Last week the media flocked to the story of corruption, bribery, and a “breakdown” of ethics in the college admissions process. I wasn’t alone in welcoming the conversation that flowed from there. While what these parents, coaches, and consultants allegedly did may amount to federal crimes, many pundits aired the truth about the admissions system as inherently rigged. Inherently unfair. Yet, accepted.

This week we hosted a community Business Breakfast about internships. The timing was ironic. As Richard Reeves tells us in his book, Dream Hoarders, even the stepping stones to success – such as internships (SAT prep, athletics, etc.) – also fall into that complicated, nuanced “system” where privilege begets privilege.

While we had a lot to cover in our hour together (see below!), many of us left the room grappling with how to ensure that kids from all walks of life get a fair shot – if only in the context of internships. One of our panelists warned the group, “Don’t overlook the borderline applicant.” Another shared, “If you’re not even aware that you should be looking for internships after your freshman year, you’re already behind.” And, finally, “Be a mentor.”

Simple awareness-building about career options and the steps to reach them is one way to start. Stay tuned as we hash out ideas of how to broaden our scope to incorporate this in a more formal way into our programs at King Street Center. And, as per usual, we won’t do this alone. We’ll look to the community to be involved! Because I know that together, we can create systemic change.

Sincerely,

Vicky Smith, Executive Director

In our Business Breakfast this week, we invited the community to look at internships from different angles – the employer, coach, and interns themselves! Workforce development is a hot topic in our small state, and we are all eager to hold on to young talent for growth and innovation.

It’s not always easy to be successful in hosting interns, preparing students for these opportunities, or as a young person, jumping into the workplace. Thanks so much to Brett Smith and Laurie Francis from Fuse, Pat Boera from the Champlain College Career Team, Liz Dohrman from VBSR Intern Program, Emma Katz Champlain College ’19 and Fuse Intern, and Eric Ode from Champlain Investment Partners for bringing a wealth of expertise.

Read a synopsis and check out helpful resources here.

We are super excited to welcome new talent and energy to join our summer staff! If you – or someone you know – embodies the King Street Center spirit, please send them our way. They should love kids (K-5th grade) and ready to be a team player. The full-day summer schedule looks busy, so staff should be ready to hit the ground running as kids explore opportunities at the pool, farm, waterfront, theatre, playgrounds, gardens, and more!

Please find the job posting here.

Frannie Olderman’s entire face lights up when she walks through King Street Center’s door. Her bright wide smile, enthusiasm, and eagerness to see the kids is evident. As Frannie says, “I wake up so excited the days I come to King Street Center because I feel like the kids I have met and work with recenter me and fill me with joy. The environment is warm and welcoming and reminds me how important community, learning, and being silly are at every point in life. King Street Center has introduced many new opportunities and friendships”.

Frannie, a UVM intern, is a joy and honor to have in program. She is passionate, has a strong work ethic, takes initiative, and embraces all youth. Frannie says her internship has been good. “I volunteered at King Street Center before, so I felt comfortable and excited to come back, but still felt challenges and ultimately growth from working with different age groups, activities, and making meaningful connections with kids and staff. I really enjoy ‘Boost’ and try my best to make learning fun and a good experience, especially when kids are struggling or don’t like a certain subject.”

Mission accomplished. Thank you, Frannie!