I’m done with inequity: March Enews from King Street Center

Dear King Street Center friends,
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 signature
Vicky Smith, Executive Director

Business Breakfast: Internships

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.
Are you fun? We are hiring.
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.
Pi Day!
Thanks to the Rice Memorial High School Math Team for baking (and selling) sum pi to benefit King Street Center! This has become a wonderful tradition. We really appreciate your support.
Volunteer (actually, intern!) of the Month
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!
Dates to Note 
April 7-13
Happy National Volunteer Week!
 
April 22-26
Burlington School District Closed
Full Day King Street Center Camp offered
April 25 & 26
Early Education Program Closed for Family Conferences
June 11
Last day of Afterschool & Teen Program for school year
June 12
Last day, (1/2 day!) of Early Education for the school year)
June 24
All programs resume for summer
June 24
July 27
Save the Date for the 6th Annual Backyard Classic
Buddy Block
information for mentors
 
 
Echo Community Science Night
March 21
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Free dinner, Hands-On Demonstrations with ECHO’s E-team, “Age of Dinosaurs” Special Exhibit, Scavenger Hunt, Free Exploration of Exhibits
Echo, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
April 27
Complimentary tickets available.
 
Vermont Mentor Celebration, Appreciating Mentors from NW Vermont
April 2 (re-scheduled from recent snow storm)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by The Chittenden County Mentoring Network
Generously sponsored by Dealer.com
Dealer.com, 1 Howard Street, Burlington
Annual April Fools Party
April 6
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
King Street Center welcomes back Al Getler, a local Ventriloquist who is sure to make you and your mentee laugh! In addition, there will be open gym, games and pizza
King Street Center
SB Mentoring Speakers Series #3
April 8
6:30-8:00 p.m.
A Discussion about “Gender for Mentors and Mentoring Coordinators”
Guest Speaker Mara Iverson of Outright VT
F.H. Tuttle Middle School Library, 500 Dorset Street, S. Burlington

RSVP to gabriella@kingstreetcenter.org.

Mentor and Mentee Teen Night at Saint Michael’s College
April 15
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Climbing Wall, open gym, free dinner for mentors and mentees in the dinning hall. This event is for middle and high school mentees and their mentors only
Saint Michael’s College
Anniversaries:
Monique Fox and Nurto, 12 years (wow!)
Karen Shingler and Hawa, 5 years
Hunter Townsend and Alex, 3 years
Molly Cort and Halima, 3 years
Looking for fun kid outings?  Sugar on snow activities abound! Don’t forget to check out KidsVT or findandgoseek.net to find early Spring activities.
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