The Centerpoint Cooperative is a community-based, therapeutically-informed educational services program that helps transition-aged adolescents focus on setting goals and building connections while offering a flexible pathway to a high school diploma. In collaboration with Centerpoint's full array of educational and community health and wellness services (click here for more information), the Cooperative aims to teach, support, and treat the whole person as they develop daily living skills, find jobs and grow careers, and build healthy relationships in their communities. Come and work on what matters to you!
The Cooperative is currently accepting referrals.
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Can I get a high school diploma at the Centerpoint Cooperative?
Yes! In the Cooperative program, students work toward earning a Centerpoint High School diploma. Rather than taking classes or tests for credit, you will work on a series of in-depth proficiency projects that help you learn and demonstrate the skills that are important for your life. This work is called Proficiency Based Learning (PBL). 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 an Individual Program Plan (IPP) to help you toward your goals. Your projects are based on your life, things that are important to you and your future, and on addressing what might be getting in the way. Once you demonstrate proficiency in the skills identified in your IPP, you earn a Centerpoint High School diploma!
Important Centerpoint Cooperative Information
Yes! In the Cooperative program, students work toward earning a Centerpoint High School diploma. Rather than taking classes or tests for credit, you will work on a series of in-depth proficiency projects that help you learn and demonstrate the skills that are important for your life. This work is called Proficiency Based Learning (PBL). 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 an Individual Program Plan (IPP) to help you toward your goals. Your projects are based on your life, things that are important to you and your future, and on addressing what might be getting in the way. Once you demonstrate proficiency in the skills identified in your IPP, you earn a Centerpoint High School diploma!
Important Centerpoint Cooperative Information
- The Cooperative team will help you build your schedule based on your current priorities, including commitments such as work or child care.
- Program participants spend an average of 12 hours a week working directly with Cooperative staff. Schedules often include time spent at jobs or internships.
- Many of your Cooperative projects will happen in your community, where your life takes place. Other projects will happen at Centerpoint campuses 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.
- Each student is provided a certain amount of money every week for lunch and snacks. Learning about nutrition, food access, cooking, and budgeting are all part of the program. You may also bring food with you if you choose.
- The Cooperative team consists of 3 primary staff members, 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, FB Messenger, email or phone.
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Meet the Cooperative Staff Cory Froning, Transition Counselor (802) 363-6954 CoryF@CenterpointServices.org Cory Froning came to Centerpoint first as a Counseling Teacher, with previous experience in farming, outdoor education, working with domestic violence survivors, and supporting food access for homeless youth. As Transition Counselor, Cory supports youth to set and achieve personal goals while prioritizing community engagement, personal health and wellness. Cory is passionate about building community and fostering environmental stewardship through growing and cooking food together. In her free time, Cory loves to bake bread, walk in the woods with her pup, and goof around on the harmonica. Stephanie Bova, Cooperative Coordinator (802) 324-2549 StephanieB@CenterpointServices.org Stephanie Bova has served a variety of incredible student bodies in numerous capacities, primarily as an English Language Arts teacher, an advisor, and a coach. She is passionate about the importance of education, especially equity in education, and exploring wellness best practices. Stephanie earned her Master of Arts degree in English Literature from Miami University of Ohio, and, you guessed, loves to read. She enjoys pretty much anything art-related and being outside surrounded by nature. Katie Cunningham, Academic Director (802) 363-0416 KatCunning@CenterpointServices.org Katie Cunningham is a licensed Special Educator with years of experience serving the individualized educational needs of young people in Vermont. As the Academic Director for all of Centerpoint's Alternative Educational Day Treatment Services, including the Centerpoint Cooperative and Centerpoint School, Katie works with young people, their families, and their teams to craft meaningful, growth-oriented educational experiences. Katie is ever the learner herself, taking on classical ballet training as an adult despite never having taken a class before. Also, she loves animals, most especially her doggo! John Oliver, Director of Community Education Initiatives (802) 363-7808 JohnO@CenterpointServices.org John Oliver has spent over 15 years as a mentor, teacher, administrator, and program director serving youth and their communities in Vermont. John brings his passion for people and critical pedagogy to all of the roles in which he serves. John is also an actor, a poet, a playwright, a father, and a storyteller, all of which bring him great joy. John Grimm, Clinical Director (802) 324-4507 JohnG@CenterpointServices.org John Grimm is the Clinical Director for all of Centerpoint's Alternative Education Day Treatment programs, serving in the role for over 18 years. John is committed to developing compassionate understanding of the strengths and needs of young people and their families and to helping folks feel seen, heard, respected as they seek connection, clarify what matters to them, and progress toward their goals. |
Sample Schedule and Projects |
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