Free College & Career Pathways event helps students and families plan next steps after high school 

On Saturday, March 14th, students and families from across Vermont are invited to the Davis Center at the University of Vermont (UVM) for College & Career Pathways. Organized by VSAC, College & Career Pathways is a free event to help high school students, family members, and guardians discover resources and connect with local experts.

When: Saturday March 14th, 2026, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Where: UVM Dudley H. Davis Center  

Registration: Free but required. Register here.

VSAC’s expert outreach counselors and other professionals from around the region will offer workshops to help families navigate the college and career planning process. “Engaging students in the great variety of opportunities available to them helps them find their own path, and grow into fulfilling careers,” noted Scott Giles, VSAC President and CEO.

Nearly every higher-wage, high-demand job in Vermont requires education or training beyond high school. VSAC’s College & Career Pathways provides tools, resources, and inspiration so teens can begin to envision their career and lifetime goals, and families and guardians can learn more about supporting them in their choices.

“The idea is to make the next step feel doable,” shares Anna Telensky, VSAC Events Director. “At the end of the day, our hope is for students to feel less overwhelmed and to have a clear sense of the things that can help them on their next steps.”

Dynamic career guidance for high school students

The first hour of the event, from 1 – 2 PM, is dedicated to a resource fair, where over twenty-five navigators will be on hand to chat with students and caregivers. Students may visit with admissions counselors, learn about apprenticeship programs, dig in on test prep, ask questions about taking a gap year, or talk with representatives from colleges, universities, or military service.

Representative Jill Krowinski, Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives, will deliver welcome remarks at 2 PM. Then, participants will choose from a menu of options for up to three 45-minute breakout sessions.

Telensky noted, “For students, think of it like a crash course in ‘what’s next.’ Important pieces that you need to think about as a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader will be in one place.”

Workshops like Writing the Admissions Essay, Strategies for the SAT/ACT, and Navigating the Admissions Process are specifically tailored for sophomores and juniors interested in college. Meanwhile, I Wish I Knew That! Programs to Pursue Before You Graduate takes a broad view of flexible pathways, dual enrollment, and Early College and is appropriate for students in the first three years of high school.

David Richardson, a current UVM senior from the Saint Johnsbury area and alum of VSAC’s GEAR UP college and career readiness program, will be helping to lead The College Search: Finding the Right Fit. “I hope that students will be able to get an understanding of everything that goes into choosing a college from my session,” he shared. “My goal is for them to really think about the full college experience they are looking for, what they might need all four years in terms of housing or accessibility. I hope I can help students understand what it looks like from my own experience so they can use that to simplify their own college decision process.”

Students who are interested in pursuing a registered apprenticeship can learn about the opportunities that exist in Vermont: Apprenticeship Opportunities focuses on hands-on training, mentorship, and a path to a rewarding career with long-term stability and growth opportunities.

For family and guardians, college and training opportunities may look different than they did decades ago. Workshops like Managing Education and Training Costs and Supporting Your Teen’s Career Search are specifically designed to prepare families and guardians for their child’s next steps.

And, for families supporting a neurodiverse student, Navigating the College Search for Students Who Learn Differently is dedicated to programs, supports, and accommodations in post-secondary education, as well as the tools families need to determine a good fit.

“There is incredible diversity in what’s offered at this event,” added Telensky. “It’s all about giving students and families the knowledge they need to navigate this process successfully.” The excitement and energy of the students create a vibrant atmosphere for everyone involved. “Every person in the room wants to see you succeed!”

Want to know more about what to expect? Watch recordings from the 2025 College & Career Pathways workshops on VSAC's College & Career Pathways YouTube playlist.

For students, family and guardians: Join the free event on Saturday, March 14

College & Career Pathways is an in-person event; workshops are available virtually or in person. Registration is free but required. Online registration closes on Thursday, March 12, but walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event. Register and learn more about College & Career Pathways: vsac.org/ccp.