Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)

10/23/2026

Students in the game animation and web development class at Center for Technology, Essex are immersed in hands-on learning with industry tools.

Student Jack Burridge says mastering new software is worth it, as they build skills in animation, sound design, concept art and more.

The class is also learning teamwork by taking on roles such as creative director and asset builder, and exploring real-world applications in fields such as education, architecture, and construction.

“There are more and more ways where we are finding interactive media and 3D graphics in the ‘standard world,'” Teacher Matt Cronin notes.

Shoutout to these students and their teacher for turning creativity into career-ready skills, from navigating industry-standard software to collaborating as a production team!

Students at the Center for Technology, Essex are building animation and game-design skills they hope will launch their future careers.

10/22/2026

Interested in a job that's hands-on, rewarding, and in high demand? Pursue a career in the trades—tuition free.

VSAC's Trades Tuition Benefit supports students in programs that lead to work in building trades, mechanical or industrial careers, transportation, energy, and other high-demand sectors.

Workforce Development Funding covers training for certificates or non-degree programs. Following program completion, students work in Vermont for one year for each year of assistance received.

Interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades? The Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program offers tuition-free learning.

10/21/2026

Think back to middle school. Maybe you hadn’t thought much about life after high school, or hadn’t spent much time beyond your home.

What if someone encouraged you to think bigger, to step out of your comfort zone and into your curiosities?

Nearly 1,200 students from 27 middle schools across Vermont took advantage of that opportunity, exploring future career paths at events in the Northeast Kingdom and Rutland.

More: vtdigger.org/2026/10/21/picture-future-you-how-young-teens-can-explore-their-potential-at-vsacs-career-and-stem-fairs/

10/20/2026

Nearly 1,200 students from 27 middle schools across Vermont explored STEM identities and future career pathways at events in the Northeast Kingdom and Rutland.

Our thanks go to Vermont State University for hosting, to the schools that brought their students, to Careers CLiC and the Vermont Department of Labor for an engaging keynote, and to the local employers and organizations who gave their time to engage and inspire students.

Most of all, thank you to Vermont’s extraordinary students, who brought curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm from start to finish!

10/19/2026

Education is an investment, and enrolling in college or training can feel like a risk.

But new doors open when you take cost out of the equation.

There are five core programs available right now that make it possible to pursue a host of careers, tuition free, at any age or stage of life.

Whether you know exactly what you need to realize your dream, or you have just a tiny idea, reach out to VSAC. We’ve been there—and we can help.

Sponsor Spotlight: With ample options and many formats, education is within reach for students of all ages

10/16/2026

Upper Valley students learning ecological literacy and small scale farming gathered apples and pressed nearly 15 bushels into apple c***r, offering samples to visitors.

The Valley News shares that high school senior Sarah Marshia finds the experience rewarding, especially since the students are sharing the c***r with the community: "I'm a big fan of seeing it all happen."

Shoutout to Thetford Academy students for turning hands-on learning into community impact, and sharing the fruits of their labor!

Students at Thetford Academy pressed nearly 15 bushels of apples into fresh c***r during a community event on Monday.

10/15/2026

For 57 years, VSAC's Talent Search program has helped middle and high school students navigate their postsecondary options and pursue educational and career pathways that reflect their ambitions and potential.

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.

Talent Search, a program that provides college counseling at 49 schools across 11 counties in Vermont, is being funded for another 5 years.

10/14/2026

📣Parents, students, and navigators: Want to learn more about managing the cost of college and training?📣

Tune in to this new video to learn more about the process, timeline, and steps to financial aid, including:
✅ Understanding advertised college cost and net price
✅ Maximizing different types of financial aid and how to apply
✅ Ways to reduce costs
✅ Ways to pay
✅ Resources and next steps

Find out how families cover college costs. We'll explain the types ...

10/13/2026

📢 The FAFSA form to apply for federal financial aid is open! 📢

If you're attending college or training in 2027-2028, now's the time to fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is also the first step to state aid, as well as grants, scholarships, institutional aid, and more.

Have questions? Need guidance? We're FAFSA Influencers! Chris and the VSAC team in our Outreach division can provide one-on-one help, in person or virtually. Request an appointment on the VSAC events calendar: vsac.org/events/list.

10/12/2026

📣 Calling all educators, administrators, and navigators!📣

Are you curious about what students are saying about their high school education and post-graduation plans?

Join VSAC's free Senior Survey Professional Learning Workshop to explore the results of the 2026 VSAC Senior Survey, a statewide study that captures Vermont seniors' high school experiences and postsecondary plans.

Dive into your school's own survey report as well as statewide data, celebrate successes, identify opportunities for growth, and gain valuable insights.

Lunch is on us!

Registration closes Friday, October 16. Workshop locations:
🗓️ November 6, 9 AM – 3 PM, VINS, Quechee: vsac.org/events/vsac-senior-survey-professional-learning-central-vt

🗓️ November 13, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Catamount Arts, Saint Johnsbury: vsac.org/events/vsac-senior-survey-professional-learning-northeast-kingdom

🗓️ November 19, 9 AM – 3 PM, VSAC, Winooski: The Winooski workshop is at capacity and registration is no longer available.

The VSAC Senior Survey for South-Central Vermont provides "real-time" feedback on the student experience at your school as well as data on the student experience across Vermont.