MANCHESTER — The group of elementary-age students were focused intently on an art lesson in a studio room at the Southern Vermont Arts Center on Tuesday.

The students hailed from Bennington and were participating in the DREAM program. This mentoring program relies heavily on Bennington College students. Jenn Moore, senior youth service manager with the program, said the children live in the Willowbrook and Beech Court apartment complexes in Bennington. Moore, a full-time employee who has been with the program for almost three years, said DREAM has office space at the Willowbrook community center.

“The DREAM program works with Bennington College students as mentors and camp counselors, along with Bennington Housing Authority, for our mentees who live there,” she said. “The kids are from

See Full Page