VEOP at a Glance

Vermont Talent Search

Talent Search programs serve young people in grades six through twelve. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps people from families with incomes under $31,800 (where neither parent graduated from college) to better understand their educational opportunities and options. Vermont Talent Search is hosted through the Vermont Students Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and works with 1250 students.

Vermont Upward Bound

Upward Bound helps young students to prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. Currently, there are 5 programs are in operation throughout the state serving more than 350 students.

Upward Bound Math Science

Upward Bound Math Science helps students from low-income families to strengthen math and science skills. In addition, students learn computer technology as well as English, foreign language and study skills. Currently, there is no Math and Science grant in the state.

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound programs provide intensive basic skills development and short-term remedial courses for military veterans to help them successfully transition to post secondary education. Veterans learn how to secure support from available resources such as the Veterans Administration, veterans associations, and various state and local agencies that serve veterans. Currently, there is no Veterans Upward Bound program in the state.



Student Support Services

Student Support Services helps low-income students to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degrees. Participants, who include disabled college students, receive tutoring, counseling and remedial instruction. Students are now being served at 7 colleges and universities throughout the state, serving more than 1470 students..

Educational Opportunity Centers

Educational Opportunity Centers located throughout the country, primarily serve displaced or underemployed workers from families with incomes under $31, 800. These Centers help people to choose a college and a suitable financial aid program. Vermont EOC is hosted through the Vermont Students Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and works with more than 2000 students statewide.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement

The UVM Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, prepares eligible University of Vermont undergraduates for doctoral studies.  The McNair Scholars Program provides support for students who are first generation/limited income and/or underrepresented in graduate education through faculty mentored research, GRE training, graduate preparation seminars, advising, and other scholarly activities and resources.

GEAR UP Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

The GEAR UP program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program’s intent is to improve low-income student test scores, and high school graduate and college enrollment rates by encouraging more young people to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard, and take the courses needed to prepare them for post secondary enrollment. In Vermont, there is a statewide GEAR Up Program, hosted by VSAC serving 1832 caseload students and more than 5500 through the partnership programs.