Bennington Rising: A Transformative Program for Local Students
BENNINGTON, VT – Exciting times are underway as Bennington College launches its innovative Bennington Rising program, designed to connect first-year college students with local high schoolers for hands-on science education projects. This initiative kicked off on Tuesday and is already making waves in the community!
James Trimarchi, the director of Planning at Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), and Audrey Kim, a dedicated intern from Smith College, led the event that brought together educators and students alike. This collaboration is a great example of community spirit, with support from faculty at Bennington College and teachers from the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU). Among the attendees was SVSU Superintendent Tim Payne, highlighting the program’s commitment to a strong educational network.
Before diving into their projects, students signed a Team Member Safety Acknowledgment, ensuring a safe and positive environment for all participants. This document covered essential topics such as teamwork roles, interactions, and confidentiality, setting the stage for a successful collaborative experience. Each group also made an agreement to meet weekly for at least 30 minutes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and commitment.
As the teams brainstorm their projects, they are being guided by Blake Jones, a biology instructor at Bennington, and chemistry faculty member Fortune Ononiwu. After a month’s planning, half of the participating students will have the opportunity to teach classes at Bennington Elementary School. Topics will be engaging and relevant, ranging from artificial intelligence and environmental science to physics and mechanics.
Other projects are equally innovative, like the eye-catching art and public service information initiative themed “What’s in my food?” – set to be showcased at the Bennington Museum for two weeks. This reflects a growing trend in education where students are encouraged to explore and share knowledge about sustainable practices and health awareness.
The question naturally arises: why Bennington Rising? Trimarchi noted the importance of peer interaction for young adults, especially in fostering friendships and community bonds. By merging high school students with college peers for stimulating projects, the program aims to cultivate connections and provide enriching experiences that will stand out on resumes.
Inspired by her own experiences, recent Bennington College graduate Yasmine Fundi, originally from the Central African Republic, played a pivotal role in shaping this initiative. After completing a six-week internship at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, she set her sights on facilitating opportunities for younger students. Currently pursuing a physical therapy degree at Tufts University, Yasmine’s vision is a promising insights for future ventures.
A gala celebration is set for November 20 at the Bennington Museum to recognize this remarkable effort. The museum has generously offered the space free of charge, showcasing their support for community initiatives.
“This program gives our MAU students a chance to work alongside local college students and contributes positively to our community’s growth,” says Kelsey Mizell, Director of Instruction and Assessment at Mount Anthony Union. She believes this experience will enhance student resumes while providing meaningful service to the community.
With such passion and dedication, the Bennington Rising program not only enriches the education of young minds but also strengthens community ties and fosters a spirit of collaboration that can lead to lasting change in Bennington and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates about this inspiring initiative!
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