenth-grade high-risk students participated in job preparation and paid employment through the summer Ready, Set, Work! program.
- Fifty-nine students with disabilities in grades 9 to 12 received intensive career exploration, job skills training, and job placement through the Supported Employment program.
- Statewide Learn to Earn presentations served 4,245 participants.
- Seventy-two high school students enrolled in 87 college courses at five area colleges, earning dual enrollment credit through the College Connections program.
- Thirty-two elementary and middle school students were matched with adult mentors in the community through the Mentors for Kids program.
- Eleven hundred Burlington High School students were assisted with providing community service to a wide range of non-profit organizations throughout the area.