Planning for college or training this year? Apply for the Vermont Grant.
GEAR UP After High School
The GEAR UP After High School program supports Vermont State GEAR UP students on their journeys after high school graduation.
If you were a GEAR UP student in high school, you are automatically enrolled upon graduation.
Here's how we can help:
Book Money Meetings
Attend a Book Money Meeting (B$M) in the summer and fall to be eligible for GEAR UP to pay for required books and supplies.
Need help figuring out how to buy books? See our book buying guide.
Meet Our Team
You are welcome to schedule a meeting with a GEAR UP counselor even if you’ve already completed your summer and fall B$M. Schedule a meeting with the first available GEAR UP counselor:
Free Online Tutoring
GEAR UP After High School is excited to provide you access to free 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com.
To sign up, fill out the simple form at Tutor.com Sign-up.
Connect with us
Join GEAR UP on Social Media!
- Find our linktree here to join our community.
What is GEAR UP texting?
- helpful reminders.
- get one on one help from a GEAR UP counselor to answer your questions.
- parents/guardians and students receive similar reminders and updates to keep everyone on the same page.
“Opt in” and get started by texting (802) 441-6040.
If you aren’t receiving text messages or would like to receive monthly emails from GEAR UP After HS, contact Jessica Smith at smithj@vsac.org to be added to the list.
Alumni Network
Join our growing alumni network
- Stay connected with the community and learn about new professional opportunities by joining us on LinkedIn.
- Do you have feedback? We want to hear it! Tell us how we’re doing by filling out this 5-minute feedback survey here.
- Looking to contribute to the community? Let’s connect!
Scholarships
- How do I make sure I’m getting my GEAR UP Scholarship?
Get step-by-step instructions to check if you’re getting your GEAR UP Scholarship. If you don’t see your GEAR UP Scholarship, contact Jessica Smith at smithj@vsac.org or text (802) 441-6040. She'll be able to help you!
- How do I apply to the scholarships in the VSAC Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet?
Learn how to apply for more than 150 VSAC-assisted scholarships in the VSAC Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet (and don't forget also to check out all of the private scholarships in the booklet).
- Where can I find other scholarships?
- Bigfuture® by The College Board: Find scholarships, other financial aid, and internships—from more than 2,200 programs, totaling nearly $6 billion.
- Fastweb®: Find scholarships that match your strengths, interests, and skills—from more than 1.5 million scholarships, totaling $3.4 billion.
- Cappex®: Fill out a free profile to discover which scholarships match you best.
- NEFCU nursing and science scholarships: Learn about nursing and STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) scholarships for members of the New England Federal Credit Union.
- Get Schooled Scholarships for first generation college students.
Navigating Bills & Financial Aid
Filling out your FAFSA and Vermont grant unlocks money for school.
Feeling overwhelmed? We're here to help.
- I don't understand my award letters.
- What does my award letter mean? How much does it actually cost to go to a specific school? This tool walks you through your award letters, helps you compare award letters to determine the best offer, helps you calculate how much you'd have to pay out of pocket for each school, and estimates how much in loans you'd pay upon completion.
- Am I the only one confused by my award letter?
- Understanding your college offers.
- Did you know that you can ask your financial aid office for more money?
- Watch this video: VSAC Shows You How – Appeal your financial aid offer
- Use this free tool to create an appeal letter for yourself.
- Read these instructions on next steps in appealing your financial aid award offer.
- What should I ask when I call the financial aid office?
- Can you walk me through my bill?
- How much do I owe?
- What other costs are associated with my program (for example, travel, computer, uniforms, equipment, supplies)?
- Do I need to pay for college health insurance?
- I don't understand my bill.
- Call your financial aid office and ask, "Can you walk me through my bill?"
- Calendy: Meet with a GEAR UP counselor at VSAC who can help you understand your bill.
- Ask what other costs are associated with your program (for example, travel, computer, uniforms, equipment, supplies).
- Ask whether or not you need to pay for college health insurance. If you're already covered, ask whether you can waive the college insurance.
- What do I do if I still owe money?
- Contact your school financial aid office to ask how to appeal your financial aid award.
- Use this free tool to create an appeal letter for yourself.
- Contact VSAC’s Grants Department to appeal your Vermont Grant.
- Ask your school financial aid office about how to set up a payment plan.
- VSAC Shows You How – Appeal your financial aid offer
- I need to take out a loan. What do I do?
Be an informed consumer. Shop around. Compare interest rates. Here are resources to help you get started:
- VSAC Loan Department can answer your loan questions: Call 800-226-1029 Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or visit vsac.org/loans.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how to choose a loan that's right for you.
- Contact the bank or lending institution where you already have an account. Ask about student loan options and interest rates.
- Learn about cosigners.
- Learn about how loan interest works.
- Use this calculator to estimate monthly payments after graduation.
FAFSA & Grant Help
Filling out your FAFSA and Vermont grant unlocks money for school.
Feeling overwhelmed? We're here to help.
- I want FAFSA resources to look at on my own.
- I want one-on-one help filling out the FAFSA.
- Schedule a meeting with a GEAR UP counselor for help with your application.
- Text us to ask a quick question.
- Go directly to FAFSA's live chat.
- Scroll until you see the “I’m a Parent” segment. In the “Contact” section, click “Live Chat.”
- View VSAC's list of events that provide help.
- I want to fill out the Vermont Grant.
Learn how to apply for a Vermont grant
Watch the first 30 minutes of this video for help filling out the application for a Vermont grant.