Moreen is collaborating with Upper Valley Smiles, a school-based dental program, to provide fluoride varnish application and oral health education in elementary schools. By delivering these services directly in school settings, this project aims to increase access to quality dental care and promote lifelong healthy oral hygiene habits among children in the Upper Valley. Community Partner: Alice Peck Day Hospital's Upper Valley (UV) Smiles
Katie and Gretchen aim to enhance community connection and nutritional support at the LISTEN Community Dining Hall. Through structured programming, they will foster social engagement among guests, while also providing menu support and accessible nutrition resources to strengthen informed food choices. This project builds on LISTEN's existing work to support both social well-being and nutrition. Community Partner: Listen Community Dining Hall
Hannah and Arpie's project will introduce children experiencing housing instability and food insecurity to foundational musical experiences, including singing, basic rhythm patterns, and collaborative music-making, with an emphasis on creativity, enjoyment, and participation. They aim to support creative expression through music, recognizing its powerful role in nurturing emotional, cognitive, and social development, and helping children thrive. Community Partner: Upper Valley Haven
Ashley and Anaeli are working to strengthen a food-as-medicine program for rural veterans through the Veggies for Vets program. They will focus on making produce boxes more customizable to better meet veterans' needs, addressing the barriers that prevent some individuals from picking up boxes every week, and increasing the capacity of the program. They aim to help more veterans consistently access fresh food and improve overall health and well-being. They also plan to organize community-building events for veterans to foster peer support. Community Partner: White River Junction VA (Veggies for Vets)
Ronit and Aparna are developing a sustainable afterschool enrichment program with the goal of introducing high school students to healthcare careers and health technology through hands-on learning and community-based experiences. By fostering scientific literacy, exposure to data-driven medical research, and opportunities for peer mentorship, they aim to empower students in rural areas to envision futures in healthcare while cultivating a shared commitment to advancing health equity within their communities. Community Partner: Lebanon High School
Miranda and Stanley will develop and facilitate a series of structured dinner dialogues to support formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community. These sessions will integrate guided discussions on mental health, health literacy, and navigating healthcare systems, while fostering peer connection in a supportive, communal setting. By creating a space for open dialogue and shared experiences, they aim to reduce stigma, strengthen social support networks, and improve overall well-being during the reentry process. Community Partner: Dismas House of Burlington
Ella and Dev aim to build practical skills that help students and families reduce preventable environmental risks. They will deliver interactive environmental‑health lessons to 3rd–4th graders, focusing on preventing lead exposure and protecting children during climate‑related air‑quality events. Their goal is to strengthen environmental‑health literacy in communities disproportionately affected by aging housing and worsening air quality while simultaneously preparing the next generation of leaders. Community Partners: Burlington School District and the Champlain Valley School District (CVSD)
Elle and Romoye are working to support students of color in Burlington by combining standardized test preparation with community-centered mental wellbeing programming. Through weekly sessions focused on academic skills, mentorship, and peer connection, they aim to build confidence, resilience, and equitable access to educational opportunities. They are especially committed to creating a supportive space that addresses both academic pressure and the broader social and emotional challenges students face, ensuring participants feel empowered to succeed. Community Partner: Richard Kemp Center
Sree and Sithara aim to expand the BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program for immigrant and refugee youth in the Winooski School District by increasing access to affinity-matched mentorship and introducing a diversified curriculum focused on cultural identity, health literacy, and career exploration. Their work centers on fostering belonging, empowering youth voices, and supporting students as they navigate identity and future pathways. Community Partner: BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program
Michael and Leah aim to combat social isolation and loneliness in older Vermonters of Chittenden County through community-based musical programming. They plan to regularly visit older adult living communities to play music for, make music with, and facilitate discussions about music among their residents. We hope that with consistency and flexible programming, we can foster lasting relationships within communities of older adults as well as between communities of older adults and young adult medical students. Community Partner: Cathedral Square
Emma plans to develop an afterschool program that focuses on supporting students' social and emotional regulation. She will design workshops, lesson plans, and educational materials tailored to students' needs. The program also focuses on meaningful off-screen activities that encourage engagement, learning, and emotional well-being. Community Partner: One Planet, South Royalton Elementary School
Cecilia and Carol's project will continue the work of previous Schweitzer Fellows, exploring the feasibility of establishing a thermal energy network in South Royalton, Vermont. They aim to deepen public understanding of thermal energy networks and their potential impact. Their focus is on outreach and education, including hosting informational Q&A sessions for local residents. Community Partner: Vermont Community Thermal Networks
Kammy's project aims to contribute to the eradication of physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women and children in the Upper Valley. The three objectives are: public education via connection with Vermont Law and Graduate School, courtroom advocacy and support in Orange County, and donation collection. Community Partner: Safeline