Transition & Career Planning Conference

This year's conference "Advancing Possibilities: Engage. Adapt. Excel." will focus on models and methods that address preparation for career planning, access, and opportunity. We are excited to welcome Professor Brian Michael Murphy as our keynote speaker.

Thank you to our presenters, partners, and committee members for making this conference possible.

Partners
   • VSAC GEAR UP Program
   • The Vermont Agency of Education
   • The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation, 2026 Sponsor
 

Committee Members
   • Erica Borthwick, VSAC
   • Amy Dodge, VT AOE
   • Cathy Printon, VSAC GEAR UP, Committee Chair
   • Jessica Smith, VSAC GEAR UP
   • Anna Telensky, VSAC GEAR UP
   • Sara Vargo, VSAC GEAR UP

Friday, May 8, 8:30am – 3:15pm

Registration & Networking 8:30am – 9:30am

Keynote Presentation (9:45-10:30)

Life with Machines: Adapting to Technological Change

How can we best guide and support students and young workers in the age of artificial intelligence? And what, precisely, is “artificial intelligence”? Each of us will take a slightly different approach to answering these questions, but all of us will have to navigate the tension between the world as it is and the world that is coming. In the world as it is, we seek out employment; to prepare for the world to come, we must look beyond the world as it is and develop our ability to adapt. The dance that all of us must learn is to adapt to current circumstances so that we can remain employable, while still listening to that deeper voice within that gives us a sense of how we are changing, and of what path we should explore next. But this dance is not easy—with the arrival of AI, it is as if someone is speeding up the music, even as young people are only just now learning the steps.

In this keynote, I will draw upon a range of works, from scholarship by leading AI researchers and critics, such as Kate Crawford’s Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence, to books in the realm of education and professional development, such as Forbes journalist George Anders’s You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power of a “Useless” Liberal Arts Education. In some ways, AI has changed everything when it comes to supporting young people navigating a turbulent job market, not to mention the seismic shifts occurring in higher education. And in another sense, it is still the case that the most important capacity one can develop in the age of AI is adaptability, through which one can learn new skills, develop fresh dispositions, and evolve along with technological trends, but also think beyond those trends, for they will inevitably change.

To do this, whether we are technophiles, technophobes, or something in-between, we can draw upon the long-established tradition of wisdom stretching back to medieval times, when the Machine Age we currently find ourselves in first began. Since then, humans have grappled with mechanization and our relationship to machines, a story in which the advent of AI is merely the latest chapter.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Brian Michael Murphy is Chair and Associate Professor of American Studies at Williams College and a Faculty Associate at the Berkshire Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

His book We the Dead: Preserving Data at the End of the World received the 2025 Anne Friedberg Innovative Scholarship Award from the Society for Cinema and Media Studies and the 2024 Lois P. Rudnick Book Prize from the New England American Studies Association.

Session 1 Workshops (10:45-11:45)

Advancing Possibilities for Youth-Adult Partnership, Leadership, and Youth Voice

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

Discover how to cultivate engaged, capable youth leaders and facilitators who are ready to shape meaningful change. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore practical strategies for building leadership, facilitation, and youth-adult partnership skills through a series of dynamic activities designed to challenge, inspire, and grow participants' capabilities.

Participants will:

• Reflect on their own leadership strengths and areas for growth through a skills self-assessment and a strengths & grow circle.
• Explore different leadership styles with exercises like Compass Points and Leadership is Like..., gaining insight into personal approaches to leading and collaborating.
• Engage in per0survey analysis to understand group dynamics and leverage real-world date, including examples from UP from Learning's pre-survey datasets.
• Participate in hands-on challenges such as design challenges and group juggling, building teamwork, adaptability, and facilitation skills in real time.

This workshop is perfect for anyone seeking to engage youth participants more deeply, adapt to group needs effectively, and excel in cultivating youth-adult partnerships, youth voice, and leadership. Through active participation and reflection, you'll leave with practical tools and strategies to advance possibilities in your own school or community.

Presenters: Lindsey Halman, Executive Director, UP for Learning; Pat LaClair, Program Director, UP for Learning; Jacoby Soter, Youth Program Specialist, UP for Learning; two youth facilitators

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures in Cybersecurity

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School and General

In this workshop, we'll provide an overview of Champlain College's partnership with NuHarbor Security to create an innovative CyberStart dual-enrollment program, including its structure, goals, methodologies, and student benefits.

Participants will learn how this unique program offers up to 12 college credits, two internship opportunities, scholarships, and hands-on cybersecurity experience, in order to launch students into cybersecurity careers.

Students who successfully participate in this program earn a certificate and conditional acceptance to Champlain College.

Presenters: LaKysha Patnode, Assistant Professor, Champlain College; Aaron Leach, Information Assurance Manager, NuHarbor Security

Keeping It Real: Readiness, Rigor, and Relationships - Helping Students Thrive in Their Dual-Credit Experiences

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School, Adult, and General

Dual-credit students enter higher education balancing the academic, social, and emotional demands of high school. They must do this while adjusting to a non-proficiency-based system and online learning environments, against the backdrop of the rapidly changing AI environment. Their success in modern higher ed depends not only on academic readiness, but also on habits and skills such as consistent attendance, time management, help-seeking behaviors, healthy routines, and meaningful connection.

This session will invite collaboration as we explore ways to work together to promote student readiness and to increase awareness of available supports at CCV, Norwich, and VTSU. The Agency of Education and college personnel will share strategies and procedures to support attendance, engagement, and the thoughtful integration of technology and AI tools while inviting school personnel to share their tried-and-true strategies for supporting dual-credit students.

Counselors will leave with a clearer understanding of how colleges support dual-credit students and practical insights to help students and families prepare for the transition to college-level expectations.

Presenters: Amy Dodge, Post Secondary Programs Coordinator, VT Agency of Education; Lisa Brucken, Flexible Pathways Academic Advisor, Norwich University; Sara Kinerson, Assistant Vice President of Advising and Career Development, VT State University; Sarah Kresser, Early College Degree Program Manager, Community College of VT

Life With Machines: Keynote Follow-up Discussion

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

Building on the ideas introduced in the keynote Life with Machines: Adapting to Technological Change, this follow-up session with Brian Murphy offers a deeper, more interactive exploration of how individuals and organizations can navigate rapid technological shifts.

Participants will reflect on key themes from the opening keynote address.

Presenter: Brian Michael Murphy

Listen to Students! Brattleboro Union High School Student Panel

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

Brattleboro Union High School students will share their thoughts on current technology trends such as AI. They will share their perspectives and opinions on their school's no cell phone policy.

In addition, students will share how and where they find a sense of belonging at their school and the importance of having avenues for sharing their views and ideas with teachers, administrators, community members, and peers.

Students on this panel are involved with restorative justice, VSAC Aspirations, VSAC Talent Search, and/or community youth leadership.

Presenter: Holly Hammond, Aspirations School Specialist, VSAC Aspirations; Brattleboro Union High School students: Madison McKinley, 12th grade; Saivon Rhodes, 11th grade; Lottie Kurowski, 11th grade; Yingyen Wangchuck, 10th grade

STEM Best Practices and Offerings Around the State

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Elementary, Middle, and High School

Vermont Afterschool, in partnership with the STEM Advisory Committee, has created a Best Practices guide for implementing STEM programming in the out-of-school-time field. This guide goes through 5 best practices and can be used in any setting, including the school day, to bring quality STEM to youth in an engaging way.

Our STEM Committee aims to bring STEM opportunities to youth throughout the state and has developed additional resources to help education professionals find and connect with STEM offerings in their area.

During this workshop, we will walk through the Best Practices with a hands-on activity and delve into our other resources to support you in bringing STEM to your youth.

Presenter: Katie O'Shea, STEAM and Career Awareness Coordinator, Vermont Aftershool

Session 2 Workshops (12:45-1:45)

The After High School Experience: The Voice of Recent High School Graduates on Technology & AI

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

In this panel, recent high school graduates will discuss their experiences and observations of how they are using AI and technology in and outside of the classroom. "We are not experts but we are young adults, recently out of high school, open to sharing our experiences as we all learn about AI as we go."

Educators will leave this workshop with a better understanding of the landscape of how young adults utilize AI and technology in their lives. Panelists will share lived experiences from college and work about how adaptability is serving us.

Additionally, there will be space for the audience to ask questions so they can walk away with better insight into how to prepare students for their futures.

Presenters: recent high school graduates BryAnna Goslant, Stella Martenis, and Lahna Descheneau; Adriana Eldred, Communications and Outreach Specialist, VSAC GEAR UP

Beyond Cheating: Rebuilding Trust and Purpose in an AI-Shaped World

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School, Adult, and General

This workshop moves beyond the question "is AI helping students cheat?" and instead asks a more urgent one: what does it feel like to group up in an AI-shaped world, and how should schools respond? This session will explore how AI is not just changing how students complete tasks, but how they experience identity, purpose, and career direction.

Participants will:

• Examine how AI is reshaping students' perceptions of learning, relevance, and future employability,
• Explore why adaptability, judgment, and human-centered skills are becoming more essential than ever,
• Consider practical shifts schools can make to rebuild trust, strengthen identity, and connect learning to meaningful impact,
• Reflect on how transition and career planning must evolve in a world where stability feels less guaranteed and adaptability matters more than certainty.

Presenters: Stan Williams, Learning and Development Coordinator, Champlain Valley School District; Katie Mack, Librarian, Champlain Valley Union High School 

Engaging Students in Meaningful Career Development

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School

In this workshop, we will help you rev up student career readiness by exploring three career development approaches designed to engage employers with students, connect youth to in-demand careers, and facilitate meaningful workplace experiences.

Participants will receive links to access each resource guide and gain practical strategies for integrating them into a program, lesson, or student outreach.

Presenter: Kathi Terami, Executive Director, Careers CLiC

From the Inside Out: Perspective and Reality in Today’s Educational Experience

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

This interactive workshop brings GEAR UP students and educators together as co-learners to explore how perception, perspective, and truth shape educational experiences in today's rapidly evolving system.

Rather than discussing learner-centered practice in theory, this session models it in real time by elevating student voice as a central component of professional learning. Students and educators will engage by sharing how they experience education today, including post-secondary planning, career readiness, technology, and social engagement in a post-COVID environment.

Educators will reflect on how their own experiences, often shaped by a very different educational landscape, influence expectations, assumptions, and practice. The session intentionally highlights generational differences in needs and perspectives, not as shortcomings, but as opportunities to deepen understanding and improve how we support learners navigating an increasingly complex world.

Presenters: Nathan Hickey, Outreach Counselor, VSAC GEAR UP; current GEAR UP students

Gone Guys Film: Boys and Young Men are Struggling; It's Time to Talk About It.

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, Adult, and General

The new film, Gone Guys, will inspire the discussion, which will give participants a better understanding of the reality boys and men face in society, greater comfort discussing the complex topic and examples of actions that school and community-based leaders have taken, which could be replicated.

Registered attendees will receive a private link to the film to view ahead of the conference and during the session a short clip will be shown to kickstart the conversation. Gone Guys is an award-winning film that explores a “quiet crisis” in our communities: the increasing disengagement and isolation of boys and young men. Set in rural Vermont, the documentary features young men, educators, mentors, and trailblazing programs that are working to re-engage boys and young men in their communities and to reshape their futures.

The film draws on the influential work of Richard V. Reeves, bringing national data to life. Join the conference session to view additional content and be part of the conversation. More info: GoneGuysFilm.com

Presenter: Lauren Curry, Special Projects Director, Vermont Community Foundation

Human Literacy

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

This session explores "human literacy" as the set of essential skills for thriving in a technology-saturated world: presence, empathy, creativity, and real-world connection.

Through interactive face-to-face activities, participants will practice deep listening, nonverbal awareness, and collaborative problem-solving. The session also examines how digital life impacts attention, social cues, and the boundaries between public and private spaces.

Participants will leave with practical strategies to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and engage more intentionally both online and offline.

Presenter: Beth Clay, former VSAC Talent Search Counselor

Transforming Schools-Part 1: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Elementary, Middle, and High School

This two-part workshop is designed to help educators understand how trauma affects students and their learning. Part 2 will take place directly following this session.

It explains the impact of trauma on the developing brain and provides guidance on how to transform your school or district into a trauma-informed environment.

The workshop also identifies some quick wins for creating a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff to thrive.

Presenter: Erica McLaughlin, Executive Director of Professional Learning, VT Principals' Association

Session 3 Workshops (2:00-3:00)

Creative Engagement

AUDIENCE FOCUS: All Audiences

A central component of this session is creative engagement - using the arts as a powerful medium for connection and learning.

Through hands-on projects such as color theory exercises, fiber arts, and simple building challenges, participants will practice problem-solving and collaboration in tangible ways.

These activities are designed to engage diverse learning styles by integrating physical, intellectual, and creative experiences.

Presenter: Beth Clay, former VSAC Talent Search Counselor 

Embedding Career Connections in the Classroom

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, and General

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn new and innovative ways to incorporate career connections into their classroom.

Our workshop is aimed at empowering teachers, WBL coordinators, and school counselors to build career integration into classroom lessons that allow students to explore career options within the subjects they most enjoy.

We will look at everything from cross-curricular, career-exploration integration to "light lift" methods that can be used immediately.

Participants will:

• Access resources to share with departments, staff, and grade levels to research career exploration.
• Recognize ways to integrate career exploration into existing curriculum with very little "lift".
• Develop creative resources for sharing that will be useful to colleagues and are custom to a school's goals.
  

Presenters: Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont; Elizabeth Barnes, Program Manager, Advance Vermont 

Engaging Student Leaders: Advancing What's Possible Through Student Voice!

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School, and General

A presentation on student voice, led by student voices!

For two years, the GEAR UP Leads Club at Oxbow High School has provided a place for student leaders to share their voice and skills to make their community a better place. Learn from Oxbow GEAR UP Leads students and Outreach Counselor Kassidy Moore about how the group was started, why student voice matters, and how you can start your own student led program at your school.

Leave with practical resources created by the group to help guide the format of our program, advice from leaders on what support students are looking for, and a reminder of all that our students can achieve when they are given space and support to make a difference.

Presenter: Kassidy Moore, Outreach Counselor, VSAC GEAR UP; Oxbow GEAR UP Leads students

Focus on Engagement: Breaking Down Harwood's Move to Phone-Free Learning

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School

Harwood 7-12 went phone free bell-to-bell in 2024. Come to this workshop to hear about our process - how we made decisions, rolled it out, and stayed the course - and learn about our successes and ongoing challenges.

As the state of Vermont moves to phone-free schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, participants will discuss and consider what different aspects of being phone-free could look like in your school.

During engagement with others in the session, we will consider these questions:

• How will we build momentum with staff, students, and families?
• Where will the phones be?
• How will we respond to challenges?
• How will we capitalize on the potential increased engagement?

Presenters: Jessica Deane, Assistant Principal, Harwood Union MHS; Rachael Potts, Internship Coordinator, Harwood Union MHS

A New Era in Award Letter Guidance: Meet Award Advisor

AUDIENCE FOCUS: High School, Adult, and General

College award letters can be confusing – even overwhelming – for students, families, and even school counselors trying to help families make smart college decisions.

This workshop introduces Award Advisor, a mobile-friendly tool that uses AI and machine learning to help students clearly understand the real costs behind each offer. Counselors will learn how the tool works, how it empowers families to compare college costs with confidence, and how it can support your advising process.

Join us to see a live demo, explore case examples, and leave with practical ways to integrate Award Advisor into your toolkit.

Presenter: Carrie Harlow, Resource Center Advisor & Financial Aid Specialist, VSAC

Oh, the Places They'll Go!

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Middle and High School

Students who have a positive, early introduction to a college environment in middle school, and begin their postsecondary education journey while still in high school through opportunities such as Dual Enrollment, are more likely to graduate from high school and continue to earn a college credential.

In this session, we will outline the many ways students can start their postsecondary education journey while still in high school and the multitude of transfer pathways and opportunities that these experiences can lead to.

Participants will:

• Learn about free opportunities for middle and high school students at CCV,
• Explore the value of intentional, supported, and early post-secondary educational experiences,
• Learn how students can earn a free, accelerated degree of their choosing at CCV,
• Learn how CCV's degrees align with Vermont's Most Promising Jobs,
• Learn about the many transfer pathways and agreements available to CCV graduates.

Presenters: Sarah Kresser, Early College Degree Program Manager, Community College of Vermont; Natalie Searle, Director of Secondary Education Initiatives, Community College of Vermont

Transforming Schools-Part 2: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments cont.

AUDIENCE FOCUS: Elementary, Middle, and High School

This is Part 2 of a two-part workshop. See the workshop description in the "Session 2 Workshops" dropdown above.

Presenter: Erica McLaughlin, Executive Director of Professional Learning, VT Principals' Association

Questions: Email printon@vsac.org

Session I Workshop Materials

Advancing Possibilities for Youth-Adult Partnership, Leadership, and Youth Voice

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures in Cybersecurity

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Keeping It Real: Readiness, Rigor, and Relationships - Helping Students Thrive in Their Dual-Credit Experiences

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Life With Machines: Keynote Follow-up Discussion

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Listen to Students! Brattleboro Union High School Student Panel

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

STEM Best Practices and Offerings Around the State

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Session II Workshop Materials

The After High School Experience: The Voice of Recent High School Graduates on Technology & AI

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Beyond Cheating: Rebuilding Trust and Purpose in an AI-Shaped World

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Engaging Students in Meaningful Career Development

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

From the Inside Out: Perspective and Reality in Today’s Educational Experience

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Gone Guys Film: Boys and Young Men are Struggling; It's Time to Talk About It.

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Human Literacy

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Transforming Schools-Part 1: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Session III Workshop Materials

Creative Engagement

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Embedding Career Connections in the Classroom

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Engaging Student Leaders: Advancing What's Possible Through Student Voice!

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Focus on Engagement: Breaking Down Harwood's Move to Phone-Free Learning

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

A New Era in Award Letter Guidance: Meet Award Advisor

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Oh, the Places They'll Go!

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).

Transforming Schools-Part 2: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments cont.

Materials will be made available after the conference if provided by the presenter(s).