Vermont scholarships for college students change annually, but state residents are typically eligible to apply for dozens of awards that are funded by the government. As an incentive to receive a higher education through state colleges, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) was created through the Vermont legislature in 1965 as a public non-profit organization. The organization advocates on behalf of state residents to receive as much money as possible to assist with the high-cost of college. Through the VSAC, Vermont scholarships for college students in Vermont have exceeded $705 million. VSAC also provides counseling services to help connect students with the right Vermont scholarships for high school seniors.
Of course, there are many opportunities for scholarships from all kinds of private institutions, charities, and organizations. College Consensus wants to point Vermont students to some opportunities they might miss – and give them the motivation to search for more. Programs are placed in alphabetical order.
See Also: Best Scholarships for Online Students
1
Bernice Murray Scholarship
The Bernice Murray Scholarship helps pay childcare expenses for single parents who are attending school at least half time. Applicants must be single parents with custody of at least one child age 12 or under. They must be pursuing an undergraduate degree and attending a school that is approved for federal financial aid. To apply, applicants must submit a FAFSA, and Unified Scholarship Application, a letter of recommendation, an essay, and childcare information, including the cost. The scholarship pays up to $4,000 toward childcare expenses. The application deadline is March 16.
The Bernice Murray Scholarship is one of the many Vermont scholarships that requires the Unified Scholarship Application. This scholarship was started by U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords and was intended to honor his aide, Bernice Murray, who worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of the people of Vermont. Bernice’s friends and family helped fund the endowment. Due to rules that limit disbursements, there may not be a scholarship available every year.
2
Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship
The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship is available to students who are currently in the custody of the Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF) or who are now between age 18 to 24 and were in the custody of DCF for at least six months between age 16 and 18. Applicants must show financial need and be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a Vermont school that is eligible for federal financial aid. To apply, applicants must submit the Unified Scholarship Application, the Vermont grant application, and the FAFSA. The award is typically between $1,000 and $2,000 but can range up to $3,000. The deadline to apply is March 16.
The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship is sponsored and administrated by the State of Vermont. This Vermont scholarship program is funded by a trust fund and annual scholarship funding is subject to legislative approval, and the amount awarded to each student cannot exceed their total costs minus expected family contribution minus all other forms of gift aid received.
3
Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship
Applicants for the Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship must have been born in Vermont and have parents who live in Vermont. This scholarship is available to high school seniors attending Springfield High School or to any high school in Windham County. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement. They must also be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in an accredited engineering or technology program at a school that is approved for federal funding. The scholarship is for up to $4,000 and may be renewed for up to three more years. The application deadline is March 16.
The Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship was created to help students who want to earn their bachelor’s degrees in the engineering or technology fields. This Vermont scholarship is awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and a letter of recommendation.
4
Taigh Scholarship
Students who wish to apply for the Taigh Scholarship must live in Caledonia County, Vermont. Students who live in Peacham or are in the first generation to attend college in their family are given priority. Applicants must be enrolled at least half time and require financial assistance in order to attend school. They must be seeking an undergraduate degree at a school that accepts federal financial aid. To apply, students must complete the Unified Scholarship Application, file a FAFSA, get a letter of recommendation, and write a general essay. The scholarship awards up to $1,000 and the deadline to apply is March 16.
The Taigh Scholarship was created to motivate residents of Peacham to attend a college or university. The fund is intended to inspire residents of rural areas to attend college, especially those who have no college-educated family members. This Vermont scholarship is only available to residents of Caledonia County.
5
Vermont John H Chafee Education and Training Scholarship
To apply for the Vermont John H Cafee Education and Training Scholarship, students must show financial need and have been in the custody of the Department for Children and Families after age 14. Students must attend an accredited school that is qualified to receive federal financial aid funds. The scholarship award is usually between $1,000 to $3,000, but may be up to $5,000. Students cannot receive aid exceeding the cost of their education minus other aid and their expected family contribution. The application deadline is March 16.
The John H. Chafee Scholarship is one of several Vermont scholarships that was created to aid students who have been in foster care. The scholarship enables disadvantaged youth to attend college after high school. Students must be under the age of 26 and have been in foster care after age 14. Eligible students can receive an award through the program for up to five years. This scholarship is subject to annual approval of federal funding.
Does the State of Vermont Offer Scholarships and Grants?
Since 1993, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation has advised high school seniors and older students on how to get as much scholarship and grant money to assuage tuition costs. To apply for any scholarships sponsored by the VSAC, a student must complete a single dedicated application.
Vermont education grants are typically need-based awards. Vermont has three different types of awards: full-time (incentive grant), part-time (part-time grant), and short-term non-degree (advancement grant). To apply for these programs, Vermont students must submit enrollment information, social security number, and financial information. Depending on the student’s current status, both the student’s and parents’ financial details may be required to process the application for grant aid. Vermont education grants range between awards of $1,000 and $12,000 per year. Vermont students can also apply for grants through the federal government such as the Pell and FESOG.
Private Vermont scholarships for college students are also available and listed through the VSAC’s website. Private businesses may request separate applications and have different award requirements. Examples of Vermont businesses and civic organizations that sponsor scholarship programs include the Burlington Veterans Club, Vermont Police Association, and the Ludlow VFW.
Are there Scholarships for Nurses in Vermont?
The VSAC is also a useful resource for those looking for Vermont nursing scholarships. Through a downloadable PDF, students can review requirements for each award they are interested in. The booklet features awards for specific majors including nursing. To apply for the VSAC nursing scholarships, students need to first fill out a FAFSA. Additional documentation required includes two personal letters of recommendation, official high school transcripts, and an essay response. The essay response can be on a general topic selected by the nursing student. Examples include a description of nursing goals, address any financial barriers in place of nursing education, or a description of past community service.
The Evelyn M. Soforenko Nursing Scholarship was created specifically for Vermont residents currently enrolled in a nursing program. The annual award is one of the most popular nursing scholarships in Vermont among students enrolled in an associate degree or LPN program. Award amounts vary based on student need and available funding. Another option for Vermont nursing scholarships is the Freeman Nurse Scholars Program. This scholarship is available to students enrolled in an accredited nursing program in the state. The student must be in good academic standing and agree to practice as a nurse in Vermont for at least two years following graduation. Current scholarship award amounts for the Freeman Nurse Scholars Program is $7,500 annually.
Vermont nurses can also review scholarship guidelines for national awards. For instance, the F.A. Davis Nursing Scholarship for $1,500 is offered to one undergraduate and one graduate nurse per year. The student must be a legal resident of the United States or Canada and be enrolled in an NCLEX-RN program or graduate-level nursing degree program.
Are there Scholarships for Teachers in Vermont?
Vermont teaching scholarships provide prospective educators with the funding they need to earn their degrees. Like all other majors, education degree seekers should apply for scholarship programs through the VSAC. The VSAC website lists scholarships open to Vermont students and will also detail eligibility requirements for each individual awards. Examples of requirements for Vermont teaching scholarships are demonstrated financial need, residency in certain Vermont counties, and a minimum GPA. To apply for VSAC teacher scholarships, a single application can be submitted to the non-profit. A highlighted program in Vermont is the TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship, this project was developed for those pursuing an education in early childhood development in Vermont. The scholarship pays for early childhood development associate degree programs at Vermont community colleges, childcare apprenticeship programs in Vermont, and pathways to early childhood education licensure. Vermont teacher associations also tend to fund scholarships for prospective teachers. The Vermont NEA sponsors four different annual scholarship programs:
- Maida Townsend Scholarships
- Angelo J. Dorta Teaching Excellence
- Human and Civil Rights Award
- ESP of the Year Award
These scholarships are open to current Vermont NEA members and their children. Each scholarship has different eligibility requirements with applications due by February 1 annually. Most of the awards provide $1,000 toward educational costs.
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