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Blog Archive: A Foster Youth

Tia Stillman and Olivia Scher
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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Vermont Students Give Thanks
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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Kristen Moore with family
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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Chris Barry in the VSAC Resource Center
“I think FAFSAs are fun,” says Chris Barry, VSAC’s Resource Center Supervisor, flashing a bright smile and sitting up a little straighter in his seat. “But,” he concedes, “not everybody does.” For parents of college-bound high school seniors, who are just now starting the bewildering process of…
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FA graphic
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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Halley Riley-Elliott: from diesel shop to pageant stage
GEAR UP helped Halley Riley-Elliott of Mt. Holly pursue her passions—from diesel shop to pageant stage Every September, VSAC celebrates National GEAR UP Week to make more Vermont families aware of the resources offered through the Vermont GEAR UP program. This federally funded program, which VSAC…
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