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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

Rochelle: I just want to help other people in my situation (5/5/2021) - One of the first things you need to know about Rochelle is that she is a very dedicated mother. She is married and serves as her son’s primary caregiver and advocate. She is also a very dedicated student, working to earn her high school diploma. At 26, she aspires to a job in the medical field, possibly as a medical assistant. Rochelle grew up in Vermont and changed schools several times as her family moved around Chittenden County. She was attending Horizons, an alternative public high school program in Burlington, when she decided to leave at age 18. “I always…

Pixie Loomis: Reflecting on Past Leadership (4/29/2021) - Pixie was the Executive Director of Vermont Adult Learning for 23 years. She first began at the organization in 1995 while it was still called the Vermont Institute for Self-Reliance (VISR), then changed the name to Vermont Adult Learning in 1996. The Department of Education contracted with four nonprofit organizations to provide adult education services statewide. VAL was contracted to serve 7 of the 14 counties and to oversee the Adult Diploma Program statewide. At that time, the majority of adult learners received instruction in their homes. Prior to 1995, VAL had also offered a correspondence GED course, as well…

Dale: I love working on cars (4/22/2021) - Dale was raised in a New Hampshire mill town straddling the Cochecho River. High school was not easy. He came from a family of limited resources. Dale was bullied by classmates. He moved to Vermont and encountered further troubles, exacerbated by past trauma. He left school during senior year, just shy of earning his diploma. Today, this proud father of two school-aged children is back on track with the goal of becoming a self-employed auto mechanic. As a VAL student, Dale is making steady progress to graduate from high school and apply to the automotive mechanics program at a Vermont…

Celebrating Volunteers: Meet Charlene Gates (4/13/2021) - When interviewing Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) volunteer Charlene Gates via a video call, one notices a beautiful oil painting hanging on the wall behind her in her study. The piece depicts a 17th century neo-gothic church towering over the rooftops of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. My father was a painter and we spent several summers in Mexico when I was growing up," Charlene said. "My parents were teachers and we were very fortunate to be able to travel in summer." Charlene's ambitions and interests led her to a career as a physical therapist. Her childhood experiences in Mexico…

Hal Cohen: Moving Strategic Initiatives Forward (4/8/2021) - Hal Cohen is the Executive Director at Vermont Adult Learning. As he described his job, “the buck stops with me.” He stated that he is very fortunate to have Regional Directors at each of VAL’s locations and that, as part of his job, he does check-ins with each of them; oversees a leadership team consisting of the Regional Directors, Director of Programs, and other administrative staff; directly supervises those in administrative positions; and serves as the primary contact to both the public and the government. However, Hal stated that his major role as Executive Director is, “putting out fires, dealing…