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This year's conference "Still Curious: Learning for the Long Game" will feature Erik Shonstrom, a faculty member at Champlain College and author of Wild Curiosity, as our keynote speaker. Join school, agency, career, and post-secondary colleagues to learn and share as we discover the curiosity within to propel us forward with authenticity and intention. Together we will explore our individual and collective curiosity, and how we can help our learners peel back the layers of their authentic curious selves to reveal their goals and pathways. 

Thank you to our presenters, partners, and committee members for making this conference possible.

Partners
   • �й������� GEAR UP Program
   • The Vermont Agency of Education
   • The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation, 2025 Sponsor
 

Committee Members
   • Erica Borthwick, �й�������
   • Toni Marra, VT AOE
   • Cathy Printon, �й������� GEAR UP, Committee Chair
   • Jessica Smith, �й������� GEAR UP
   • Anna Telensky, �й������� GEAR UP

Friday, May 2, 8:45am – 3:15pm

Registration & Networking 8:45am – 9:30am

Keynote Presentation (9:45-10:30)

Still Curious: Learning for the Long Game

What does it mean to learn? We hear the word and think of children seated at desks, raising an eager hand. And yet curiosity, personality, personal history and purpose are just a few of the many ingredients that make up learning moments.

Why is it only young people who 'get' to learn? And why at a desk? And what are they learning, anyway? Learning - real learning, the kind that brings about a tectonic shift in personal paradigm - is a highly individualistic enterprise.

Once we know ourselves as learners, and we move "confidently in the direction of our dreams" as Thoreau would have it, we change the very world we walk through by augmenting our perception. Learning in this way, bolstered by self-knowledge, is a radical move. Once begun, we're never the same!

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Erik Shonstrom grew up in Vermont, received a Master of Fine Arts from Bennington College, and is an Associate Professor of Writing at Champlain College. He has been lucky enough to work in education for almost two decades. Originally, Erik was an outdoor educator and wilderness guide, leading trips for Outward Bound and schools all over the US - the Everglades, the High Sierra, Mexico, Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Park and the San Juan Islands.

Erik's work in local Vermont journalism led him to study writing, and now his greatest joy is working with students at Champlain College to tell their own stories. He is the author of Wild Curiosity and has been featured in the article "Why You Should Reignite Curiosity At Work, And How To Do It." Forbes Magazine Jan 2016.

Session 1 Workshops (10:45-11:45)

Curious Conservation: Environmental Career Exploration at Audubon Vermont

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School and Adult

Curiosity drives discovery, and in this workshop, we'll show how Audubon Vermont's Junior Conservation Technician Program helps teens explore careers in conservation through work-based learning.

Over the course of six months, this program offers a unique opportunity for students to follow their personal learning goals, gain practical experience, build leadership skills, and uncover potential pathways in the conservation field.

Join us to see how curiosity can lead to meaningful careers in environmental stewardship.

Presenters: Sarah Hooghuis, Senior Youth Conservation Leadership Coordinator, Audubon Vermont; Emma McKillip, Youth Conservation Leadership Intern, Audubon Vermont

Get Curious at Killington: VTSU Specialized Programs and Partnerships

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

The Resort and Hospitality Management (RHM) program at Vermont State University (VTSU) offers hands-on education in partnership with Killington-Pico Mountain Resort.

Students gain practical experience in the largest winter resort in the eastern U.S., with a curriculum focused on financial management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. 

The program’s affordability and the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in three years make it an attractive option. Workshops on the RHM program are popular for networking, skill development, and staying updated with industry trends.

Presenters: Kristel Killary, Program Coordinator, VTSU Resort and Hospitality Program; Patrick Rogers, Associate Director of Admissions, VTSU

Matching Student Career Interests with Promising Jobs in Vermont

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School

Careers CLiC staff will lead an interactive session to demonstrate effective tools they’ve used with more than 6,000 middle and high school students over the past six years.

They will share how to tap into students’ curiosity by making labor market information engaging and relevant to students’ own interests.

Participants can access a free lesson plan to support all students as they successfully navigate each of their unique career paths.

Presenters: Kathi Terami, Executive Director, Careers CLiC; Amy Tietjen Smith, Project Specialist, Careers CLiC

Next Gen Personal Finance’s Top 5 Favorite Resources for the Classroom

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

This interactive session will explore five essential resources from Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) that educators can immediately apply in their classrooms to empower student learning and engagement.

Participants will dive into practical tools, including daily bell ringers, game-based learning, and current events integration, all designed to foster curiosity and critical financial thinking.

Attendees will gain practical tools to empower students in exploring their financial futures while nurturing curiosity and individualized learning pathways.

Presenter: Shelly O’Neal-Kegler, NGPF Representative & Business Teacher, BFA St. Alban’s

Pique Your Curiosity; Creative Connections

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

This workshop will focus on the tenets of building meaningful and purposeful relationships with students, colleagues and community through creative connections based in curiosity. 

What do you share in common? How do you model curiosity? Where does reflection play a part in your work? How do you build creative and curious connections? What role does optimism play in curiosity?

Come learn a few quick activities that help spark curiosity! We will engage in conversation about creating curious connections. Focused on building joyful, creative and celebratory connections with your students, colleagues and community – all stemming from curiosity.

Presenter: Beth Clay, Outreach Counselor, �й������� Talent Search

Still Curious: Uncovering Pathways to Purposeful and Fulfilling Futures

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School and Adult

How can we help students uncover their passions, skills, and future pathways? In this engaging and interactive workshop, based on CCV’s Introduction to College & Careers (ICC) course, attendees will participate in hands-on activities designed to spark student exploration of fulfilling educational and career opportunities.

The session will model classroom strategies from ICC, providing practical tools to guide students in identifying their strengths, setting meaningful goals, and navigating their unique journeys with confidence.

Walk away with fresh ideas and resources to inspire lifelong learning and curiosity in your students—because they deserve the very best.

Presenters: Natalie Searle, Director of Secondary Education Initiatives, Community College of Vermont; James Wolfe, Coordinator of Student Advising, Community College of Vermont

Session 2 Workshops (12:45-1:45)

Community Schools: A Global Model with Local Impact

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Elementary, Middle, and High School

Public schools are uniquely positioned in rural Vermont to serve as lynchpin providers, often occupying a geographically as well as organizationally central position in their communities.

The Community School model seeks to leverage that centrality by positioning schools as hubs in a hub-and-spoke service delivery model - connecting existing local resources to identified local needs. It is not about asking schools to do more, but rather about providing a space and framework for communities to address their own needs.

In this workshop, we will discuss this model in greater detail, including the context and supports that exist in Vermont, and outline how this model enhances student engagement, achievement, and connection to community.

Presenters: Johannes Haensch, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Manager, Vermont AOE; Jess DeCarolis, Public Education Consulting Services 

From Ideas to Action: Helping Students Lead for Change and Gain Transferable, Life-Long Skills with Positive Tracks

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

This interactive workshop empowers educators, mentors, and youth advocates to inspire student-led action for social change. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants can explore strategies to support students in identifying causes they care about and how to take initiative.

They will also learn how Positive Tracks provides students with transferable and life-long skills, resources, coaching, and funding to help young people lead and organize athletic events for causes they care about.

Presenters: Andrea Calderón, Director of Programs, Positive Tracks; Nini Meyer, Founder and CEO, Positive Tracks; Sarah Callaway, Program Coordinator, Positive Tracks

Holistic Support for Neurodiverse Learners in their Postsecondary Aspirations

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School

Transitioning out of high school and into the wider world of education and work can be challenging for neurodiverse learners. Join us as we explore the six dimensions of wellness and their importance in the post-high school transition planning process.

Learn about one model for holistically supporting high school seniors in setting realistic and challenging education and career goals by collaborating with a student's special education transition team.

Reflections from the student/parent experience will also be included, along with many additional resources/tools available for working with neurodiverse students.

Presenter: Jessi Krause Herron, Outreach Counselor, ������� GEAR UP

Igniting Curiosity: Effective Career Conversations

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

In this interactive workshop, learn specific techniques that guide individuals to more productive conversations about brighter futures.

Through role-playing exercises and access to a wealth of resources in our guide, participants will gain four essential strategies to enhance their practice, including accessing the ������� curriculum map and skills related to planning for education and training. Grounded in the latest research and practical insights, our approach is aimed at empowering counselors and educators of all levels to engage individuals and families in meaningful conversations about their futures.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this workshop equips you with the tools to foster productive discussions that support individuals in achieving their career and educational goals.  

Presenters: Ellen Bagnato, Aspirations Partnership Supervisor, ������� Aspiration; Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont; Lauren Hood, Aspirations School Specialist and Curriculum Lead, ������� Aspirations

Unlocking Change: Igniting the Power of Youth from the Classroom to the Community

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

Join UP for Learning’s Youth Intern Program for a hands-on workshop designed to help young activists grow into confident leaders and changemakers.

We’ll explore tools like accountability, creative problem-solving, and systems-thinking to support youth in building their skills, leading impactful projects, and driving meaningful change through Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR).

Whether you’re looking to develop new strategies or refine your approach, this session invites you to dive in, engage, and leave with practical insights to apply in your environment through the power of Youth and Adult Partnership.

Presenters: Katie Ingraham, Youth Intern Program Director, UP for Learning; Liberty Belote, Youth Intern Program Associate, UP for Learning; Ellie Neckers, Youth Program Specialist, UP for Learning; Sophia Martin, Youth Intern, UP for Learning; Mavis Downey, Youth Intern, UP for Learning

Unlocking Potential with Vermont’s Early College Program

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School

Explore the opportunities, outcomes, and experiences of Early College students with representatives from CCV, Norwich, VTSU, and the Vermont Agency of Education.

In this session, participants will:

• Learn about Vermont’s Early College Program from the application process to outcome and success data

• Determine whether Early College is the appropriate flexible pathway for the student

• Hear from CCV, Norwich, and VTSU about the unique features of EC at their institutions

• Brainstorm ways to increase equitable awareness and access to EC across the state

Presenters: Sarah Kresser, Early College Degree Program Manager, Community College of Vermont; Lisa Brucken, Flexible Pathways Advisor, Norwich University; Amy Dodge, Post-secondary Programs Coordinator, VT AOE; Sara Kinerson, Assistant Vice President of Advising & Career Development, VTSU

Session 3 Workshops (2:00-3:00)

Choosing Curiosity & Asking Questions: Tips to Building Connections with Participants

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

Join us for a session where we pique your curiosity, have you asking good questions, and chatting with like-minded people. The workshop will include visual presentations, online polling, small group work projects, table games, and a dash of humor.

By understanding where our curiosity starts and ends, we will be able to place ourselves in our participants “shoes” and help us better understand what they go through as a result of our programming.

This workshop doesn’t require physical activity, but it will involve a lot of talking. So, if you can switch your mind to curious, and don’t mind talking to others, join this engaging session!

Presenter: Ross Cannon, Senior Director of Programs, Aloha Foundation

Friends & Family Challenge: Credentialling Up Together in Vermont

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School, Adult, and General

This workshop will provide attendees with an example of how education and training can spread from friends to family members and beyond. An approach to education that is less about have-to, and more about want-to; thereby creating an ‘education contagion’ among friends and families.

We will demonstrate how the power of suggestion opens the doors of education to all Vermonters. The suggestion being to challenge a friend or family member to enroll in a post-secondary class with the excitement of credentialling up together.

Presenter: Marti Kingsley, Career & Education Outreach Counselor, ������� EOC

Not Your Grandpa’s CTE: Integrating Career and Technical Education into your College and Career Advising

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School and Adult

Join us for an informative workshop to explore Career and Technical Education (CTE), Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), and the impact of Fast Forward courses.

Gain an understanding of what IRCs are, how CTE has evolved over time, and how these programs provide hands-on skills for in-demand careers. Discover how CTE can also be a pathway to college and higher education. Learn why earning IRCs can boost employability and how Fast Forward courses help accelerate certification pathways.

Get an updated perspective on the benefits of career and technical education opportunities including college credits, apprenticeships, career work experiences, industry recognized credentials, articulation agreements, and other best kept secrets!

Presenters: Heidi McLaughlin, School Counselor, CTE Essex; Emmy Charron, School Counselor CTE Essex

Personal Finance Challenge

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School and Adult

In this interactive workshop, you will learn about budgeting and personal finance by exploring the steps needed to buy a vehicle.

This group activity encourages working together in teams to solve clues and open a series of locked boxes that will progressively help you decide which car to buy based on your budget. 

Presenter: Rachel Casey, Outreach Counselor, ������� GEAR UP

Reducing Barriers & Creating Opportunities: The Vermont Transfer Guarantee

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School, Adult, and General

The Vermont Transfer Guarantee, launched in 2024, is a landmark initiative designed to create seamless transfer pathways between the Community College of Vermont and participating public and private institutions.

The program offers new opportunities for students seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree, but the work of getting the word out to a diverse array of stakeholders—including students, families, and advisors—is ongoing. 

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at how the Vermont Transfer Guarantee is structured and how it fits into the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE)’s larger strategy of strengthening transfer pathways across the region. Attendees will gain insight into the program’s history, successes, and challenges thus far.

Presenters: Nicole Otte Stetson, Associate Academic Dean, Community College of Vermont; Rob Johnston, Program Coordinator for Transfer Initiatives, New England Board of Higher Education

Taking the First Step into Professional Skill Building with Current College Students: Lessons from Recent HS Graduates

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School and Adult

Do your high school students understand the importance of networking, know what an informational interview is, or how to maintain a budget?

We piloted an event last fall in partnership with GEAR UP Alumni that aimed to de-mystify professionalism - covering workshop topics like job interviews, budgeting and informational interviewing.

Come to this workshop to review what worked, why it worked, and ways to elevate your skills exploration with upperclassmen.

Presenter: Adriana Eldred, GEAR UP Communications and Outreach Specialist, �й�������

Questions: Email printon@vsac.org

Session I Workshop Materials

Curious Conservation: Environmental Career Exploration at Audubon Vermont

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Get Curious at Killington: VTSU Specialized Programs and Partnerships

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Matching Student Career Interests with Promising Jobs in Vermont

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Next Gen Personal Finance’s Top 5 Favorite Resources for the Classroom

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Pique Your Curiosity; Creative Connections

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Still Curious: Uncovering Pathways to Purposeful and Fulfilling Futures

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Session II Workshop Materials

Community Schools: A Global Model with Local Impact

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

From Ideas to Action: Helping Students Lead for Change and Gain Transferable, Life-Long Skills with Positive Tracks

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Holistic Support for Neurodiverse Learners in their Postsecondary Aspirations

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Igniting Curiosity: Effective Career Conversations

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Unlocking Change: Igniting the Power of Youth from the Classroom to the Community

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Unlocking Potential with Vermont’s Early College Program

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Session III Workshop Materials

Choosing Curiosity & Asking Questions: Tips to Building Connections with Participants

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Friends & Family Challenge: Credentialling Up Together in Vermont

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Not Your Grandpa’s CTE: Integrating Career and Technical Education into your College and Career Advising

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Personal Finance Challenge

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Reducing Barriers & Creating Opportunities: The Vermont Transfer Guarantee

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Taking the First Step into Professional Skill Building with Current College Students: Lessons from Recent HS Graduates

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).