by Janine Fleri
Posted on: December 17, 2025
The St. Albans staff found an extra reason to celebrate this holiday season as they cheered for Tammy (middle), who completed her high school diploma on Monday. Tammy will be joining the class of 2026 in June at Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax as a graduate through the Adult Diploma Program. In a season all
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: December 15, 2025
This fall, Vermont Adult Learning participated in the Community Roots Apprentice Fellowship (CRAF), an initiative of the New Perennials Project that pairs students with local organizations to build meaningful community connections. This was the third semester of the fellowship and included five student–practitioner pairings. Alongside VAL, participating organizations included Otter Creek Yoga, Caleb Kenna Photography,
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 15, 2025
Bobby, a father of three who earned his GED through VAL, discovered an interest in renovation work after graduating. He saw an ad for VAL’s Energy Works program and eagerly enrolled in the two-week weatherization training, mastering new tools and earning Industry-Recognized Credentials that helped him secure his dream job with CVOEO’s weatherization team. When
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 14, 2025
When Hussam arrived in Rutland nearly eight years ago, he brought with him not only his family and a deep sense of hope but also a dream to continue to build his career. Back home in Syria, Hussam worked as an accountant before conflict forced his family to flee to Turkey, where they lived before
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 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
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 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
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 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
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: October 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
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: September 16, 2025
On August 7th, students from Vermont Adult Learning in St. Albans took their education outdoors with a hands-on investigation at Lake Carmi, focusing on water quality and the challenges posed by cyanobacteria. “Lake Carmi provided a living laboratory for students,” said Kristy Hancox, teacher. “By testing water quality and discussing molecular processes, students connected abstract scientific concepts to issues that affect their own
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: September 4, 2025
The following was shared after a visit to Plymouth State Park from VAL English Language instructor, Jessie MacLean. This visit was made possible thanks to support from Vermont Parks Forever: August 2, 2025. On this beautiful, warm, and sunny afternoon, 3 o’clock to be exact, 3 Venezuelan families, a total of 12 people, met me
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