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 2017-2018 school year.
The Cooperative currently has openings for the 2017-2018 school year.
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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 Graduation Requirements (PBGR). 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 PBGR projects. These projects are based on your life, things that are important to you and your future, and what might be getting in the way of your goals. 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
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 Graduation Requirements (PBGR). 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 PBGR projects. These projects are based on your life, things that are important to you and your future, and what might be getting in the way of your goals. 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 your schedule based on your current projects and priorities, including commitments such as work or child care.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Cooperative team consists of 3 staff, 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.
- Completing PBGR projects 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
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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! 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. Nicole Seligson, Social Work Clinician Nicole has been living in the Burlington area for nearly 20 years. She appreciates the many resources this community has to offer as well as enjoys exploring Vermont’s natural and cultural richness. Nicole earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johnson State College and has also studied and taught various realms of experiential education, focusing mainly on sociology and the environment. She is very excited to be a part of the Centerpoint community facilitating youth in their personal growth and wellness. |
Sample Schedule and Projects |
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