News & Updates for Education Professionals

Vermont grants

Don't let your Vermont students leave money on the table! Eligible students have received from $1,000 to $14,000 in Vermont grants for the 2022–2023 academic year. Encourage your students to:

• Watch the VSAC Shows You How to Complete VT Grant & Scholarship Applications. VSAC walks families through the Vermont state grant application, question-by-question. We also explain how to apply for any of the 120+ VSAC-assisted scholarships. View the recording and find additional resources.
• Apply for the Vermont grant. Those who have applied should check their MyVSAC account to be sure they've completed all steps.
• Complete the FAFSA.
• Check out VSAC's webinars and videos covering grants, scholarships, financial aid offers, loans and more.

New Workforce Development Funding available

The Vermont Legislature passed an historic bill in June 2022 which provides millions of dollars of state and federal funding to address Vermont’s workforce shortage. This new funding will reduce or eliminate tuition for eligible students pursuing careers in critical fields such as:

• skilled trades
• early childhood education
• nursing
• mental health care
• more

Learn more at vsac.org/workforce

VSAC-assisted scholarships

VSAC's scholarships booklet for students planning to attend college in 2022–2023 is available online, and the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) can be completed by logging into MyVSAC. 

• To receive copies for your students, schools must order bulk quantities at https://publications.vsac.org/free-vsac-publications.
• Your students and parents can also download a PDF version or view online .

How VSAC can help with the FAFSA

Your students and parents can:

• Check out VSAC's FAFSA Completion Guide.
• Complete your FAFSA with our “VSAC Shows You How: Filing the FAFSA” webinar on October 25 (6:00–7:00 pm). VSAC counselor Carrie Harlow walks families through the FAFSA application question by question. Students and parents can register here or review the video at their convenience and find additional FAFSA resources at vsac.org/financial-aid-videos. FAFSA resources at vsac.org/financial-aid-videos.
• FAFSA Filing Drop-In hours available between October 2022 and January 2023 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00am–3:00 pm at the VSAC building in Winooski. Students and parents can stop by to work independently on your FAFSA and ask questions to VSAC staff as they arise.
• Students and parents can schedule a 1:1 meeting with a VSAC Outreach counselor to receive personalized guidance through the FAFSA. In-person and virtual appointments available between October 2022 and January 2023. Check the Calendar of Events for more details.
• Does someone you know have a quick FAFSA question? Have them call our toll-free FAFSA helpline at 833-802-8722 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

High schools: Did you know that you can use VSAC's FAFSA Completion Tool to identify students who haven't completed their financial aid applications? Contact our grants department (800-882-4166) to ask us how. 

College & Career Pathways 2022

Did you miss the March 5 event? You can access this year's College & Career Pathways virtual workshops, discover free resources, get expert advice to plan for college or training after high school. 

Submit your FAFSA, available on October 1

The FAFSA is the entry point for all financial aid — including Vermont grants, scholarships, and loans — and VSAC can help you complete your application:

1. Check out VSAC's FAFSA Completion Guide.
2. Complete your FAFSA with our “VSAC Shows You How: Filing the FAFSA” webinar on October 25 (6:00–7:00 pm). VSAC counselor Carrie Harlow walks you through the FAFSA application question by question. Register here or review the video at your convenience and find additional FAFSA resources at vsac.org/financial-aid-videos. FAFSA resources at vsac.org/financial-aid-videos.
3. FAFSA Filing Drop-In hours available between October 2022 and January 2023 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00am–3:00 pm at the VSAC building in Winooski. Stop by to work independently on your FAFSA and ask questions to VSAC staff as they arise.
4. Schedule a 1:1 meeting with a VSAC Outreach counselor to receive personalized guidance through the FAFSA. In-person and virtual appointments available between October 2022 and January 2023. Check the Calendar of Events for more details.
5. Have a quick FAFSA question? Call our toll-free FAFSA helpline at 833-802-8722 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

Resources for students and parents planning for life after high school.

• Need help with the FAFSA & other financial aid? Start with VSAC's FAFSA First. 
• Vermont Applies: View the recordings and materials from spring admissions event for seniors who haven't applied to college or training programs, or did apply but need a backup plan. 
• MyFutureVT: Get started on exploring education and career opportunities and pathways in Vermont 
• College & Career Pathways: Access the recorded workshops from the March online event.

VSAC's Educational Opportunity Center—easy as a phone call! 

Do you know any adults who would like to take a step toward new career possibilities and aren’t sure where to begin? VSAC’s EOC services can help. Our counselors understand the needs of adult students and are ready to help individuals take steps in a new direction. All services are free.

Encourage your students or clients to make an appointment today >

VSAC’s research continues to shape higher education policy in Vermont

VSAC releases survey results on COVID-19’s impact on VT students' plans to attend college in the fall.

View the latest reports, county fact sheets, and past survey results >

Join VSAC for Fall Financial Aid Trainings!

Federal, State, VSAC Updates — October 3, 2022 (9:30-11:30, hybrid)
This hybrid training session will provide important updates and changes to financial aid resources—including the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and other resources. We will also provide updates on key VSAC initiatives that are designed to help students, families, and professionals. This year VSAC will also provide information about a number of new workforce development funding opportunities that can help students pay for education and training. Please register here if you plan to join in-person or virtually. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Senior Survey Data Exploration for High School Educators

November 2 or November 10

9:00 am–2:00 pm

The VSAC Senior Survey provides "real-time" feedback on the student experience at your school, as well as data on the student experience across Vermont. Until now, many educators haven't had the time or expertise to dive into the results and create meaningful take-aways.

This workshop is geared toward individuals or school teams of 2–5 high school leaders. These leaders could be counselors, principals, WBL coordinators, Talent Search or GEAR UP counselors, advisory leaders, or other educators who take the lead in implementing post-high school planning at your school site.

Participants will:

• Examine your school-specific 2022 data with guidance from experienced VSAC Aspirations school specialists.

• Utilize data to identify areas of celebration as well as opportunities to improve the post-high school planning experience for students and families at your school.

• Enjoy a free lunch from VSAC.

Register now

Annual Financial Aid Training for Education and Agency Professionals

Did you miss VSAC's fall 2021 events?

1. Financial Aid 101: View the slides and watch the recording.
2. Federal, State & VSAC Updates: View the slides and watch the recording.

Zoom Rooms 

Spread the word about VSAC's Zoom video conferences geared toward adults interested in returning to school or training. Watch recordings of past topics, including:

• Short-Term Training Options
• Education Resources for Military Connected Students
• Resources for Foster Youth
• Educational Resources for Former Refugees, Immigrants, & Asylees

Here are some links that your families may find helpful:

NEBHE Admissions & Enrollment Information — Resources for school counselors, students and institutions

Virtual Admissions Events — alphabetical list of American colleges & universities; describes each school's virtual admissions events and provides web registration links

Strive Virtual College Exploration – Hundreds of free virtual workshops for students and parents including individual college info sessions and a wide range of college planning topics

Keys to Your Future Career & College Readiness Program – Free program for educators with virtual lessons for students on identifying life goals, preparing in high school, choosing a path, balancing daily life, starting a career, and success in a career 

College Admission Status Updates — information about changes in college admission events, deposit dates, and more as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

SAT Coronavirus Updates 

ACT testing FAQ  

Khan Academy — SAT practice as well as other online learning  

SAT On Demand—One Month Free from Kaplan —  a free month of SAT On Demand to support all students with their distance learning 

Free AP Programming from Kaplan — free AP prep sessions on YouTube live for AP US History, AP World History, and AP Biology. These sessions will focus on question review and include time to ask a teacher questions.