LEAP: Learn, Earn, and Prosper

A national work and college readiness program for youth and young adults who are blind and visually impaired.

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Students & Families
Unlock Your Potential

Discover a world of opportunities through our tailored programs designed to enhance your skills, confidence, and readiness for the workforce or college.

A young man wearing a helmet sits in an adaptive off-road trike on a paved path, while another person beside him smiles and gives a thumbs up. Trees and outdoor activity equipment are visible in the background.
TVIs & VR Counselors
Enhance Your Impact

LEAP is committed to working alongside Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors to create a more inclusive and accessible future.

What's New

Current Program Opportunities

Virtual Work Readiness and Work-Based Learning
  • My Voice, My Future: Unpaid self-advocacy workshops with a focus on peer connections to build confidence, communication and motivation. 
  • STEAM: Imagine, Build, Explore. Unpaid workshops to explore interests and learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. 
  • Personal Narrative Writers: Paid work-based learning to strengthen your communication skills and discover the impact of your own story.

See below for more information and application materials. 

Winter Retreat: Network on the Slopes!

Hit the slopes with LEAP! Ski, snowboard, and participate in a networking challenge to promote confidence, connections, and professionalism. No prior experience needed. 

See below for more information and application materials. 

Spring Retreat: Code, Connect, Create!

Join us for a weekend of coding and community. Learn to build and customize a website using HTML, while spending time with peers and enjoying Vermont. 

See below for more information and application materials. 

LEAP Summer Residential Programs 2026

Join LEAP to explore opportunities, engage in your community, and immerse yourself in the working world!

See below for our exciting residential program options. LEAP Staff will work with participants, families, and support teams to understand the participant’s abilities and goals to determine acceptance into programs.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

We’re here to help! Whether you have questions, need more information, or want to share your feedback, please feel free to reach out to us.

Relay Service

Dial: 711

Instagram:

@learnearnandprosper

DBVI-logo

LEAP:

Michelle Gates

LEAP Connect Project Director
[email protected]
(802) 999-5369

Hannah Peach

LEAP Virtual Developer
[email protected]
(802) 598-2138

Meagan Gallo

LEAP Activities Coordinator
[email protected]

BEP:

Pam Schirner

BEP Program Director
[email protected]
(802) 233-2338

Schedule a Donation Pick-up

Thank you for thinking of ReSOURCE for donations of your furniture and large appliances! We are proud to offer pick-up services in Chittenden County and Central Vermont. 

802.857.4345

802.477.7800

802.851.8333 ext 13

FAQs

What is Career Start?

Career Start is a program designed for high school students to gain hands-on experience and technical skills in various departments at ReSOURCE’s Burlington or Barre locations.

High school students enrolled in school are eligible to participate in the Career Start program.

The program provides hands-on experience in ReSOURCE departments, technical skills training, and monthly personal and professional development classes.

There is a fee of $1500, but tuition is waived for qualifying Vermonters.

Departments include Customer Service & Retail, Office Administration, Computers and Electronics, Overlook Cafe, and Large Appliances, among others.

Yes, students earn a monthly stipend

Training covers Health and Wellness, Goal Setting and Achievement, Leadership Development, Career Planning, and Financial Literacy.

Interested individuals should contact ReSOURCE’s Training and Development Manager, Susan Uthmann, for enrollment details.

Interested?

Please contact:

Susan Uthmann
Training and Development Manager
[email protected]
802.857.4340

Partner Agency List

Our partners help us to provide $125,000 worth of goods to over 2,000 individuals/families in Chittenden, Lamoille, and Washington Counties, and the greater Vermont area.

  • Addison Community Action/CVOEO
  • Age Well
  • Agency of Human Services- Field Services Burlington District
  • Burlington Community Justice Center
  • Burlington Housing Authority
  • Chittendent Community Action/CVOEO
  • Clarina Howard Nichols Center
  • Committee On Temporary Shelter
  • Essex Community Justice Center
  • Howard Center Community Support Program
  • Howard Center Developmental Services
  • Howard Center School Service Program
  • Lamoille Family Center
  • Milton Family Community Center
  • Pathways Vermont- Housing First Program
  • Pathways Vermont -services for veterans and families rapid rehousing program
  • ReSOURCE
  • Safe Harbor Clinic
  • Spectrum Youth and Family Services
  • Steps to End Domestic Violence
  • The Janet S. Munt Family Room
  • U.S. Committee for refugees and Immigrants
  • U.S. Committee for refugees and Immigrants
  • Vermont Cares
  • Vermont Catholic Charities
  • Vermont Foundation of Recovery

 

Become a Partner Agency

For interest in joining our program please email [email protected] to learn more about the next application cycle or any availability in become a new partner agency.

We make award decisions each December for the next calendar year and notify partners so our clients can request vouchers.

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