Renewed Federal Grant Keeps College and Career Counseling Available to Vermont Adults through VSAC

Winooski, Vermont—More than 1,700 adult students each year will continue to receive support to prepare for college and careers, thanks to a renewed federal Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) grant awarded to the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) by the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. VSAC will administer the funds, just under $2.4 million, over a period of five years.

“Nearly every job requires some training after high school, and VSAC’s EOC opens doors for adults who may otherwise be left behind,” said Scott Giles, President and CEO of VSAC. “This renewed investment ensures that thousands of adult students will continue to receive personalized guidance to pursue their goals in a changing world—whether they are considering going back to school to finish a degree or credential or starting fresh. We are thankful for the strong support that Vermont’s congressional delegation—Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Representative Balint—provides for this critical work, and thankful to Governor Scott for his support of our efforts to secure this grant.”

The grant, which runs from 2026 to 2031, serves adults throughout Vermont who do not have a bachelor’s degree. Many participants are the first in their families to go to college or training and face financial barriers to pursuing education beyond high school. VSAC has administered Vermont’s statewide EOC since 1991.

“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.”

VSAC's EOC counselors live and work in the rural communities they serve, offering one-on-one guidance on career exploration, education and training options, and financial aid to support postsecondary enrollment and workforce training.

Senator Welch noted, "Vermont is stronger when folks can go back to school and get the training they need to move ahead in their careers. This federal funding will play a huge role in supporting VSAC’s vital work helping adult learners finish their degrees, gain new skills, and build brighter futures for their families. I’ll keep fighting to deliver federal investments to Vermont that support learners of every age in every corner of our state.”

The outcomes are compelling: of the EOC participants who did not have a completed high school credential, 96% earned a high school credential. Of those who completed a high school credential (including those who earned one through the program), 96% applied for financial aid, 94% applied for admission to a postsecondary program, and 79% enrolled in a postsecondary program.

"As a former teacher, I know that having the right support can make all the difference when someone is trying to take the next step in their education or career,” said Congresswoman Becca Balint. "VSAC’s Educational Opportunity Center helps adult Vermonters navigate the barriers that can stand in the way and gives them the tools and guidance to pursue their goals. I’m proud to support this investment in Vermonters and in the communities they call home.”

To learn more about VSAC’s EOC, visit vsac.org/about/our-outreach-programs/educational-opportunity-center.