A Promise of a Free Degree Now in its second year, the McClure Foundation’s promise to all Vermont high school students in the classes of 2024-2026 of a free degree through the state’s Early College program is reinforcing that when college is affordable, young people enroll. “I’ll have my associate degree this spring. And it’s crazy to think about it. I’m almost there,” says Savannah LaFountain, Free Degree Promise student. “Without that added stress of having to pay for my college I can move on with other things in my life.” The Free Degree Promise is an accelerated pathway to a free CCV degree. The Promise builds on the state’s Early College program, which allows Vermont high school seniors to complete their
last year of high school and their first year of college at the same time, earning free college credits that also count toward graduation from high school. Students who complete the Early College program are eligible to receive a second year of free college at CCV, giving them the chance to earn an associate degree of their choosing the year after high school graduation. The Promise covers tuition and fees after federal and state financial aid and offers a living stipend and enhanced advising. Students can choose from CCV’s 11 associate degree programs, earning credits that transfer easily to four-year programs. More than 235 high school seniors from 90% of Vermont’s high schools and
tech centers enrolled in Early College at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) last fall knowing they are eligible for a free degree. That number marks a 70% increase in CCV’s Early College enrollment since the Free Degree Promise was announced in April 2022. “The promise of a free, fast-tracked associate degree is a game changer for Vermont youth,” says CCV President Joyce Judy. “It’s making college the easy choice for students, especially those who didn’t see themselves going to college before now.” To learn more about CCV’s full continuum of free opportunities for middle and high school students, visit gotocollegevt.org.
Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024
SPONSORED CONTENT
Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 9
