By Andrea Estey, Education Communications Manager at Shelburne Farms, BCL’s lead community partner

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When Act 77 passed ten years ago, it paved the way for Flexible Pathways programs like BCL to flourish across Vermont. Earlier this month, BCL joined in a celebration at the State House to mark the anniversary of Act 77’s passing, and to uplift student-centered learning initiatives across the state. 

Ten BCL students–two current students plus eight alumni–spoke to the Statehouse about their experiences. Says educator Signe Daly, “What was cool about our Statehouse group is that only students spoke. And the only direction we gave the students was, ‘tell your story.’” Their remarks were authentic, personal, and uniquely BCL. 

“I talked about how accessible BCL is,” says Burlington High School senior Medea, who was among the students who spoke that day. “BCL is a more vibrant community than my other classes, in that it includes kids with lots of different learner profiles. And in any given semester you work with so many community partners. I feel more of a connection to Burlington than I ever have.”

Student Rowan told the assembly about the semester’s final project–producing a film festival showcasing BCL student’s creative work. “You wouldn’t do this type of project in any other class,” shares Rowan. “BCL connected me to Burlington more, and also, I really care about what I’m learning.” 

“I think everyone should be able to take BCL, and there should be more programs like this,” adds Medea. “I’ve learned more about my community and myself in BCL than in any other class.”

What have the highlights been so far of BCL 11? “Visiting Burlington Electric and seeing what’s involved in where our electricity comes from,” says Rowan. For Medea, it’s been working with Neil Preston, Burlington’s lead urban park ranger, and talking about the unhoused community in the city. “In school, we’ve learned about the issue, but to talk to the people like Neil who are actually part of the solutions, it’s really changed my perspective.”

Thanks to the organizers of this event: UP for Learning, the Agency of Education, the Vermont Principals’ Association, the McClure Foundation, and Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative.

Lead photo by Christie Beveridge, UP for Learning. Read more about the celebration on UP for Learning’s blog.