PRE TECHNICAL EDUCATION: VYCC – CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (Full Day Program)

The model of the Conservation Leadership Institute is similar to many VYCC programs:  a group of 10-12 sophomore students led by well-trained and talented Instructors work together to complete outdoor conservation projects that improve the working landscape.

The High School Leadership Program has four curricular themes:  Watershed, Forestry,Design/Build, and Agriculture.  The crew focuses on two themes per quarter and students earn full credit in a range of academic disciplines.  Instructors collaborate closely with community members and VYCC staff to identify work projects that align with the four themes.  Recent projects include building a hoop house on a local organic farm, raising chickens for slaughter, repairing trails damaged by Irene, felling trees to build a retaining wall, and planting an apple orchard.

In addition to the four aforementioned curricular themes, students focus on achieving outcomes in three categories:  academics, leadership, and mastery of technical skills – all three are central components of the VYCC mission and essential to success during and after high school.  In this learning environment, the contributions of all students are essential to the success of the group.  Students quickly recognize that community members and project sponsors appreciate their efforts.  In short, completing “real” projects raises the stakes and inspires students to produce high-quality academic and conservation work.

Prerequisites: Tenth grade applicants must have a ninth grade transcript showing an award of five full credits including: 1 Math, 1 English, 1 Social Studies, 1 Science, and 1 Elective. Students applying to attend in their eleventh or twelfth grade must have a minimum of 10 credits and be “on-track” to graduate.

HS Credits: Each semester students can earn .5 credits in Math, English, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education.

Last updated: Feb 7, 2012 at 7:44 am