For the second year in a row the Guidance Office at Winooski High School (WHS) has reached out to the Roundtable to partner with them on their school-wide Aspiration Day. For these students, many of whom are first generation Vermonters or whose parents are new Americans, the idea of migrating from formal school into the workforce is daunting, and school demographics point to additional reasons why it is important for business to have more direct engagement with students.
Winooski is more ethnically diverse than other high schools in Vermont (49% v. 8%); almost 60% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch; their students score in the bottom 10% of high schools for reading and math proficiency; and the graduation rate of 52% is well below the statewide average graduate rate of close to 90%.
Special thanks to Roundtable members Michael Lash, President and CEO of Ethan Allen Home Interiors, Michael Seaver, Vermont President, People’s United Bank, and Pierre LeBlanc, President, Engeleberth Construction, who took the time to engage in a meaningful way with students who desire to know what it takes to communicate to the business world, how to overcome racial and gender biases, and why it’s important to get as much education as you can.
Want to make a difference in the life of a child? Don’t wait to be invited, just step up in your own community.