Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
State-funded scholarship (generally $1,000-$2,000, max $3,000) for current or former Vermont foster youth in undergraduate degree programs at Vermont colleges.
- How much
- Generally $1,000-$2,000; may not exceed $3,000
- Who qualifies
- Current or former foster youth (Vermont DCF custody)
- Currently in Vermont DCF custody, or age 18-24 and in DCF custody at least 6 months between ages 16 and 18; undergraduate degree; must attend a Title IV-eligible school in Vermont.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due February 10, 2027 Annual; the Unified Scholarship Application opens October 1 and the submission/postmark deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships is in February (February 10, 2027 for 2027-28).
- How to apply
- Submit VSAC's Unified Scholarship Application (USA), the FAFSA and the Vermont Grant application through MyVSAC by the scholarship deadline
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (vsac.org) and page 2
The details
Paid from a trust fund built through annual appropriations from Vermont's general fund (subject to annual legislative approval). Eligibility: currently in the custody of the Vermont Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families (DCF), OR aged 18-24 and in DCF custody for at least six months between ages 16 and 18; seeking an undergraduate (associate or bachelor's) degree, with no minimum credit load; financial need; attending an accredited Title IV-approved school located in Vermont. Awards generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 and may not exceed $3,000; the amount can't exceed your total costs (tuition, fees, housing and meals) minus your SAI and all other gift aid. Selection is by eligibility. For students attending college outside Vermont, see the federally funded Vermont John H. Chafee Education and Training Scholarship (also via VSAC).
More money from Vermont
- Governor Phil Hoff Vermont Honor Scholarship$1,000 (one-time)
- 802Opportunity (free tuition at Community College of Vermont)Full CCV tuition plus the $125 administrative fee (combined with Pell and Vermont grants)
- Freedom & Unity (free tuition at Vermont State University)Full general tuition at Vermont State University (combined with Pell, Vermont and institutional grants)
- Vermont Advancement Grant (formerly Vermont Non-Degree Grant)Varies with need, course cost and program type (annual maximum set by VSAC; not published)
- Vermont Grant (Vermont Incentive Grant and Part-Time Grant)Varies; eligible students received $1,000 to $15,350 for 2025-2026
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.