VSAC will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth.
Blog Archive: Applying to College
When asked to talk about his journey from a kid growing up in Milton to a successful college freshman, Trent Cross tells a story marked with the typical challenge facing first-generation college students: “None of my family had ever gone to college, so I didn’t really know what way to go.” “But when…
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Mimi Duong overcame challenges in applying to college, showing resilience and determination to achieve her higher education goals.
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For families with a high school senior, now is when most college acceptances arrive in full force (congratulations!), and with them, financial aid offers. It’s an exciting time and—let’s face it—also a bit overwhelming as deadlines loom: Most colleges require a deposit by May 1. That means that…
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When she was in her mid-twenties, Lauren Craig thought she had hit a dead end on her career path. Fortunately, with some heavy encouragement from a friend and some financial help from VSAC, some new doors opened, and today, she’s working in a job she loves. “I’ve kind of jumped around a lot, with…
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When Ashley Gray was selected in 2016 to be the new principal of Peacham Elementary School, officials from the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union knew they were fortunate to have found such a strong candidate. “Ms. Gray possesses strong leadership skills and a desire to work with the community,”…
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Through determination and VSAC’s support, Eden Towers turned challenges into opportunity—earning scholarships to pursue her dream of becoming a paramedic.
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Eight high schools are now teaching a new, much-anticipated course to strengthen math proficiencies in high school students before they graduate. Dozens and dozens of students have enrolled in Essential Math for College and Careers, or EMC2, at Green Mountain Union High School, North Country Union…
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Theo Avent is an engaging, articulate leader who brings people together to inspire change. He’s had a longstanding interest in politics. Add in the fact that he’s the son of a white mother and an African American father, and you’d be sure we were talking about President Barack Obama, not a 20-year…
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When Gail Trede started her college path she was in her mid-50s. It started because she had earned the opportunity to take an online class at no cost through volunteer work. But she was reluctant. She didn’t think she was smart enough. Her confidence was so low, someone else had to actually sign her…
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Fexhrije Ilazi had two years left of college when she was forced to end her pursuit of a degree. She was living in Kosovo and the war there left both her homeland and her dreams in smoldering ruins. Fexhrije eventually moved to the United States as a refugee with two little children. She didn’t…
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