VSAC: College and Career Training Resources for Vermonters

The path after high school is not “one size fits all”, especially as students navigate a rapidly changing education and work landscape. An intentional gap year offers time to explore interests, build real-world skills, and learn beyond the formal classroom. A well-planned year can strengthen confidence, independence, and self-knowledge while helping students stay engaged and future-ready, no matter which post-secondary option comes next. This workshop explores the range of gap year opportunities, offers guidance on college deferment or reapplication, shares strategies for financing gap time, and shows how to design a meaningful and fun year that prepares young adults for a future they feel excited about.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026.Audience: Best for 10th-12th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Julia Rogers, President Emeritus, Gap Year AssociationFind additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program is a smart investment in your career. It provides hands-on training, mentorship, and a path to a rewarding career with long-term stability and growth opportunities. Come learn about the opportunities that exist in Vermont, and how to pursue a registered apprenticeship to take the first step toward your dream career.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenters: Zach Johnston, Project Coordinator, Vermont State University Apprenticeship Programs & Christopher Laflam, Vermont Department of Labor – Workforce DevelopmentFind additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

This workshop will give neurodiverse students and their families the tools you need to determine fit and prepare for the transition to education after high school. We will discuss what to consider, the questions to ask, the legal landscape, and the wide range of accommodations, supports, and programs that exist in post-secondary education today. The presenter will also share some details about the specific expertise of Landmark College, which specializes in educating neurodiverse high school and college students.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians; also appropriate for college access professionalsPresenter: Sydney Ruff, Senior Director of Admissions, Landmark CollegeFind additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Participants will learn about the Flexible Pathways opportunities available to students and how participating in one or more of these programs in high school can help you get a jumpstart on your future.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator, Vermont Agency of EducationHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Come explore MyFutureVT, a free resource for career exploration, education options, and financial planning. Plus, learn about the Vermont Employment Pathfinder, a tool that will help you connect the dots between your skills/interests and education/job opportunities. Gain the confidence and tools to confidently chart your path to success!This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance VermontHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysVermont Employment Pathfinder: https://myfuturevt.org/vep/

Want to make yourself a stronger candidate for college admissions and merit-based financial aid by earning a high score? Get “best practice” strategies and free test-prep resources from a professional test prep tutor.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade studentsPresenter: Matthew Shagam, TutorHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you.Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

In a world filled with AI, the admissions essay remains the best way to bring your unique voice to your college applications. This session will provide you with strategies to approach this important piece of writing and a better understanding of how it will be reviewedThis is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026.Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Carrie Pratt, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, University of VermontHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you.Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysLearn more about the college application process: https://www.vsac.org/plan/applying-to-college

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.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenters: Jack Lareau, Assistant Director of Admissions, Vermont State University & Anna Dechert, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Dartmouth CollegeHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysLearn more about the college application process: https://www.vsac.org/plan/applying-to-college

How can you help your child figure out what they want to do, without telling them what to do? This workshop will cover what your high schooler needs from you in their career search, and how to help them identify and explore their career interests.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026.Audience: Best for the parents/guardians of 9th–12th grade studentsPresenter: Kathi Terami, Executive Director, Careers CLiCFind additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysExplore more career options: https://www.vsac.org/plan/exploring-career-options

Scholarships—like grants are financial aid that you don’t need to pay back. They’re offered by different groups, organizations, and even individuals. And they’re offered for all kinds of achievements, to all kinds of students.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Learn how to find and apply for local, state, and national scholarships.Audience: Best for 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Jimmy Clark, VSAC Outreach CounselorYou can find additional career exploration resources and videos at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Find out how families cover the cost of education and training after high school. We'll explain the types of financial aid available (grants, scholarships, loans); the basics of financial aid applications; and ways to compare costs before you apply.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Kate Rowland, VSAC Outreach CounselorHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. #collegemoney #financialaid Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Know you want to continue your education after high school, but unsure how to choose a school or training program? This interactive workshop will help you consider what you want from your post-high school experience, and provide strategies and tools to start narrowing down the search to institutions that meet your needs.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students alone or with their parents/guardians (less appropriate for parents/guardians alone)Presenter: Matt "Beagle" Bourgault, VSAC Talent Search Director joined by VSAC GEAR UP Alumni David RichardsonHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you.Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. This is a recording of the live welcome at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026, featuring VSAC Vice President Patrick Leduc, UVM Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Strategic Recruitment Christopher Perlongo, and Vermont Speaker of the House of Representatives Jill Krowinski.Each College & Career Pathways event features three sessions with 12 workshops for families to explore and learn about all the offers for college and careers.Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Scott Giles, President & CEO of VSAC stops by WEZF, Mike and Mary in the Morning to discuss two tuition free programs in Vermont.Freedom & UnityVSAC and Vermont State University (VTSU) have teamed up to offer Freedom & Unity, an opportunity for Vermont students with a family income of $65,000 or less to attend VTSU tuition free. Freedom & Unity builds upon VTSU’s Free Tuition promise. 802OpportunityVSAC and the Community College of Vermont have teamed up to offer Vermonters with a family income of $100,000 or less the opportunity to attend CCV tuition free with 802Opportunity.

Scott Giles, President & CEO of VSAC stops by WVMT, The Morning Drive with Dan and Anthony to discuss two tuition free education programs in Vermont.Freedom & UnityVSAC and Vermont State University (VTSU) have teamed up to offer Freedom & Unity, an opportunity for Vermont students with a family income of $65,000 or less to attend VTSU tuition free. ⁠Freedom & Unity ⁠builds upon VTSU’s Free Tuition promise. 802OpportunityVSAC and the Community College of Vermont have teamed up to offer Vermonters with a family income of $100,000 or less the opportunity to attend CCV tuition free with ⁠802Opportunity⁠.

This live recording from our 2025 virtual event includes an overview of Vermont's most promising jobs, career exploration tips for middle schoolers, and a facilitated Q&A with the following career panelists: • Anthony Bambara, Head Boxing Coach & Owner, Combat Fitness MMA• David Saladino, Civil Engineer, VHB• Ashlee Flanagan, Aquatic Animal Veterinarian, Mote Science Education Aquarium• Scott Pellegrini, Waitstaff, Northern Vermont RestaurantsHosted by Kathi Terami of Careers CLiC and Mat Barewicz from the Vermont Department of Labor.This event was produced by VSAC GEAR UP, a federally funded program, in partnership with Careers CLiC, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation.You can find additional career exploration resources and videos at https://www.vsac.org/vermont-career-connectAbout VSAC:The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is unique in its scope and role. Created by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling and the financial aid to achieve their education goals.We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

VSAC and the Community College of Vermont have teamed up to offer Vermonters with a family income of $100,000 or less the opportunity to attend CCV tuition free.Learn more about 80Opportunity as Jeff Morad, Program Director and Host of Early EQX / Jam n Toast interviews VSAC CEO Scott Giles.Learn more about 802Opportunity: https://www.vsac.org/free-tuition-community-college-vermont

The financial aid process can feel overwhelming at times. Between choosing colleges, planning on covering college costs, and what feels like endless paperwork, there are options.Find out how families cover college costs. We'll explain the types of financial aid available (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study); the basics of financial aid applications; and ways to compare college costs before you apply.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Matt “Beagle” Bourgault, VSAC Talent Search DirectorHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. #collegemoney #financialaidFind additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysStart planning for college costs: https://www.vsac.org/plan/financial-planning-for-college

Scholarships—like grants are financial aid that you don’t need to pay back. They’re offered by different groups, organizations, and even individuals. And they’re offered for all kinds of achievements, to all kinds of students.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Learn how to find and apply for local, state, and national scholarships.Audience: Best for 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Matt “Beagle” Bourgault, VSAC Talent Search DirectorYou can find additional career exploration resources and videos at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysFor more information on scholarships visit: https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships

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.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenters: Elga Gruner, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Vermont State University & Anna Dechert, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Dartmouth CollegeHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. #collegeadmissions #collegeacceptance Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysLearn more about the college application process: https://www.vsac.org/plan/applying-to-college

How can you help your child figure out what they want to do, without telling them what to do? This workshop will cover what your high schooler needs from you in their career search, and how to help them identify and explore their career interests.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025.Audience: Best for the parents/guardians of 9th–12th grade studentsPresenter: Kathi Terami, Executive Director, Careers CLiCFind additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysExplore more career options: https://www.vsac.org/plan/exploring-career-options

Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Come explore MyFutureVT, a free resource for career exploration, education options, and financial planning.Plus, learn about the Vermont Employment Pathfinder, a new tool that will help you connect the dots between your skills/interests and education/job opportunities. Gain the confidence and tools to confidently chart your path to success!This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance VermontHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you.Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Participants will learn about the Flexible Pathways opportunities available to students and how participating in one or more of these programs in high school can help you get a jumpstart on your future.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025.Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator, Vermont Agency of EducationHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Want to make yourself a stronger candidate for college admissions and merit-based financial aid by earning a high score?Get “best practice” strategies and free test-prep resources from a professional test prep tutor.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade studentsPresenter: Matthew Shagam, TutorHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

The admissions essay brings your unique voice to your college applications – this session will provide you with strategies to approach this important piece of writing and a better understanding of how it will be reviewed.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Carrie Pratt, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, University of VermontHigh school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathwaysLearn more about the college application process: https://www.vsac.org/plan/applying-to-college

This workshop will give neurodiverse students and their families the tools you need to determine fit and prepare for the transition to education after high school. We will discuss what to consider, the questions to ask, the legal landscape, and the wide range of accommodations, supports, and programs that exist in post-secondary education today. The presenter will also share some details about the specific expertise of Landmark College, which specializes in educating neurodiverse high school and college students.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians; also appropriate for college access professionalsPresenter: Lori Harding, Director of LC Online Partnerships, Landmark CollegeFind additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program is a smart investment in your career. It provides hands-on training, mentorship, and a path to a rewarding career with long-term stability and growth opportunities. Come learn about the opportunities that exist in Vermont, and how to pursue a registered apprenticeship to take the first step toward your dream career. This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenters: Zach Johnston, VTSU Electrical and Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs & Christopher Laflam, Vermont Department of Labor – Workforce DevelopmentFind additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

What if you could take time after high school to explore your interests, gain new skills, and not fall behind—but get ahead? Taking an intentional gap year offers a chance to build confidence, develop independence, and gain clarity about future goals.Gap year expert Julia Rogers will lead an eye-opening session showcasing how a well-planned year can help students thrive—socially, professionally and personally—no matter what post-secondary option comes next. You'll explore the range of opportunities a gap year offers, get tips on how to plan for college deferment or reapplication, strategize how to finance gap time and learn how to design a meaningful and fun gap year.This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025. Audience: Best for 10th-12th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Julia Rogers, President Emeritus, Gap Year AssociationFind additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. This is a recording of the live welcome at College & Career Pathways on March 8, 2025, featuring VSAC Senior Director of Outreach, Research, and Development Kirstin Boehm, UVM Senior Associate Director of Admissions Sarah Hobart, and Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.Each College & Career Pathways event features three sessions with 12 workshops for families to explore and learn about all the offers for college and careers.Find additional event details and resources at https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

Find out how families cover college costs. We'll explain the types of financial aid available (grants, scholarships, loans); the basics of financial aid applications; and ways to compare college costs before you apply.Learn more about financial aid options: https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-optionsFind out how families cover college costs. We'll explain the types of financial aid available (grants, scholarships, loans); the basics of financial aid applications; and ways to compare college costs before you apply.Learn more about financial aid options: https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-optionsAbout VSAC:The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is unique in its scope and role. Created by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling and the financial aid to achieve their education goals.We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

This virtual training session provides important updates and changes to financial aid resources covering VSAC and Vermont State Financial Aid updates for the 2025-2026 academic year. Presented by: Kirstin Boehm (Senior Director of Outreach Research and Development) and Miranda Roth (Manager of Grants and Scholarships) Download the PDF of the presentation here: https://www.vsac.org/financial-aid-resources-educational-professionals Find additional Education Professional Resources here: https://www.vsac.org/financial-aid-professional 0:00 – Start/Overview of VSAC Services 1:32 – Workforce Development Funding (with questions and polls) 15:38 – Dual Enrollment/Early College 22:45 – Other Funds for Training 23:59 – FAFSA Completion Tool 25:41 – VSAC-Assisted Scholarships 29:24 – SAC Publications Orders 31:20 – Vermont Transfer Guarantee 32:33 – VSAC Senior Survey & Research 34:05 – Fall Career Exploration Events 36:22 – College & Career Pathways 37:40 – Transition & Career Conference 38:09 – Essential Math for College & Careers 39:29 – VSAC Student Services About VSAC: The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is unique in its scope and role. Created by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling and the financial aid to achieve their education goals. We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

This virtual training session provides important updates and changes to financial aid resources covering Federal updates and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes for the 2025-2026 academic year. Presented by: Carrie Harlow (VSAC Resource Center) and Stacey King (VSAC Adult Education Opportunity Counselor) Download the PDF of the presentation here: https://www.vsac.org/financial-aid-resources-educational-professionals Find additional Vermont Education Professional Resources here: https://www.vsac.org/financial-aid-professional 0:00 – Opening/FAFSA Updates 9:26 – What will be different for 25/26 19:22 – Who’s completing the form (contributors) 22:49 – Pop quiz and questions 26:24 – Parental Info on FAFSA 30:00 – FSA ID updates 30:54 – Student Aid Index (SAI) 31:39 – Fall Financial Aid Support 32:27 – Other Forms 36:34 – Education Loans 47:30 – Resources About VSAC: The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is unique in its scope and role. Created by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling and the financial aid to achieve their education goals. We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

This episode was originally published on View From The Top Podcast. In this episode of “View from the Top,” host Bill Lucci sits down with Scott Giles, President and CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Join us as Scott shares his journey from studying religious ethics to leading one of Vermont’s critical educational organizations. Learn about VSAC’s evolving role in supporting Vermonters of all ages through various educational and training pathways, including the new trades forgivable loan program and advancements in non-degree certifications. Scott discusses the impact of demographics on education, the significance of connecting students to career opportunities, and the vital support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges and innovations in Vermont’s education system, making it a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone interested in the future of education in the state. Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Learn about a number of inclusive college programs in Vermont designed for students with developmental disabilities and autism. Audience: Best for 10th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenters: Bryan Dague, Ed.D., Director of Think College at the University of Vermont, Chris Kennedy, Regional Director, College Steps, and Marie Frietze, Accessibility Services Resource Coordinator, Community College of Vermont Learn about CCP and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠

Get the inside scoop on the variety of post-high school education and training options available to students, and learn about MyFutureVT, the free, one-stop online resource you can use to explore Vermont’s most promising careers and the education and training programs to get into these jobs. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont MyFutureVT is the free one-stop online resource you can use to explore Vermont’s most promising careers and the education and training programs to get into these jobs. Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

Know you want to continue your education after high school, but unsure how to choose a school or training program? This interactive workshop will help you consider what you want from your post-high school experience, and provide strategies and tools to start narrowing down the search to institutions that meet your needs. Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students alone or with their parents/guardians (less appropriate for parents/guardians alone) Presenter: Sara Vargo, VSAC GEAR UP Assistant Manager Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

This workshop will give neurodiverse students and their families the tools you need to determine fit and prepare for the transition to education after high school. We will discuss what to consider, the questions to ask, the legal landscape, and the wide range of accommodations, supports, and programs that exist in post-secondary education today. The presenter will also share some details about the specific expertise of Landmark College, which specializes in educating neurodiverse high school and college students. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Maribeth Resnick, Director of Online Partnerships, Landmark College Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

Geared towards those navigating the transition from high school to their next chapter of life, this session will cover the fundamental life skills you need to take control of your finances. Learn practical strategies for creating a budget you can stick to, find out what makes your credit score, and how to manage debt without being overwhelmed. Your upcoming choices can impact you for years- don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make informed financial decisions and set the foundation for your future. Audience: Best for 11th & 12th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Katy Bensen, Money$ense Financial Education Program Manager, Opportunities Credit Union Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

Want to make yourself a stronger candidate for college admissions and merit-based financial aid by earning a high score? Get “best practice” strategies and free test-prep resources from a professional test prep tutor. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students Presenter: Matthew Shagam, Tutor (Please note that the presenter will be joining this session virtually) Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

Scholarships—like grants are financial aid that you don’t need to pay back. They’re offered by different groups, organizations, and even individuals. And they’re offered for all kinds of achievements, to all kinds of students. Audience: Best for 11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Matt "Beagle" Bourgault, VSAC Talent Search Director Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

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. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenters: Sarah Hobart, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, University of Vermont & Elga Gruner, Assistant Director of Admissions, Vermont State University High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠

How can you help your child figure out what they want to do, without telling them what to do? This workshop will cover what your high schooler needs from you in their career search, and how to help them identify and explore their career interests. Audience: Best for the parents/guardians of 9th–12th grade students Presenter: Kathi Terami, Executive Director, Careers CLiC Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

The admissions essay brings your unique voice to your college applications – this session will provide you with strategies to approach this important piece of writing and a better understanding of how it will be reviewed. Find out what colleges look for in the admissions essay and discover how to craft an essay that sets you apart. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Carrie Pratt, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Vermont Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources at ⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠

Participants will learn about the Flexible Pathways opportunities available to students and how participating in one or more of these programs in high school can help you get a jumpstart on your future. Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Education Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠

Find out how families cover college costs. We'll explain the types of financial aid available (grants, scholarships, loans); the basics of financial aid applications; and ways to compare college costs before you apply. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Matt "Beagle" Bourgault, VSAC Talent Search Director Learn about College & Career Pathways and download resources from this episode at ⁠⁠⁠College & Career Pathways.⁠⁠⁠