Johnson State Senior Assists With Hurricane Irene Relief as Part of Summer Internship in Woodstock

September 12, 2013

Lyndsay Sargeant, a political science senior at Johnson State College, recently completed a Vermont Recovery Internship assisting Hurricane Irene survivors in the Woodstock area.

Sargeant’s summer internship for the Woodstock Area Flood Relief Fund was organized through the Vermont Campus Compact, a statewide consortium of colleges and universities committed to community engagement. A Granville resident, she was one of eight Vermont college students who interned with community, nonprofit and state organizations to assist with Vermont’s disaster recovery, preparation and resilience efforts.

Sergeant and the other interns were honored for their efforts by Vermont Campus Compact and state and community representatives in a celebration held Aug. 2 at St. Michael’s College in Colchester.

The interns supported projects ranging from environmental impact assessment to continued individual assistance, documentation of success stories and emergency preparation initiatives. Together, they logged over 1,700 hours of time to these projects. While working at their individual sites, students also participated in a cohort-based learning experience to improve their skills and knowledge in disaster management and community development.

“These interns have helped to demonstrate the powerful impacts that can be achieved when campuses collaborate with communities to address real needs,” said Carrie Williams Howe, executive director of Vermont Campus Compact. “Lyndsay was a passionate intern who provided a great service to her home community.”

For more information about these programs and projects contact Carrie Williams Howe at cwilliamshow@smcvt.edu.