Thousands of Vermont Students Apply for Federal Financial Aid Over the Summer

Winooski, Vermont, August 14, 2024 –The fall semester is just around the corner, yet many students are still unsure about next steps in their education or training journey. A key part of their decision is knowing that they will be able to afford the program they need to further their education.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a student’s gateway to accessing federal and Vermont grants, loans, and work-study funds. Filing the FAFSA is a critical step for most students, and this year changes by the US Department of Education to the FAFSA, and its failed rollout, have made it even more challenging to support students who are on the fence about their future.

In recognition of VSAC’s award-winning work to reach Vermont students and families, the US Department of Education awarded VSAC with a significant grant to provide extra help to students and families this summer. As a result, VSAC is intensifying efforts to make sure Vermont students and families receive every opportunity to complete financial aid applications and access the funding they need for school.

As part of this objective, VSAC is holding an array of FAFSA completion events with higher education partners across Vermont. “These free, one-on-one counseling events have reached modest-income students, including adult learners, at a critical time,” noted Scott Giles, VSAC President and CEO. “There are so many opportunities within reach for college and training. VSAC and our partners can help Vermonters get there.”

In the past two months, almost 3,000 additional FAFSAs have been completed in Vermont—and counting. VSAC will continue its FAFSA completion campaign for the 2024-2025 school year until the end of September, reaching students and families who may not otherwise have the guidance they need to pursue their education.

For more information about VSAC FAFSA Completion Events, see the VSAC events calendar. Visit the this page for more information about the FAFSA and student aid.

As the next academic year unfolds and yet another FAFSA cycle begins, Vermonters will continue to see VSAC and our partners connecting with Vermont students of all ages to help them navigate college or training.

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Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is a public, nonprofit agency established by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 to help Vermonters achieve their education and training goals after high school. VSAC serves students and their families in grades 7-12, as well as adults returning to school, by providing education and career planning services, need-based grants, scholarships, and education loans. VSAC awards millions of dollars in grants and scholarships for Vermont students and administers Vermont’s VT529 savings plan. Find us at www.vsac.org or check out Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.