Branching Out

Branching Out has been providing opportunities for students to explore personalized learning projects for over 20 years!  A year-long program for high school students; students choose one topic to pursue and work with a mentor in the community; Karen Liebermann is the Teacher Advisor and meets with students individually on a weekly basis throughout the year.  Branching Out--World Language is an option for students to study world languages not offered at U-32. Contact: kliebermann@u32.org

Community Based Learning

A semester-long program for high school students; students choose one topic of interest and work with a mentor in the community. Students obtain experiences that engage the community as an extension of the classroom, for the purpose of career exploration, training, or genuine curiosity and interest in a subject area. Students will map out a learning plan with goals, take action steps, prove / document their learning with artifacts, and understand all skills developed using the U-32 SLO’s. Time during the semester is spent in class, with the instructor, at an internship, or with a mentor in this student driven course.  George Cook is the Teacher Advisor and meets with students both in a class format and individually. Contact: gcook@u32.org

The Pilot Program

A personalized learning program for high school students that allows students to understand themselves as learners. Project plans are designed by students based on their passions and interests. In the Pilot, students gain a deeper understanding of how they learn best --  the type of embodied knowledge that they gain can be life-changing; Amy Koenigbauer is the Teacher Advisor.  See the Pilot Website for more.  Contact: akoenignauer@u32.org

Changemakers: Building a Brighter Future

Changemakers offers students the opportunity to explore issues of racial justice, climate justice and social change.  Students develop a group or independent project- centered on action- that makes a difference in the community.  Changemakers is offered to 9-12th graders in the first semester. Karen Liebermann and Shelley Vermiliya are the teacher advisors who meet with students in a dedicated class time, with help from guest teacher Meg Allison.

Students have the option to continue their action project through Branching Out in the second semester. Contact: kliebermann@u32.org

Branching Out Media Lab

Branching Out Media Lab offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of multimedia tools- photography, filmmaking, and audio- to create independent projects and assignments. Facilitated by Liza Semler, with guest speakers and industry mentors, students will gain hands-on experience and insights to bring their creative ideas to life. Branching Out Media Lab is offered to 9-12th graders during Callback, with the option to continue their media project with a mentor through Branching Out. Contact: lsemler@u32.org

Transition Academy

The Transition Academy at U-32 is a results-oriented program focusing on improving the academic and functional achievement of local Vermont students with disabilities. John Boyd established the U-32 Transition Academy in 2019 and has partnered with local organizations to provide connections to postsecondary education, integrated employment, supported employment, and continuing adult education to help students meet their unique post-secondary transition goals. Contact: jboyd@u32.org

*U-32 Transition Academy featured in Vermont Business Magazine! Click here to read the article.