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Eligibility Requirements

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:

    • You are unemployed or underemployed
    • You are seeking to transition to a job that provides better opportunities for career and economic advancement

When you’re thriving at work, Vermont is thriving too.

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.

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Trained Workers Wanted

24,000 workers have recently left the Vermont workforce.

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Opportunity for the Taking

Vermont is #1 in the nation for job availability per person.

WHERE UPSKILL VERMONT COMES IN

Our mission: Keep Vermonters competitive — and happy — at work

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.

Featured Videos and Media

Meet UVM students who’ve transformed their careers through a combination of studying and strategizing — and learn how you can too.

Occupations

General Information

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?

  • When you choose a career that matches your overall interests, you’re more likely to enjoy your job. You’re also more likely to be successful.
  • CareerOneStop’s interest assessment, offered by the US Dept of Labor, will ask you a series of questions about what you like and don’t like to do. Then will match your likes and dislikes to careers.
  • Get started with your Interest Assessment.

Want to know what careers you can do with the skills you already have?

  • Your skills describe what you like to do and what you are good at. Being able to identify and describe your skills allows you to answer key questions at job interviews such as “What can you do for my organization?” and “What problems can you solve?”
  • In the workplace, there are two kinds of skills: technical skills, and soft skills. Both types are essential for success.The following resources, both sponsored by the US Dept of Labor, help you identify your skill strengths and match these to corresponding jobs:
    • Skills Matcher helps you identify your skills. Use it to create a list of your skills and match them to careers that use those skills.
    • O*NET look up your strongest skills to see which occupations match them best.

Job Search

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

Resources

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

Do you have other Upskilling or Career Changing Needs?

Contact a Professional Development Advisor or a Career Coach Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this scholarship program for?

This scholarship program is designed to provide career development and skills to eligible Vermont residents who are seeking education for professional growth and employment.

Who is eligible for the program?

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.

Are current college undergraduate and graduate students eligible for Upskill?

No, students enrolled as a degree-seeking student (of any level) are not eligible for Upskill Vermont scholarship funding.

How do I register?

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!

Is there anything else I need to do to prepare for my program/course(s)?

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.

How many scholarship applications do I need to complete?

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).

If I received an Upskill Vermont Scholarship in previous years, will I be eligible for 2 additional courses in 2023/2024?

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.

What programs/courses(s) are eligible for Upskill?

The eligible programs/course(s) are listed here.

If I apply for a course(s) and am unable to start, can I use the scholarship for a future course?

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).

Are Vermont high school students eligible for Upskill?

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.

Do I have to pay for additional books or fees related to the class if I received an Upskill scholarship?

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.

What should I do if I have concerns about successfully completing the program/course(s) prior to registration?

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.

How Quickly Do I Need To Start My Course?

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.

What People are Saying

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 Graduate

This 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