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, New Americans, or refugees, 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 knowledge, life skills, and encouragement they need to succeed on their unique paths of education and personal growth.

The MYP team works in partnership with AALV and provides programming and support in area schools and the community. Our staff are on-site at Burlington and Essex High Schools and other area schools when school is in session.

LANGUAGES WE SPEAK: 

Our multilingual staff collectively speak five languages, including Hausa, Zarma, Spanish, French, and English. 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 or contact us at myp@spectrumvt.org or (802) 864-7423 to get started today!

Year-Round Programs

• Resource Space | Year-Round

The Resource Space is located at our main offices at 84 Pine Street (4th Floor) in Burlington and is available to youth who need extra help outside of school hours or who want to get involved with our groups.

School Year Programs

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

We offer a Help Desk for multicultural youth at Burlington and Essex High Schools and other area schools. The Help Desk can aid with anything from homework and tutoring to translation services and family support.

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

We offer afterschool programming and provide 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 Group | 4pm-6pm, Thursdays at AALV

Boys & Girls Group provides a safe space for multicultural, self-identified youth to participate in community and friendship building while also gaining confidence and having fun. This group meets throughout the school year and young people can join at any time.

• Workshops | 4pm-6pm, Tuesdays at AALV

MYP offers workshops throughout the school year. Speakers from local businesses and schools share helpful information with youth. Topics include how to be successful in school and in the workplace, how to earn money for scholarships, other opportunities available to youth in the area, and health education.

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

Seasonal Programs | Summer & Winter

MYP offers a six- to eight-week summer program each year. Activities include painting, volleyball, soccer, swimming, sailing, and field trips. MYP also offers a winter program each year. Activities include ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.

• Bike Apprenticeship Program | Summer

The Bike Apprenticeship Program is a job training opportunity in bike mechanics for youth ages 12-24 who are interested in learning how to fix bikes and gain job experience. It is a collaboration between the Multicultural Youth Program and Old Spokes Home.

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

If you’re a community member interested in collaborating, please contact Alicia Cerasoli at acerasoli@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.”