ITEM TITLE:
VESP Summer Program Itinerary, Syllabus & Budget
SUBMITTED BY: Nicholas Farline, PRCS Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
PRCS staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to City Council to fund the VESP Program.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
VESP (Valdez Eco-Stewardship Program) was originally presented to City Council during 2020 budget work sessions. A Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council joint work session followed, where the concept was discussed, direction was given to PRCS Director to bring back additional information including, PWSC Syllabus, Draft itinerary and where the college credits can be applied in the University of Alaska system. Attached to this agenda is the syllabus provided by Dr. Rush of Prince William Sound College whom will be teaching the course, a six-week draft itinerary with backup activities and the final VESP budget.
VESP is based off a national award winning 4-H program based in Washington State (<https://extension.wsu.edu/chelan-douglas/youth/youthdevelopment/ecostewardship/podaward/>).
VESP program highlights:
• Eight high school students
• Three college credits awarded upon completion of program
o Can be used towards degree in Associates of Arts in General Studies or Associates of Applied Science in Outdoor Leadership
• One high school elective credit
• $2,000 stipend per student upon completion of program
• Program includes two college interns that will be program leaders
o Internship Program 10 weeks long
o VESP will require seven weeks of interns
• Total Budget request (excludes dual-credit; already budgeted)
o $50,057
VESP is the first program in Valdez of its design.