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Welcome to Vermont Adult Learning!

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!

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.

Learning Matters Blog and VAL Updates

Jess Handrik: “It’s always the right time to come to VAL” (6/24/2021) - Jess is an Academic Advisor at Vermont Adult Learning. As part of her job, she works with Winooski, Colchester, and Milton High Schools for the high school completion program. Although she does her job from home primarily, it is very interactive. She meets with students (virtually) to co-create and co-develop with students their personalized learning plans. These plans leverage students’ strengths and ambitions in developing action plans for educational and career growth. At the virtual meetings, Jess checks in with them about their plan and their next steps, identifying any barriers, and celebrating milestones. She also communicates regularly with the…

Peter Cherubini: Opening Doors for Participants (6/23/2021) - Peter is an Employment & Training Specialist at Vermont Adult Learning. As part of his work with VAL, Peter opens doors for participants to go further with their education, job and speciality training. Peter helps participants accomplish this through job shadowing, certificate programs, and other programs such as the Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI); it is a varied role, taking on the positions of mentor, job coach, facilitator and educator. Peter earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Southern Vermont College. He subsequently worked for various government and state agencies. He has been working…

Helping Students Articulate Their Voices (6/16/2021) - Here at Vermont Adult Learning, when a student is seeking help with their writing, Meg is the go-to person. Whether it be a research paper, a creative work, or a persuasive essay, Meg says she strives to help students articulate their thoughts onto paper. In addition, Meg teaches grammar and special classes in her areas of expertise: gender studies, race and ethnic studies, and art history. Meg grew up in Rochester, New Hampshire, and attended Bates College where she studied Art and English. She went on to teach second grade in Phoenix, Arizona, through Teach for America and later received…

VAL Welcomes Summer Intern Sarah Plaut (6/8/2021) - Name: Sarah Plaut, Development & Communications Intern Excited About: Meeting some of VAL’s awesome students and teachers Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina College: Currently studying geography and political science at UVM Last Book Read: Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall Enjoys: Skiing, baking, hiking, and reading Work-Life Balance involves: Taking time for yourself whenever needed Quote: “I chose to intern with VAL because I felt like I would get amazing mentorship while getting to work with talented and dedicated students, teachers, and staff. VAL has already made me feel so welcome and excited to learn!”

Jeanette: I want to really prepare for my next job (5/27/2021) - Jeannette grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia. Although she earned her high school diploma, she recalls teachers lacking patience as she struggled to learn in spite of her dyslexia and ADHD. “Why couldn’t my teachers have taken a little extra time to explain things to me?” Jeanette wondered. Jeanette entered the workforce after graduation. She eventually moved to Vermont and worked in the food service industry. She currently lives in Rutland with her two children, ages 12 and 15. She had to leave her last job at McDonald’s because the harsh, bleach-based agents used to clean surfaces triggered…