The Centerpoint Cooperative is a therapeutic educational program for adolescents who are building skills connected to living independent, adult lives. The Cooperative program focuses on academic growth, personal development and wellness, and independent living skills. Students enrolled in this program come from a wide variety of life experiences and work towards independence and a personalized set of goals.
The Cooperative currently has openings for the 2016-2017 school year.
The Cooperative currently has openings for the 2016-2017 school year.
|
|
|
|
Can I get my diploma at the Centerpoint Cooperative?
Yes! In the Cooperative program students work towards earning a Centerpoint High School diploma. Rather than taking classes or tests, you will work on a series of in-depth projects that help you learn and demonstrate the skills that are important for your life. Your first few weeks are a “mutual assessment time” which gives you an opportunity to decide if the Cooperative meets your needs. If you and your team decide that it is a good fit, you will then work with the Cooperative team to develop your projects. These projects are based on your life, things that are important to you and your future, and addressing what is getting in the way. Once you have completed all of your projects, you will present them to your team and earn a Centerpoint High School diploma!
Important Centerpoint Cooperative Information
- The Cooperative team will build a weekly schedule based on your current projects and priorities, including commitments such as work or child care.
- Many of your Cooperative projects will happen in your community, where your life takes place. Other projects will happen at the Cooperative Center, a space where you can access a kitchen, bathroom with a shower, laundry machines, and unique work spaces.
- Depending on where you are scheduled, your day can start and/or end in a number of places
- Students spend an average of 12 hours a week engaged with Cooperative staff, working on projects. The amount of time on your schedule will be directly based on current projects and priorities.
- Each student is budgeted a certain amount of money every week for lunch and snacks. Learning about food, shopping for food, and budgeting meals are all part of one of your projects. We shop together, cook, and learn about food. You may also bring food with you if you choose.
- Three people make up the Cooperative staff team, which means you will always know who you are working with and what you are working on. You will be in contact with the Cooperative team through text, email or phone. We also have a Cooperative Facebook, so you can connect with us there!
- Completing Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) is a lot of work, but the great thing is that all of that work is connected to you, your life, and your goals. The Cooperative is set up so every piece of work you do moves you closer to your diploma.
How do I apply to the Centerpoint Cooperative?
Cooperative students must be goal driven and be motivated to build skills to earn their diploma. Students are referred to the Cooperative by their school district so you will need to be registered at your school. If you would like some more information, or to take next steps in applying, please contact Katie Decker at 802-324-2378 or KatieD@centerpointservices.org.
Meet the Cooperative Staff
(in order from left to right)
Amy Terkelsen, Transition Counselor
Amy Terkelsen has been living in Vermont since 2012. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and has worked with youth and young adults in a variety of settings. She is enjoys taking adventures with her camera, painting, crafting, and is learning to tap dance!
Rachel Wassel, Social Work Clinician
Rachel earned her Bachelors degree in Religion and Native American studies from Colgate University and her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. Rachel moved to Vermont in 2013 and it has quickly become home. Rachel loves to ski, hike and swim in the lake whenever possible. She also loves exploring all of Vermont's wonders with her dog Hazel, a labradoodle, and playing her ukulele. Rachel brings a "person first" mentality to her work at Centerpoint and strives to empower youth to find their passions and have more choice in their lives.
Brita Down, MA
Academic Coordinator
Brita has a Masters degree in Education, a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Theater, and studied abroad in Brazil, Ireland, England, and Puerto Rico. She worked in special education for 10 years in New York City before moving to Vermont in 2015. Brita is an avid skier, runner, traveler and musical theater performer.
(in order from left to right)
Amy Terkelsen, Transition Counselor
Amy Terkelsen has been living in Vermont since 2012. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and has worked with youth and young adults in a variety of settings. She is enjoys taking adventures with her camera, painting, crafting, and is learning to tap dance!
Rachel Wassel, Social Work Clinician
Rachel earned her Bachelors degree in Religion and Native American studies from Colgate University and her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. Rachel moved to Vermont in 2013 and it has quickly become home. Rachel loves to ski, hike and swim in the lake whenever possible. She also loves exploring all of Vermont's wonders with her dog Hazel, a labradoodle, and playing her ukulele. Rachel brings a "person first" mentality to her work at Centerpoint and strives to empower youth to find their passions and have more choice in their lives.
Brita Down, MA
Academic Coordinator
Brita has a Masters degree in Education, a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Theater, and studied abroad in Brazil, Ireland, England, and Puerto Rico. She worked in special education for 10 years in New York City before moving to Vermont in 2015. Brita is an avid skier, runner, traveler and musical theater performer.
