VSAC asks ‘what are you doing after high school?’

High school students and parents, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound or not sure, College & Career Pathways is the one-stop online resource and month-long virtual event for you.

Throughout the month of March, Vermont Student Assistance Corp. will offer live virtual workshops, led by local experts, who give you the how-to and answer your questions.

Workshops like:

• Identifying Your Career Interests: Wednesday, March 3, 3-4 p.m.
• Short-Term Training Options: Thursday, March 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m. 
• I Wish I Knew That! Programs to Pursue Before You Graduate: Tuesday, March 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Navigating Virtual Campus Visits & Admissions: Tuesday, March 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Financial Aid & Managing College Costs: Tuesday, March 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Supporting Your Teen’s Career Search: Wednesday, March 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Scholarships—Free Money: Tuesday, March 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• And more …

VSAC will also partner with more than 10 Vermont colleges and training programs to offer live virtual tours and info sessions. Check out the complete line-up of workshops and virtual tours here  -- and register to save a spot. All presentations will be recorded and available for later viewing as well. 

The pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of education and training that all Vermonters must have to fill essential roles in our communities – like health care, mental health, technology, and manufacturing. In fact, all of Vermont’s high-growth, high-wage jobs require education and training after high school.

The new online format includes videos and guided questions for Vermont high school students and their families. Each video features local experts, who will walk you through options, concrete next steps, and the right resources to pursue your education and career goals.

While College & Career Pathways is primarily intended for 10th and 11th grade students, there is plenty of information for older or younger students depending on where you’re at in your planning process. Families of 9th graders are welcome, and 12th graders can also attend the Vermont Applies: 12th Grade Spring Admissions Event for more options.

Fast-track application event for high school seniors

Are you a high school senior who is still considering your options? Check out Vermont Applies: 12th Grade Spring Admissions Event.

This event is designed to fast-track the application and admissions process for you at participating institutions: Vermont State University: Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, and Sterling College.

Meet with an admissions counselor, get help with the application, learn about financial aid and get a decision by mid-April.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about adult career & technical education opportunities around the state and ways to register for one of their fall programs, including EMT, LNA, CDL, and HVAC programs.

Get started with background presentations

No matter where you are in deciding on the education path that fits your needs, College & Career Pathways also offers background workshops to help guide you. All videos available for viewing beginning March 1. Here’s a sampling of some offerings:

My Life, My Path: There’s no “right way” to approach your life. So why would anyone tell you there’s a right or wrong way to approach your education and career after high school? Start to explore your options and reflect on what pathway might be right for you.

Short Term Training & Apprenticeships: Short-term training can be a great way to increase skills or jump-start your career. Apprenticeships are a great option to earn while you learn. Discover the wide variety of training options available both in-person and online throughout Vermont.

The College Search: Finding the Right Fit: Learn what to consider and reflect on what you want from your postsecondary experience so that you can narrow down the search to institutions that meet your values and preferences. While structured around the college search, these questions can also be helpful in thinking about what you might want in a future employer or non-degree training program.

Navigating the Admissions Process: Overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Hear directly from college admissions counselors about the steps involved in applying, what they look for in students, and how they can support you through the process.

Writing the Admissions Essay: Find out what colleges look for in the admissions essay and discover how to craft an essay that sets you apart.

Financial Aid & Managing College Costs: Nervous about how you’ll afford to pay for college or career training? Learn about how others make it work, the types of financial aid available and how to apply for them, and what you should be doing now to set yourself up for success.

Scholarships: Free Money: Learn how to find and apply for local, state, and national scholarships.

The Postsecondary Experience: Student Voices: What do current college and non-degree training students think you should know?

Additional Resources

Other general resources to help you in your college & career planning include:

• High School Junior Year Planning Checklist 
• High School Senior Year Planning Checklist 
• VSAC's College Admissions Toolkit 

Questions? Call 877-961-4369 or e-mail VSAC at events@vsac.org. College & Career Pathways is funded by VSAC and by Vermont State GEAR UP, a federally funded program.