Global Campuses Foundation: Vermont USA
The Global Campuses Experience
The Global Campus Experience is realized by adults with differing abilities through participation as teaching faculty, student learners, and administrative staff. Participants create and manage their campus environments and educational programs.
“Global Campus is a place where people can go teach and learn. We present certificate awards for participating. Our classes teach us to live independently. We learn different things.”
Jayson, GC Newport
Global Campuses Foundation Is Invited To Vermont
In 2003, GCF was invited to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont USA by adults with developmental disabilities who wished to start their own Global Campus (GC). Within months, three campuses emerged in that region of the state. GC St. Johnsbury, GC Newport, and GC Hardwick are now completing their seventh academic year. The demonstrated success of those campuses has led to the establishment of four more campuses across the state.
Vermont campus participants:
- Design, develop, and teach (over 400 courses since 2003)
- Administer registrations
- Award and receive certificates upon completion of academic terms
- Conduct professional development retreats for support staff and allies
- Design evaluations for their respective campus programs
As of spring 2010, there are more than 350 campus participants throughout Vermont. GCF anticipates continued growth in the number of participants as well as new campus initiatives.
Community As Campus
A significant component of the Global Campus Experience is the opportunity for participants to create their learning environment. The rural nature of Vermont has led to campus participants creating a dynamic campus model referred to as “Community as Campus”. Community facilities such as recreation centers, museums, libraries, churches and educational institutions are used as classrooms. Campus participants engage through teaching, learning and contributing as active members of their community.
“I learn a lot at Global Campus. It gets me involved with my community. I like to work in the woodshop. I learned to not fear to speak. I'm a teacher of the soccer class. I've learned how to be respectful of others.”Tammy, GC Newport
Community Service And Stewardship Projects
Individuals with differing abilities have a long standing history of contributing to their communities. GCF presents an educational dimension to this historical commitment to service by facilitating development of community service opportunities. Each academic term, campus participants select a group project which builds upon their sense of identity as a campus and as positive contributors to their community.
“Global Campus participants complete community service projects each term. Last term we donated a Thanksgiving food basket to NEKCA and a Christmas basket to a family in need. We like to give back to the community".
Gary, GC Newport
Global Campuses Foundation's Vermont USA Locations
- Global Campus Newport
- Global Campus St.Johnsbury
- Global Campus Hardwick
- Global Campus Bradford
- Global Campus Randolph
- Global Campus Moretown
- Global Campus Springfield