Southern Vermont College Students Bridge Generational Gap with Local Elementary Schools

Southern Vermont College students had the chance to host their Pownal Elementary Paw Pals on campus to celebrate a successful partnership over the semester. First-Year 'Quest for Success' students have been visiting local Pownal Elementary School each week to serve as tutors and role models for students. The project is meant to bridge generational gaps, as well as introduce first-year students to the greater Bennington community through mentoring at-risk students. In class SVC students would discuss teaching methods and personal development issues, and reflect on their positive experiences with their Paw Pals. On Wednesday afternoons the SVC students would make the short trip to work with their students at Pownal in class and during recess.

Towards the end of the project, the SVC students were able to host their Paw Pals on campus, complete with a tour, and lunch in the dining hall. Many SVC students have continued their involvement in the program after the course, and the exchange has been beneficial to all involved. One fourth grade Pownal Elementary student exclaimed "I want to go to college here because it's awesome" after touring the SVC campus with his Paw pal.