Both the Center for Technology, Essex (CTE) and Burlington Technical Center (BTC) offer pre-technical programs for sophomores. BTC also has a program for freshmen.

Application Process

The Center for Technology, Essex (CTE)  https://www.ewsd.org/o/cte

operates a full-day, flexible block schedule. This schedule allows juniors and seniors to complete a technical program in one year. Most students attend CTE daily, from 9:40 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

Every program offers two to three academic credits (math, science, English, social studies, etc.) as well as up to four elective credits toward high school graduation. In addition, some students take separate academic courses (e.g. algebra, chemistry) at CTE, Essex High School, or a local college to meet graduation or college entry requirements. Our schedule allows flexibility for serious students.

The primary objective of our CTE programming is to provide each student with specific knowledge, skills, and theory to enable him/her to either obtain employment upon completion of the program and/or to enter college. All eligible students participate in a “Career Work Experience” (internship) related to their technical field during their program at CTE. For successful students, this may evolve into a paid work (co-op) position. Industry credentials and/or licenses are affiliated with all programs.

Application Process

The Burlington Technical Center offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to develop the technical, academic, and employability skills needed to start careers either through employment after high school or by continuing on to college. BTC partners with area businesses and organizations to provide career exploration and develop technical and employability skills through job shadows, internships, or paid work experiences. Students attend the Burlington Technical Center for 2 hours and 15 minutes, either in the morning or the afternoon, and may earn a total of 3 credits each year toward graduation. They are able to return to their home schools for other academic courses. BTC programs are designed to be completed in two years, although some students attend for one year to begin an introduction to a career field

Application Process

Big Picture South Burlington (BPSB) is an innovative program within South Burlington High School in which students earn an SBHS diploma via the demonstration of Proficiency-based Graduation Requirements (PBGRs). Our philosophy is that students learn best through relevant endeavors that are authentically assessed within real-world situations. This Model is based on the international Big Picture Learning Model.

Students take up to four SBHS classes, create independent projects, spend significant time in internships, and are assessed via exhibitions. This is a small (30 maximum) democratic educational environment.

To join a student must submit an application, participate in an interview process (to check for fit) to include parent(s)/guardian(s).

Project Lab is a semester-long, one credit course that is offered as a South Burlington High School class. It is ideal for students who are interested in the Big Picture model, but are not ready to fully enroll in the Big Picture program. Through rigorous independent projects and authentic assessments, students earn credit for exploring their interests and passions. Big Picture staff members guide students through the process of developing a project plan, complete with individualized learning goals and assessment methods.

See your Guidance Counselor and speak to Kevin Downey- program coordinator for BPSB: kdowney@sbschools.net

Exceptional Senior Year components:

• Senior Thesis Project A project in which each student uses her/his passions and expertise to give back to the community. This year-long experience requires students to partner with community members to make a positive difference through a complex project.

• College Level Courses Students have the opportunity to take college level courses at local colleges or through Vermont Virtual Learning Collaborative, which offers online AP courses.

• Internships Students will have two substantive internships experiences, each accumulating over 100 hours. Students gain skills by being part of real businesses and organizations and do projects that contribute to their internship site. Internships sites can include farms, local businesses, educational programs, or any other site of interest.

• Service Learning Students engage in a month-long term studying a community need and doing a service learning trip to address it. Past projects topics have included Sustainable Transportation, Design/Build, and Vulnerable Pollinators. These topics often include working with community partners and travel.

• Independent Studies Students design their own learning projects, and the sky's the limit. Want to start your own business? Support a political campaign? Build a computer? Put on a concert? You can choose whatever projects interest you and lead to deep learning.

See your Guidance Counselor and speak to Kevin Downey- program coordinator for BPSB: kdowney@sbschools.net

Students, working closely with their counselors and other school personnel may be able to design work experiences that provide opportunities to earn credit or demonstrate proficiencies. School days can be structured to accommodate work times.

See your School Counselor or Nikk in SBx for more information about this opportunity.