HUMAN SERVICES STUDENTS WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

As part of the Human Services program at BTC, 8-second year students had the opportunity to further explore their career interests. During the month of February, students went to community placements, or researched a career, instead of coming to class. Placements this year included Pine Forest Childcare Center, Champlain Elementary School, St. Michael´s Childcare Center, BHS Special Needs classes, Milton EEE program and the Multigenerational Center on Winooski Ave. Students worked with people of all ages, from infants through the elderly. Placements were tailored to individual student goals. Upon completion, students were evaluated by site supervisors and reflected on their experiences. Additionally, two students who are pursuing careers in the mental health field researched different career paths and interviewed people who are working in this field, over 20 interviews in all.

JoAnn Wolter, Human Services instructor says: “This part of our program is very valuable to our students. They are able to try out and experience a career before making either an employment or college commitment. Some of our students think they really want to work with certain populations and this experience either reinforces their goals or gets them thinking about alternative interests they may pursue. Having this opportunity in high school is very exciting, they come back with lots of enthusiasm for their futures.”