Vermonters: take up to two professional development courses at UVM in a year, one per semester — totally free (while funds last). Upskill Vermont is a state-sponsored scholarship that helps eligible residents advance their skills and unlock new career paths. Earn online and in-person certificates, college credits, and industry-recognized credentials to stay ahead of today’s dynamic workforce.
To participate, all applicants must be a Vermont resident, meet one of the following criteria and may not be enrolled as a degree-seeking student (of any level) at a College or University:
Upskill Vermont is committed to providing easy-access pathways that support eligible Vermonters’ pursuit of a rewarding career. We believe that by developing Vermonters’ professional skills through education and training designed for the real world, we strengthen our state, our communities, and our families.
Trained Workers Wanted
Opportunity for the Taking
WHERE UPSKILL VERMONT COMES IN
Ready to take on a new role or pursue a career path you’ve always been curious about? Investing in advanced training can feel like a leap and a financial commitment. The Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program is here to support your goals with career guidance and advising support.
You may take up to two Upskill professional development courses at UVM in a year, one per semester (while funds last).
Get the training and development you need to advance your career in fast-growing fields. Explore courses designed to strengthen core skills, whether you’re pursuing a fresh start on a new career path or aiming to deepen your expertise in your current role.
Registration is now open. Spring 2024 course registration will open in early fall. Until then, browse the Upskill offerings and sign up for notifications:
Learn in-demand skills, including digital marketing, the business of craft beer, business leadership, and more.
Explore collaborative training built on research-informed practices and real-world experience.
Gain the knowledge, skills, and values to drive sustainable change through innovative agriculture and food system studies.
Position yourself at the forefront of today’s growing healthcare industry. Credit and non-credit course offerings available.
Advance your skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and take on exciting opportunities in the workforce.
Meet UVM students who’ve transformed their careers through a combination of studying and strategizing — and learn how you can too.
Whether you are exploring changing career paths or changing employers, there are many free resources available to help you in your search.
Several websites provide information on different occupations in a range of industries. Each of these can help you find out more about a career you may be interested in or may help you find your next career.
Do you want to find a career that matches your interests?
Want to know what careers you can do with the skills you already have?
Job search engines are a great place to start to better understand what opportunities are out there and the skills employers are looking for. These are a few examples of the many job sites out there.
General Employment Jobsites
Vermont Employment Jobsites
Many articles and videos are available to help you improve or develop new skills employers are looking for or to better understand the changing career options in the market.
Ted Talks
Occupations
Job Search
Skills
This scholarship program is designed to provide career development and skills to eligible Vermont residents who are seeking education for professional growth and employment.
This scholarship is for eligible Vermont residents who are looking to gain professional skills to help with a career advancement or career change. Eligible Vermont residents can take up to two courses in a year, one per semester for free, while funds last, during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024). To be approved, follow the application and approval instructions.
No, students enrolled as a degree-seeking student (of any level) are not eligible for Upskill Vermont scholarship funding.
Registration opens on August 1, 2023 for fall courses. Spring 2024 course registration will open in early fall. Browse the Upskill Vermont program/course(s) list and visit the program/course pages of interest to decide on the program/course(s) that are best for you. Beginning August 1, 2023, visit the program/course page(s) of your choosing. Click on the Upskill Vermont registration link and enter your information to register. That’s it!
Prior to starting the course, please refer to the program/course(s) page to identify any additional materials needed to complete the course. You will also receive instructions to access the optional orientation, which we highly encourage you to complete prior to starting your course.
Each course will require a separate scholarship application. You are welcome to complete multiple applications, but you will only be approved for a maximum of two (2) courses (one per semester) during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).
Yes! We are thrilled to offer Vermont residents an opportunity to take an additional 2 courses during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), even if they took advantage of the initial Upskill offerings in past years.
The eligible programs/course(s) are listed here.
Due to the limited funds and available program/course(s) seats, we ask that you only apply if you are sure you can make the time to focus on the program/course(s). And – we understand that life happens. Please reach out to our Enrollment Coach team as soon as you realize you will not be able to complete the program/course(s).
No, Vermont high school students are not eligible for Upskill Scholarships. However, please refer to the Vermont Dual Enrollment page to learn how Vermont high school students can take up to two tuition-free college courses in a year, one per semester. Tuition is fully reimbursed through a voucher system approved by their high schools.
Yes, you will need to purchase or provide any additional resources or tools that are not part of the program/course(s) fee. Refer to your program/course(s) page for any additional materials or fees that you will need.
The scholarship is intended to assist students in program/course(s) completion. With the limited amount of funds available for students, we ask that you strongly consider your commitment to completing the course of study. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with an Enrollment Coach if they have concerns or issues about starting or completing the program/course(s). You can reach the Enrollment Coach team at learn@uvm.edu.
You should be prepared to start your course within 3 days of the published start date. If you do not begin your course within that time frame you will be withdrawn from the course so others make take advantage of this opportunity to Upskill.
I chose this class because it was hands-on and encouraged collaboration and feedback from the get-go – and promised to get me out of the insular world of being in-house at a non-profit. Every week, my confidence grew in my ability to provide and give feedback and I was exposed to resources that left staff at work impressed with my new digital knowledge. As a bonus, I also got to test ideas for products in development, which strengthened my project management skills. One of the greatest professional development investments I’ve participated in.
Alice Christman, Digital Marketing Fundamentals Professional Certificate GraduateThis program far exceeded my expectations. The content was comprehensive and well organized. The format and assignments were highly experiential and gave opportunities for practice of Doula skills. The instructor modeled Doula work and created a community of learners who companioned each other throughout. Highly recommend this program.
Judith D., RN, Hospice Volunteer, End-of-Life Doula Graduate
