PUBLIC SQUARE is a VPT initiative addressing issues of concern to Vermonters. Mixing documentary footage, thoughtful insight, in-depth panel discussions and more, we'll keep you informed about local events and issues that affect your lives.

• Mike Quinn, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development;
• Barbara Murphy, president of Johnson State College; and
• Art Woolf, economist at the University of Vermont and publisher of the Vermont Economy Newsletter.

Next Generation Workforce Report
In recognition of the importance of young people to its long-term success, Vermont has undertaken a talent recruitment initiative aimed at reversing the flow of young workers out of the state. The Vermont Department of Economic Development has launched a project that identifies the target demographic and finds ways to attract them to Vermont. Their report is broken into three segments:

Executive Summary (21 pages)

Discovery Report (81 pages)

Analysis (38 pages)

Resources for Youth
The following is a list of some programs and resources available for youth to build educational and job skills.

• Career Start
  Career Start explores model approaches to create a community-wide system of inclusion, support and engagement for school age youth with disabilities as they transition into their adult roles in the community. VocRehab Vermont offers additional information for both employers and job seekers.
  
  
• Governor's Institutes of Vermont
  The Governor's Institutes of Vermont enrich the lives of motivated Vermont high school students through intensive educational experiences on Vermont campuses. These summer programs emphasize experiential learning and subsequent community involvement.
  
  
• MedQuest Health Careers Exploration Program
  A service provided by the Area Health Education Center, MedQuest offers week-long summer career development and asset building training for youth to explore careers and opportunities in health care. Click here to search a statewide database for specific training and health care job opportunities.
  
  
• "Next Up: Life After High School in Vermont"
  Vermont Business Magazine's special 68-page publication focuses on why students shouldn't leave Vermont. "Next Up" highlights the educational and career opportunities available for young people in Vermont. For more information, contact Vermont Business Magazine at 802-863-8038.
  
  
• Vermont Mentoring Partnership
  The Vermont Mentoring Partnership strives to establish and sustain a statewide partnership with the Vermont mentoring community that builds increased organizational capacity and community support for mentoring as an effective tool to improve the lives of Vermont youth.
  
  
• Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC)
  VSAC is a nonprofit corporation founded by the Vermont legislature to help Vermonters plan and pay for college. VSAC provides career and education planning information to assist people of all ages in pursuing their goals beyond high school.
  
  
• Workforce Investment Act
  The Vermont Department of Labor helps youth with career exploration, job placement and educational support services. This web site provides information about jobs, training programs and other resources.
  
  
• Workforce Training
  The Vermont Department of Economic Development's list of career and technology centers.