Youth Engagement & Support
Youth volunteer in great numbers; many desire acknowledgement; Some youth struggle with intolerance and lack of support
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Almost half of Vermont’s young people volunteer in their communities, but more than half report feeling unengaged and unappreciated by their communities. A lack of youth-oriented programming and transportation may contribute to a growing sense of isolation among Vermont’s youth.
Young Vermonters with physical, developmental and learning disabilities are likely to encounter significant gaps in support at school and at home. When these systems fail them, these youths often enter the juvenile justice system. Progress reports also indicate that Vermont's students of color, as well as students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation, continue to suffer harassment.
- Nearly half of Vermont students (49% of girls and 43% of boys) in grades 8 to 12 volunteer in their communities, but these percentages are slowly waning.
- Fewer than half of Vermonters in grades 8 to 12 feel valued by their community.
- According to the Vermont Human Rights Commission’s 2003 progress report on Racial Harassment in Vermont Public Schools, various forms of racial harassment continue to affect students.
- Students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation are twice as likely to be bullied, more than five times as likely to attempt suicide, and at least 50% more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Read more about youth engagement and support in Understanding Vermont or get a copy of the entire publication.