Scholarships for Vermonters
Scholarships, like grants are forms of "gift aid," meaning there is no obligation (under most circumstances) to repay the funds. While grants are generally awarded according to financial need, scholarships are typically based on factors unique to each scholarship. These may include residency, degree program or major, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and in some cases, financial need. Scholarships, unlike grants, are competitive, meaning that eligible applicants compete for a limited number of awards.
Where To Look For Scholarships
- Locally – your high school, businesses, clubs, or town officials
- Your college or university
- VSAC's scholarships booklet (PDF) — Provides application information on approximately 150 scholarships available to Vermont residents for the 2012-2013 academic year.
- For a printed copy of the booklet, visit your high school guidance office or e-mail publications@vsac.org to receive a copy through the mail.
- On the Web
How To Apply For VSAC-Assisted Scholarships
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Use our online Unified Scholarship Application for all VSAC-assisted scholarships!
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Application Deadlines For VSAC-Assisted Scholarships
If you will be submitting the online application for VSAC-assisted scholarships, or submitting digital versions of any supplemental materials (including essays, recommendation letters, and other documentation) online, all documents must be SUBMITTED by midnight March 9, 2012.
If you choose to submit a paper application (available here on January 1), or any supplemental materials in paper form, make certain all documents are POSTMARKED by March 9, 2012.
Early-bird applications submitted online or postmarked in the mail by February 10, 2012, will be entered in a drawing for one of three $1,000 scholarships. Check the early-bird scholarship official rules.
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Scholarships For Foster-Care Youth
VSAC administers two scholarship programs created specifically for individuals who are, or were, in foster care under the custody of the Vermont Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families under specified conditions.
- The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship
- Vermont John H. Chafee Education and Training Scholarship
Print our information sheet (PDF), which describes eligibility criteria and the application process.
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General Tips
- Request a copy of the VSAC scholarships booklet to identify scholarships for which you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Check with your high school guidance office, and/or local community organizations, for a list of any local or community scholarship opportunities.
- Before applying for scholarships, contact the schools to which you are applying; find out how receiving a scholarship might affect your overall financial aid.
- Be sure to submit all required documents, in addition to the scholarship application, for the VSAC-assisted scholarships for which you are applying.
- Beware of scholarship scams. Call the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or visit their website www.ftc.gov, and click on Consumer Protection for more information.
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View VSAC’s online presentation “Understanding the Scholarships Process"
