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.
Adji: My goal is to be a nurse in the United States (6/8/2022) - Adji, aged 40, is a VAL English Language Learning (ELL) student who arrived in Vermont from Dakar, Senegal, on December 16, 2019. She spoke three languages when she landed in the United States: French, Wolof and Pulaar; she did not speak a word of English. Today, she speaks and understands English amazingly well for such a short period of time, particularly as an adult learner. Adji and her husband, also Senegalse, are proud parents of four children. The couple live in Vermont with their oldest son who will be a freshman at the University of Vermont School of Engineering in… 
Chris: If you haven’t completed your diploma, just do it! (6/2/2022) - Chris is an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to bring a quality product to the Vermont community: Cannabis! His encyclopedic knowledge of seed germination, growing, and harvesting best practices are complemented by a connoisseur's sense of the leafy green plant. Chris also earned his high school diploma at VAL at age thirty-two. “For me, quality matters. Some medical grade cannabis smells like barn hay,” Chris said. “The quality available to Vermonters right now isn’t what it should be. People work hard for their money and I want to give them a quality product.” Chris describes himself as a “run of the… 
Volunteer Profile: Marion Cushner (5/26/2022) - VAL volunteer Marion Cushner lives in Williston. She moved to Vermont from San Diego to be closer to her grandchildren. Marion serves on her local Restorative Justice Board, swims, walks and enjoys playing mahjong. VAL is fortunate that Marion has made time to volunteer as a beloved tutor for nearly a decade. “I grew up in Brooklyn and my family moved to California after I graduated,” Marion said. “At the time, the two primary careers open to women were teaching and nursing. San Diego State had a very strong education program so I chose to study Elementary Education. I enjoyed… 
Hideo: I like the freedom in my studies at VAL (5/19/2022) - Hideo is from Yamagata prefecture on Honshu Island in Japan. Yamagata is a mountainous region known for naturally occurring hot springs and numerous Buddhist temples. The area offers skiing and hiking, similar to Vermont. Hideo was born in Japan in 1953 as his country was still recovering from its devastating World War II defeat. The United States, with fellow Allies, facilitated occupation and rehabilitation of Japan between 1945 and 1952. General Douglas MacArthur led the effort to promote military, political, economic and social reforms. It’s no wonder that Japan’s Constitution contains many elements from the U.S. Constitution, accented by decidedly… 
It’s got to start somewhere: Energy Works Trainee Promotes Sustainability (5/12/2022) - Richard Sanford, Jr. recently completed VAL’s Energy Works Weatherization/Job Skills Training Program in Rutland. Sanford, a retiree from New Jersey, spent 25 years in the financial services industry. He studied anthropology and psychology in college and earned an MBA. He speaks Spanish and enjoys whitewater kayaking and hiking. He has four grown children. “I’m retired, I have some time on my hands,” Sanford said. “The Energy Works training program is a great way to learn new skills for part-time, short-time or, possibly, full-time employment. For me, a key driver here is the potential climate and energy benefits of this work.… © Vermont Adult Learning