The curriculum of the City & Lake Semester is integrated, emergent, and linked to real-world issues. This means that no two semesters are the same.

• We typically use a systems thinking framework to study Burlington’s many systems (e.g. housing, transportation, economy, government, food, energy) and identify key challenges and leverage points for change.
• We identify project opportunities that address real community needs and work alongside adult partners to achieve real impact.
• Students pursue a series of independent Inquiry projects that stem from their curiosity and connect to core program themes.
• We interact with a diverse group of community partners who share a range of perspectives on current issues.
• Each cohort typically pursues a culminating art project and presents it to a public audience.

Some memorable projects have included:

• Marking a new nature trail through Burlington’s Intervale and consulting with Burlington Wildways partners on ways to improve equitable access to the City’s natural areas.
• Consulting with City officials on the City’s first-ever Equity Report.
• Providing youth input to the renovation of the Moran Plant on Burlington’s waterfront.
• Making a video about racial justice in Burlington.
• Completing a native species restoration and climate resilience tree-planting with Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department.
• Collecting data on microplastic contamination at North Beach with the Rozalia Project.
• Representing youth voice in a global sustainability network.
• Designing and creating a public art installation with professional artists.
• Creating original podcasts about business and education in Burlington.

Through these projects and many more in the future, we aspire to positively impact the Burlington community, turning learning into legacy.