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Advance Vermont highlights MyFutureVT hub as state lags on credential attainment
Summary
Tom Chaney, executive director of Advance Vermont, told the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development that Vermont is “just under 60%” toward a 70% credential‑attainment goal and described MyFutureVT, a credential database and a new school program as tools to raise participation.
Tom Chaney, executive director of Advance Vermont, told the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on Jan. 14 that Vermont is “just under 60%” toward a legislated goal that 70% of working‑age residents hold a credential of value and urged continued focus on outreach and navigational supports.
The gap matters, Chaney said, because most higher‑paying, in‑demand jobs require some postsecondary credential. “We’re a little teeny tiny nonprofit founded in 2017,” he said, describing three core programs Advance Vermont operates: MyFutureVT, the Vermont Credential Transparency Project, and a new Graduate With a Plan initiative aimed at high school students.
Why it matters: the committee set the 70% attainment goal in 2019; Chaney said current estimates put Vermont “just under 60%” and that the state’s 2023 graduating class continued into education at roughly 41% — a rate he said would not meet workforce needs if it continues. He also told lawmakers that while college data are robust, data on nondegree credentials remain incomplete, and current attainment estimates rely on national research foundations’ methods and approximations.
Advance Vermont’s hub, MyFutureVT, is designed as a free, public website to help Vermonters explore careers, compare postsecondary options and connect with human navigators for help. Chaney said the site has had more than 100,000 users and that independent evaluation found 90–93% of users reported taking at least one action — from researching careers to applying for programs — after using the site.
The Vermont Credential Transparency Project, Chaney said, aggregates program‑level information from education and training providers so users can compare certificates, apprenticeships, associate and bachelor’s programs “apples to apples.” He described the Graduate With a Plan pilot as a school‑ and community‑focused effort funded with congressionally directed spending to train trusted adults to hold post‑graduation planning conversations with students.
Committee members pressed for definitions and data: when a member asked what “attainment rate” meant, Chaney defined it as the share of working‑age Vermonters holding a credential of value — including degrees, certificates, registered apprenticeships and industry credentials — and said the state uses a working definition that requires third‑party verification and labor‑market value. He also acknowledged gaps in available nondegree credential data and said some figures are estimates.
Chaney described a three‑leg policy approach to raise attainment: expand education and training options, strengthen financial aid and support services, and increase aspiration/outreach so youth and adults consider postsecondary pathways. He noted geographic variation in attainment, saying Chittenden County strongly skews statewide figures and that the statewide median without Chittenden is near 46.5%.
The presentation ended with committee members thanking Chaney and noting the MyFutureVT site as a resource they send to constituents seeking training or job information. Chaney said Advance Vermont will continue partnering with state agencies, education providers and employers and offered to return with more data or updates.
ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES: No formal motions or votes were recorded on this agenda item.
