history of VSAC outreach programs
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation was four years old when it assumed responsibility for an educational Talent Search program that eventually grew into the Outreach Programs. Initially funded as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Educational Talent Search was one component of a "TRIO" of programs, including Upward Bound and Special Services, created in answer to President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty." The purpose of this three-pronged approach was to encourage and assist disadvantaged young people in the pursuit of postsecondary education.
From its inception in 1969, VSAC's Outreach Programs' goal was to assist individuals in fulfilling their potential through education beyond high school. The first year, two counselors canvassed the state to provide college and financial aid counseling to 326 disadvantaged high school seniors. Today 30 counselors provide a variety of services to youth, families, and adults. During FY 99, 29,000 Vermonters were served. The number of Vermonters served since 1969 totals 189,300. Outreach has grown to become one of the most respected programs of its kind in the country.
Below are highlights of Outreach's development from 1969 to the present. Outreach services are supported by a combination of corporate, private, and federal funds.
1969
The Outreach Program receives federal funding for "Talent Search," a program created to seek out capable but disadvantaged young people (juniors and seniors in high school), and to encourage them to pursue education beyond high school.
1970s
Services are expanded to all high school grade levels.
1976
Following enactment of the 1976 amendments to the Higher Education Act, VSAC establishes an Educational Information Center (EIC) to increase adult awareness of higher education opportunities.
1987
Outreach receives federal dollars to offer a new component to provide middle school students with college and career information. Six middle schools receive caseload services. VSAC opens a Resource Library.
1989
Outreach begins to receive Vermont Department of Social Welfare (DSW) funds to provide educational services to Reach Up participants statewide.
1991
Demand increases for high school and adult services, and middle school services expand to include all schools statewide. Five of the 21 Outreach counselors are dedicated to middle school services. Outreach receives a four-year Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) grant totaling $813,100, and one counselor is designated to work exclusively with adults.
1992
EOC counselors begin to serve as members of Reach Up educational review teams, reviewing the required educational plans submitted by participants.
1994
Outreach signs an agreement with the Vermont Department of Employment and Training (DET) to collaborate on educational and employment counseling services. Outreach receives a five-year National Early Intervention Scholarship & Partnership (NEISP) grant totaling $1.4 million to work with an additional 500 first-generation/low-income students.
1996
The Outreach Program enters into an agreement with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and DET to connect the career, educational, and financial aid services provided by DET and VSAC with the needs of CCV students. Outreach becomes a lead partner in the Vermont School-to-Work (STW) Initiative and receives a grant from Vermont's STW Office. Outreach, in cooperation with Vermont's 14 regional STW coordinators and their schools, is able to expand career development services to students throughout the state. The first summer program for high school juniors and seniors is offered at Champlain College.
1998
Federal Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center grants are renewed, for a total of $2.7 million.
1999
The U.S. Department of Education awards Outreach $8.4 million in grants through GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). The purpose is to provide critical early intervention, mentoring, and support services to Vermont students over the next five years. DET and Outreach initiate a pilot Higher Education Information Center in Rutland.
2000
The VSAC Resource Library implements the Follett software system to assist with circulation and recordkeeping.
2001
Outreach is awarded a $170,000 grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation to supplement GEAR UP's academic programming at selected schools in the northeast region of the state. The VSAC Resource Library becomes a central component of the newly opened VSAC Resource Center on the third floor of the Champlain Mill in Winooski. The Center, which serves as the location for all VSAC walk-in customer service, provides increased visibility for the library's print and electronic resources.
2005
Outreach successfully applied for a U.S. Department of Education award under the GEAR UP program; this time for a six-year, $22 million cycle. The purpose remains to provide critical early intervention and support services to students. GEAR UP will also greatly enhance school improvement initiatives in Vermont.
