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Our Programs

Multicultural Youth Program

The Multicultural Youth Program (MYP) aims to support teenagers and young adults from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on those who self-identify as multicultural or come from an immigrant family, along with their families.

Our goal is to facilitate their connection with resources, services, and programs within the community, and help them develop leadership and peer mentoring skills. We strive to provide youth with the necessary knowledge, life skills, and encouragement to succeed in their unique paths of education and personal growth.

Want to get involved? Join the Spectrum Multicultural Youth Program on Facebook.

The MYP team currently works at in Burlington at the high school and in partnership with AALV, in Essex at both middle schools and the high school, and in Colchester and Winooski high schools.

LANGUAGES WE SPEAK: 

Our staff speak English, French, Spanish, Swahili, Somali, Min-Min, Zarma, Hausa, Mandinka/Mandingo, and Fon. Interpretation is available for other languages.

PROGRAMS WE OFFER:

We welcome all young people aged 12-24 from multicultural backgrounds to participate in our programs. Our team provides transportation, and signing up is easy – simply reach out to your school’s MYP staff person and get started today! Or contact Zeynab Kouyate, Director of MYP at zkouyate@spectrumvt.org or (802) 864-7423, ext. 428.

Year Round Programs

  • Help Desk | 9am-3pm every school day

We offer a Help Desk for multicultural youth at Burlington’s Hunt Middle School, Essex High School, Essex Middle School, and Albert D. Lawton Middle School in Essex. The Help Desk can aid with anything from homework and tutoring to translation services and family support.

  • Afterschool Program | 2:30pm-4:30pm, Mondays and Wednesdays

We have after-school programming at both Essex Middle Schools and offer a safe and welcoming environment where young people can make friends, receive guidance from our staff, and engage in activities like cooking classes and art projects.

  • Boys & Girls Club Workshop | 4pm-6pm, Thursdays at AALV

We offer a safe and inclusive community where individuals of all multicultural backgrounds can come together to build friendships and gain self-confidence. Our focus is on providing a space where self-identified females and males can connect and have fun in a welcoming environment.

  • Girls Group & Boys Group | 4pm-6pm, Tuesdays at AALV

These groups, held simultaneously in separate rooms, are designed to help youth build life skills, and focus on their wellness and overall health. Each session offers a unique program tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of our participants.

  • In-school support
  • One-on-one support
  • Incentives for youth working on personal wellness goals

Spring Programs

  • Swimming | 4:30pm-6pm, Fridays in May, YMCA Burlington

Summer Programs

  • Bike Club
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Sailing
  • Cooking class
  • Bike Repair Apprenticeship

Fall/Winter Programs

  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing/Snowboard

To learn more about our Multicultural Youth Program please get in touch!

If you’re a community member interested in collaborating, please contact Zeynab Kouyate at zkouyate@spectrumvt.org.

“Girls Group makes me feel like I can try new things. I feel like I have a good group of friends now too, and I’m finally not afraid to be myself.”

– F.M., an MYP Girls Group participant

 

For questions or information about MYP:
(802) 864-7423 x428

Make an Appointment or Referral


Click here to get connected to our program.

Please return this form via email, fax, mail, or drop-off to:

Zeynab Kouyate, Director
191 North Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-864-7423 x428
Fax: 802-540-0116
myp@spectrumvt.org

Interested in volunteering? Get in touch!

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