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.
Damien: “Today, I am more me than I have ever been.” (11/13/2025) - Damien was the student guest speaker at our recent 45th Anniversary event, where we welcomed current and former students, staff, community partners, and local lawmakers to honor VAL's legacy. Damien shared his inspiring story about the path to VAL and how the friendly folks at our Middlebury Learning Center have helped him on his educational journey. We hope you are as moved by reading Damien's speech from that night as we were by hearing it! "Hey, hi, hello. I'm Damien, and I've come today to talk a bit about my time at VAL. I was asked to speak today by… 
Genesis: “I am reassured that having my diploma will open doors for me to explore.” (11/12/2025) - During our Chittenden County Learning Center graduation celebration earlier this fall, Genesis shared her journey of resilience and determination. Her speech reminds us that every step toward education is a step toward new possibilities: "Hello, my name is Genesis. I’d like to start off by thanking the VAL staff for being so supportive and helpful to every student who comes through their doors. I remember the first day I came into VAL because I finally felt ready to get my diploma. I remember being nervous and thinking I might not be able to fit it into my busy schedule. I… 
Erin: “I am a proud Vermont Adult Learner.” (11/10/2025) - This September, our Rutland County Learning Center celebrated its graduates, and Erin, who recently earned her GED after overcoming tremendous personal challenges, took to the stage to share her journey. Her words, shared here, reflect the power of perseverance, education, and hope: "Good evening, it is an honor to be here with you all! My name is Erin, and I will be sharing a bit about my journey tonight. Adult education has empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence, creating a foundation for a meaningful legacy. First, I will share why earning my GED was such a big deal… 
Important information if you use 3SquaresVT (10/31/2025) - If you or someone you know relies on food assistance benefits, please be aware of this important information shared with us from Hunger Free Vermont. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, regular federal 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits for November are temporarily delayed. To help Vermonters access food during this time, the State of Vermont will provide a temporary, state-funded benefit covering the first 15 days of November benefits. What You Also Need to Know You can continue to use any benefits already on your EBT card from October or previous months. The temporary state-funded benefits will be added to EBT… 
Dog Days of Summer Become an OLC Happening (10/8/2025) - The “Dog Days of Summer” became an Online Learning Center phenomenon for a High Intermediate English Language Learning class recently. ELL Instructor (and Dog Lover) Leigh Smith began a “Dog Days” unit to draw on and build reading, writing, speaking and listening skills comparatively early in the season – back in May, starting with a focus on dogs at war by reading and discussing the chapter “A Soldier’s Best Friend” from an Usborne Level 3 reader Animals at War. Her class then moved into a full-length reading of Jon Katz’s book A Good Dog, about the life and work of… © Vermont Adult Learning