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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Blog Archive: Applying to College
I’ve always loved to learn, but I never thought I would go to college. As a teen, I was more interested in getting out into the working world, and once I’d established a successful career, I thought, why would I need to go to college now? But as I got deeper into my chosen field of birth and
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If you’re an education professional, student, or parent you’ve we know you’ve been waiting on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) rollout. The FAFSA application is the first step in getting financial aid for college and career training programs. The FAFSA is usually available in
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The new year gives you a chance to reflect on what you love about life, and what you want to change in the future. Education has always been a powerful tool for enhancing life choices and goals. If you see college education as a gateway to a new life, consider the 802Opportunity grant. The
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Over the 50 years of speaking with students who've completed high school and achieved their first early-adulthood goals, one common denominator has led to their success. Whether college admission, career training, or starting a job, adults close to them have shared their guidance, encouragement, and
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The U.S. Department of Education has promised that the 2024/2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid Forms (FAFSA) – the new, revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid – will be available in late December. The FAFSA is a requirement for almost all college financial aid programs, from
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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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