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 our 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.
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.… 
Energy Works: a small program with opportunity for large impact (5/5/2022) - Vermont boasts an ambitious goal to weatherize 120,000 homes by January 2031. Successful implementation would reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving families and businesses substantial fuel costs. Energy Works is a small, yet ambitious project of Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) designed to train much-needed entry-level weatherization workers. An added benefit allows trainees who lack a high school credential to tap into VAL’s services to earn a high school diploma or GED. Wrap-around supports are provided to help trainees overcome employment barriers. Starting wages for Weatherization workers in Vermont are, typically, $20.16 per hour. Successful trainees participate in a three-week module… 
The Power of We: Vermont’s Adult Education and Literacy Network (4/21/2022) - Adult education services, mandated by state statute, are offered to residents for free across Vermont’s 14 counties. Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) serves seven counties: Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, Addison, Rutland, Windsor and Windham. Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS) serves three counties: Orleans, Essex and Caledonia. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education (CVABE) serves three counties: Washington, Orange and Lamoille. The Tutorial Center (TTC) serves Bennington County. Pre-pandemic conversations amongst programs pointed to the wisdom of joining forces to advocate for adequate funding and policy changes to better support students. Together, they formed the Vermont Adult Education and Literacy Network (AELN) and… © Vermont Adult Learning