Since COVID-19 hit, local, state, and federal governments, employers, educators, philanthropy, and non-profits have stepped up to support our current and future workforce. In this newsletter you will see a number of new efforts to support prospective students and workers impacted by the pandemic, from new funding to new informational resources.
Please take a moment to read through and share this newsletter with your network. And follow Advance Vermont on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see new opportunities and resources as they become available.
Advance Vermont Launches “My Life, My Path”
Advance Vermont has released a new resource and marketing campaign, called “My Life, My Path,” to increase the awareness of the variety of post-high school credentials. Vermonters of any age should know that there is an education pathway available to build their skills and employability – whether that is a Registered Apprenticeship to a certificate program, or an industry recognized credential to a degree. This new web resource and campaign empowers users to explore their options to find a path that fits their life.
You may have already seen Advance Vermont’s recent posts and ads on social media. In the coming weeks, we will release a “navigator” toolkit which will include a variety of resources for those who work with students and workers looking to continue their education and training.
What can you do?
Free Courses at the Vermont State Colleges
The Vermont State Colleges System, through its four institutions and in coordination with the Department of Labor, is offering FREE classes and trainings for Vermonters whose jobs have been affected by COVID-19.
The program, funded through $2.3 million in federal stimulus dollars, provides tuition, supplies, and support services to Vermonters who have been laid off, furloughed, had hours cut, or been employed in an industry that has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible Vermonters can enroll in a wide variety of classes and training at the Community College of Vermont, Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Classes and training are available in high-demand fields such as early childhood education, healthcare, business, and manufacturing.
There are additional resources available to Vermonters seeking to further their education and training through VDOL. Prospective students should reach out to a Job Center Specialist for more information.
New Scholarship for Adult CTE
The State of Vermont recently announced the creation of a new $1,000 scholarship for those enrolled in Adult CTE programs. Funds can be used on tuition and other related expenses. Applicants must be a Vermont resident, have completed high school, and connect with a Vermont Department of Labor job specialist.
The program is in partnership with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).
McClure, VDOL Identify Vermont’s High-Pay, High Demand Jobs
Financial Assistance for “Best Bet” Programs
Additional scholarships for these “best bet” programs are available through the Curtis Fund, administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. To learn more about VSAC-connected scholarships, call 877-961-4369 to connect with an education outreach counselor.
How to Appeal Financial Aid Awards and Other Resources from VSAC
Every year, students and families experience unexpected circumstances that impact their original financial aid award package — a loss of a job, an increase in family size, or unanticipated medical expenses and other one-time events.
This is true for many more Vermonters this year. Families are struggling with a variety of financial and personal pressures caused by COVID-19. If that’s their situation, students can appeal their financial aid offer by asking for reconsideration and are encouraged to contact VSAC’s grant program (800-882-4166) or watch the recorded webinar to learn more.
For those just getting started, VSAC will walk students through their applications, answer questions, and help people apply for scholarships too. Check it out:
- FAFSA is the first step to getting financial aid, yet every year millions of dollars in financial aid goes unused because students simply don’t complete the FAFSA. VSAC is here to help. Visit VSAC’s FAFSA First page and share this short video from Advance Vermont and VSAC explaining the benefits of filling out the FAFSA.
- Vermont grant – Mark your calendars for November 18, 6 p.m. and join the latest VSAC Shows You How to access Vermont’s grant programs. Registration information is here.
- VSAC-assisted scholarships – The deadline for all applications this year is February 11, 2021. Students can get a jump start on their application by viewing the online scholarship booklet online or by ordering a print copy.
If students need more information or want to set up a private 1:1 appointment, they can take a look at all of VSAC’s virtual resources here.
Reminder: High School Students Can Earn Free College Credits
