VSAC briefs Commerce & Economic Development committee on workforce-focused grants, forgivable loans and hospital training partnership

Scott Giles, president and CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), outlined on Jan. 23 a suite of state, federal and private programs aimed at connecting Vermonters to short-term training and high-demand jobs.

Giles told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development that VSAC has broadened its work since its founding in 1965 to serve adult learners and non‑degree career pathways as well as traditional college students. "This year is actually going to be our 60th anniversary," Giles said. "This grant is a grant for adults."

The presentation focused on several workforce-oriented programs the committee has supported: the Advancement Grant (need‑based awards for adults pursuing non‑degree credentials), the Vermont Trades Program (forgivable loans for trade education tied to a work commitment in Vermont), the 802 Opportunity program (tuition and fee support at CCV for families earning up to $75,000), and a new hospital partnership that issues education loans repaid by hospitals as employees complete training.

Why it matters: committee members pressed Giles on how the programs relieve labor shortages in health care and the trades and whether investments reduce costly temporary staffing. Giles said the programs are…