TechGrlz Credit Recovery Program
In partnership with Center for Technology, Essex

TechGrlz is a community-based, alternative education program for young women that combines hands-on learning with career exploration in a variety of technical fields. Students in TechGrlz build - and apply – the skills, knowledge, self-esteem, and habits they need for success in school and on the job.

Through the successful completion of this program, students can earn one credit in English, one credit in Math, and one credit in Physical Education. Download the Program Description.

Who should enroll?

The TechGrlz program is designed to meet the educational needs of three groups of students:

1. Female students failing in a high school or technical education program and in danger of losing credit and/or failing to graduate;
2. Female tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders with minimal credits and/or excessive absences;
3. Female tenth grade students who fail to meet admission requirements to enter a technical program.

Young women in the TechGrlz program should be ready to roll up their sleeves and dive-in! This program is highly experiential and requires active participation - and reflection - in a small team-based environment. Students must maintain excellent attendance records and complete all coursework on time.

What happens in the TechGrlz program?

This is a full-time, off-campus school program. Classes are held at a CTE approved site within 15 miles of the school. Transportation between CTE and the class site is provided by CTE.

TechGrlz students explore a variety of technical fields that are nontraditional for women – and that pay a livable wage.

Examples include:

• Building Technology
• Aviation
• Automotive Technology
• Engineering and Architectural Design
• Natural Resources
• Professional Foods
• Computer Animation & Webpage Design
• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems Technology
• …and others!

Throughout the program, students meet professionals in these fields and participate in hands-on activities, applied skill development (technical skills as well as academic skills - including Math and English), and experiential reflection in the larger group and individually.

Using information gathered in activities and presentations, program participants develop career option profiles for the varied technical fields. Using these profiles, students compare the skills they need, the recommended aptitude, common responsibilities, job openings, career ladders, salary and benefits found across a range of career options.

Communication, workplace, and personal financial skills are integrated throughout all program and career exploration activities.

Non-traditional careers are those where women make up less than 25% of the workforce. Often, they are higher-paying jobs than many of those traditional for women.

Vermont Works for Women is a nonprofit with 20 years experience in education and job training for women and girls in nontraditional careers that pay a livable wage.

Many women successful in non-traditional fields have found they need to think differently, plan their home lives differently, and have different challenges than men in the same field.

Students in TechGrlz meet and work with a range of women in non-traditional careers. These women are excited to serve as role models to the next generation. Students are able to focus on information they need as a woman considering a nontraditional career; they see examples of female success; and they begin to establish a network of role models for their continued career exploration.

TechGrlz students must agree to:

• Maintain excellent attendance
• Maintain respectful interactions with others
• Fully participate in all activities
• Follow all safety guidelines and directions at all times
• Be on time
• Complete assignments on time
• Adhere to all guidelines as described in the CTE School handbook.

1. The first step: speak to CTE guidance staff and get an application. Or get an application by clicking here (file is in PDF format.)
2. Students eligible for enrollment will complete the application and meet with VWW staff to discuss program expectations, educational goals, and academic requirements.
3. The final step to enrollment is a meeting with students, student parent/guardians, and VWW staff to review program requirements and student goals.

Prior to acceptance into the program:

1. CTE staff, VWW staff, student applicants, and student parents/guardians must all agree that TechGrlz is an appropriate and beneficial educational choice for the student;
2. Students and parent/guardians must agree the student will follow all program guidelines.

This program is free to eligible and accepted participants. Breakfast and lunch is provided to students at no cost.

Speak to a guidance counselor at your school, or contact a CTE Guidance Coordinator and they can discuss the program and application process with you. CTE Guidance contact information is below.

• Ms. Lynn Vera 802-879-8152
• Mr. Charles Brady 802-879-5560

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