Youth Development Program

The Youth Development Program (YDP) is available for everyone ages 14-22 with foster care experience. YDP provides supports and resources to transition to adulthood, and meet your personal interests and goals. The YDP offers:

Local case management including support with education and career planning
Financial resources
Extended foster care beyond the age of 18
Leadership and advocacy opportunities
More personalized support

There are YDP Coordinators in Hartford, Middlebury, Rutland, and Springfield at Easterseals Vermont.

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Youth Development Program

Local case management including support with education and career planning
Financial resources
Extended foster care beyond the age of 18
Leadership and advocacy opportunities
More personalized support

This program has a YDP Coordinator in Hyde Park at Lamoille Restorative Center.

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Youth Development Program

Find your path to independence in adulthood through education, employment, and other types of support. This program pairs a Youth Development Coordinator with a student (ages 14-23) who is or has been in foster care. Together, you will:

Get academic and career assistance
Find leadership opportunities
Access financial resources
Plan for your future after exiting foster care

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Jump On Board for Success (JOBS)

Delivered in partnership with HireAbility Vermont and Lamoille County Mental Health Services, this program is for eligible youth ages 16-22. Through this program, you can access services from career exploration to employment retention support. The Jobs On Board for Success (JOBS) program helps you:

Develop or improve job seeking, resume writing, and interviewing skills
Arrange job shadow experiences, volunteer work, and internships
Troubleshoot potential barriers to employment, such as transportation and scheduling
Navigate career exploration
Find a job

Get started in the Lamoille Valley

GEAR UP

GEAR UP is a program to help middle and high school students facing obstacles continue their education after high school. Students must be enrolled in grades 6–12. This program gives students:

Focused support through career and academic counseling
College funding
Financial counseling
Parent support

GEAR UP is available in many middle and high schools across the state. Students at those schools can talk to their school counselors about how to get involved with the program.

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