VSAC requests $945,000 base increase, expansion of 802 Opportunity and new forgivable‑loan funding in FY26 budget pitch

The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 19 that it is seeking a 3.6% increase to its FY26 base appropriation — roughly $945,000 — that would expand eligibility for the 802 Opportunity program and support additional forgivable‑loan workforce scholarships.

The request, presented by Scott Giles, president and CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), would raise the household income threshold for the 802 Opportunity program from $75,000 to $100,000 and back new grants and forgivable‑loan programs aimed at filling workforce gaps in nursing, teaching and mental‑health counseling. "Every dollar saved is a dollar not borrowed, which is transformative," Giles said in testimony to the committee.

Why it matters: VSAC administers state grant aid, federal outreach grants, private scholarships and a supplemental student loan program. Committee members and VSAC officials described the proposed expansions as tied to workforce development goals and retention efforts at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont State University. The changes are proposals in the governor's FY26 budget and would require legislative appropriation.

Details of the request and programs VSAC asked the…