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.
Staff Profile: Nicole Hernandez (10/10/2023) - Please join us in welcoming Nicole Hernandez to our Burlington Learning Center! Our staff Q&A series highlights some of the fine folks who bring VAL’s mission to life. Read on to learn more about Nicole: Name: Nicole Hernandez Role at VAL: Front Desk Assistant Where were you born? Riverside, CA What is your educational background? BA in Spanish with a French Minor, Teacher Certification since 1998; Vermont Master Naturalist 2023 Interesting past job? Working as a Seasonal Forestry Assistant at Shelburne Farms (April through June 2023) What is a unique hobby or interest you have? Hugging trees! Last book you read? Wanderlust… 
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage (10/9/2023) - Today is Indigenous People’s Day in Vermont! Did you know there are four state-recognized Abenaki tribes? We've gathered some resources where you can learn more about our state's indigenous history and culture. With Native American Heritage Month coming up in November, this is the perfect time of year to get more familiar with our local Abenaki communities! Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe Elnu Abenaki Tribe Koasek Abenaki Tribe Abenaki Alliance Abenaki Arts and Education Center UVM Place-Based Landscape Analysis and Community Engagement Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs Middlebury Language Schools Zinn Education Project Teaching Resources 
Student Writing: Chelsea (9/26/2023) - Earlier this month, VAL teams from around the state enjoyed our first all-staff in-person gathering since before the pandemic. During this meeting, we enjoyed a presentation from VAL student Chelsea who wrote and shared the following, which she has graciously agreed to share here as well. Please enjoy reading about Chelsea's educational journey! Good morning. I am honored to be here today to share my story, my experience, and most of all what VAL has done for me outside of my education. When I was 17 years old, I made the choice to drop out of high school. I was… 
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (9/21/2023) - September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States! Interested in learning more? We've gathered a few links where you can read articles, view online exhibits, and access educational resources for both teachers and students! Resources for Teachers (via PBS) Resources for Students (via PBS) General Resources (via Archives.gov) 
Student Writing: Summer English Class in Burlington (9/18/2023) - This summer, Maureen Cavanaugh and Julia DiPietro co-taught a summer English class with a focus on learning about the Burlington community. Here is their students’ story, written by a fantastic group of students! Summer English Class This summer we visited five important places in Burlington. The first place we walked to was the Fletcher Free Library. We got library cards. We borrowed books. It was our first time talking as a group. The second place we visited was Church Street. We saw four murals. The biggest mural showed Vermont’s four seasons. We saw the Crow Bookstore, eight restaurants, Ben and… © Vermont Adult Learning