Vermont Adult Learning helps adult learners, ages 16 and older, acquire reading, writing, math, and computer skills to earn high school diplomas/GEDs. We teach English Language Learners skills to advance educationally and at work. We engage in workforce development. Our services are offered at no cost and are available in person and online. Text VAL to 833-900-0907 or contact a Learning Center nearest to you to learn more!
Interested in remote learning? Check out VAL’s Online Learning Center (OLC) course catalog.
Note for in-person learning: We no longer require masks in our learning centers. Anyone at high risk or wishing to continue wearing a mask for other reasons is welcome to do so. We will continue to have masks available in our centers for those who need them.
Those who choose to wear a mask do so because it is a decision they have made for their health and safety. Vermont Adult Learning expects that decision to be respected. If you have concerns about your safety, please let us know so we can discuss options to address them.
Lydia: I was never afraid to ask a question (1/12/2022) - Lydia is a young person with one of those infectious smiles. Her outgoing personality has served her well in customer oriented jobs---as a dishwasher, barista, bartender and, now, as a counter person at the deli and market in Grafton, Vermont. Lydia is also a newly-minted high school graduate. “I love working there,” Lydia said. “It’s busy---a GOOD busy!” Lydia, age 22, was born in Da Nang, Vietnam. She was adopted with her twin brother by a Vermont family when they were eight months old. She attended her local public high school. Health struggles impeded her ability to thrive. She was… 
Energy Works Job Training: Next class starts January 10th in Rutland (12/16/2021) - Trevor Arthur, a 39-year-old Rutland resident is excited. After completing Vermont Adult Learning’s (VAL) Energy Works workforce development training, he quickly landed a job as a Weatherization Crew member. Trevor’s last job was in hospitality, cleaning guest rooms and working the front desk at a hotel. He took time off to address health issues. He cared for his daughter and performed community service during that time, fixing bicycles, a hot commodity particularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Trevor’s new job affords him full-time employment, benefits, and a significant raise in his hourly wage. “I’m earning drastically more and there’s room to… 
Garcia’s Bistro: VAL Student Opens Restaurant (12/8/2021) - There’s a new restaurant in northern Vermont and a VAL student is the owner. Yesica Garcia opened Garcia’s Bistro in November on Main Street in Enosburg Falls. Yesica, grew up in Jicarito, Honduras. She moved to Vermont in 2018 to join her family. She is the mother of three young adult children who are students at Norwich University and the Community College of Vermont Yesica is an English Language Learning (ELL) student at Vermont Adult Learning. She recognizes that as a community member and business owner it’s important to speak English well. “It’s a beautiful thing that I’m learning English,”… 
Volunteer Profile: Janet Whatley (12/2/2021) - Janet Whatley, a VAL volunteer, retired after many years as a professor at the University of Vermont. She earned her Ph.D. in French, and taught courses in French Language and Literature and the Humanities. She spent the early years of her retirement interpreting and translating for Congolese refugees before teaching at VAL. She’s helped New Americans apply for asylum, prepare for LNA courses, and apply for jobs. Janet brings her talents as a teacher and her advanced linguistic skills to help VAL’s English Language Learners (ELL) find their footing in Vermont.She helps with language practice for acquisition as well as… 
VAL Student Walks for VAL (11/18/2021) - Laurentia Batchelder of Springfield, Vermont is on a mission. She is a student at Vermont Adult Learning and is taking it upon herself to organize a personal, Thanksgiving Day Walkathon, to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit. “I am so excited to be able to walk for Vermont Adult Learning. They have done so much for me these last three years I would like to give back a bit to them. It is because of their Physical Education that I started walking and 17 months later I have lost 102 pounds and am now walking 6 to 9 miles… © Vermont Adult Learning