Vermont Students Receive College and Career Support through $3.05 Million Federal Talent Search Grant

Winooski, Vermont—More than 1,220 students in 49 schools across Vermont will continue to receive college counseling annually, thanks to a renewed five-year, $3.05 million Talent Search grant awarded to the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). The U.S. Department of Education awarded the funding to VSAC to administer the program throughout Vermont, including in the state’s most rural communities.

VSAC’s Talent Search guides middle and high school students to explore career and postsecondary education options, to succeed in and graduate from high school, and to enroll in education programs after high school. VSAC has administered Vermont’s Talent Search program since its inception in 1969.

“For 57 years, Talent Search has helped Vermont students navigate their postsecondary options and pursue educational and career pathways that reflect their ambitions and potential,” said Scott Giles, President and CEO of VSAC. “We are grateful to Vermont’s congressional delegation—Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Representative Balint—for their continued leadership and support for this work, and thankful to Governor Scott for his help in securing this grant. With this renewed investment, Vermont students get an advocate in their corner, someone who helps them see that college and career training are within reach, and who works with their families and teachers to help them get there.”

The program serves students who are motivated to attend postsecondary school, are from families with modest income, and/or will be the first in their families to attain a four-year degree. VSAC Talent Search counselors work directly with students and their parents and guardians, school counselors, and other educators in students’ lives. Talent Search students are typically nominated by their school counselors to participate in the program.

“Every student who wants to should be able to further their education after high school, regardless of their background or how much money they have,” noted Senator Sanders. “Now more than ever, we must do everything we can to help our students prepare for and succeed in college. VSAC plays a critical role in helping students do just that, which is why I am so glad they are receiving this federal grant and why I will continue to fight for the Talent Search program, the Educational Opportunity Center program, and all federal TRIO programs.”

The impact of Talent Search is clear: In 2025, 99% of Talent Search students graduated from high school on time, and 71% of seniors enrolled in postsecondary programs the year following graduation.

Senator Welch noted, “We know that when students have the right support, they can achieve anything. Talent Search helps Vermont kids plan for what comes next while strengthening our communities and workforce. I'm so pleased to have played a role in renewing this funding so VSAC can keep up their vital work helping Vermont students succeed.”

Students in VSAC’s Talent Search program receive guidance to build academic skills, standardized test preparation and vouchers, career exploration, college search and application assistance. VSAC also helps students and families understand how to pay for college through grants, scholarships, federal financial aid, and loans, and provides opportunities for college visits and summer programs.

"As a former teacher, I saw firsthand how much it can mean for a student to have someone in their corner who believes in them and helps them see what’s possible,” said Congresswoman Becca Balint. "VSAC’s Talent Search gives Vermont students that support, helping them navigate the path to college and career training regardless of their family’s income or background. I’m proud to support this important investment in Vermont students.”

VSAC’s Talent Search is funded as one of the federal TRIO programs. To learn more about VSAC’s Talent Search program, visit vsac.org/about/our-outreach-programs/talent-search.