VSAC will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.
Blog Archive: A Foster Youth
As a CPA, a football coach, and a new dad, Kristopher Sabourin is used to helping young Vermonters prepare for the future. He’s a partner at St. Albans accounting firm A.M. Peisch, a longtime football coach—for the St. Albans Steelers youth program, and now for the BFA St. Albans high school team…
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Addiction kept Amanda Southwick from going to college right after high school. Motherhood inspired her to recover. Now, she’s pursuing a college education so she can help others reach recovery.
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If your parents did not graduate from college, you’re also less likely to pursue higher education for yourself. According to VSAC research, 41% of Vermont high school seniors in 2022 were considered first-generation students, meaning that neither of their parents completed a 4-year college degree…
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On February 12, 2018, when Mersadies Shantie was 12 years old, her mom suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. That night, still stunned from the loss, Mersadies left her home in Mooers Forks, New York, and moved to Sheldon, Vermont, to live with her dad, stepmom and three adopted sisters. “It was…
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VSAC Counselor Tia Stillman and Orwell student Olivia Scher bonded over their goals and drive to help people – as well as being people of color in a small Vermont town. As a kid, Olivia Scher was one of very few people of color in tiny Orwell, Vermont. One other person was her elementary school…
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The Thanksgiving season is for giving thanks and giving back. In that spirit, we wanted to highlight three Vermont students we’ve profiled in 2023, who, thanks to the support of their families, their employers, and the VSAC counselors who guided them on their college and career paths, are on their…
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Vermonter Kristen Merchant Moore is inspired to help youth after the death of her father, a Veteran. Kristen Merchant Moore’s father always emphasized the importance of education. When he became one of the first Vermont National Guard members to die in the Iraq War in 2006, his service to his…
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For First Generation Day, meet first-gen students who now work for VSAC: Jessi Krause Herron (bottom left), Monda Kelley (bottom right), Dylan Bertolini (upper right), Beth Clay (upper middle), Sarah Friend (upper left). If your parents didn't graduate from college, you're less likely to pursue…
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Middle school students engaged with hands-on exhibits at STEM fairs in Castleton and the Northeast Kingdom. At two bustling events earlier this month at both ends of Vermont, hundreds of 7th and 8th graders came together for hands-on career exploration. Kingdom Career Connect and the Northeast…
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October is the beginning of financial aid season. For anyone thinking of going to college or getting training, it’s the time to start the process to apply for education funding for the coming academic year. For high school students (and their parents), or adults contemplating training to learn…
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