Curtis Credential of Value (CoV) Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Vermont

Focus Areas: Short-term, career-focused training programs leading to industry-recognized certifications and high-demand, high-wage careers

Eligible Certificate Programs Include:

• Dental Assisting
• CDL Licensure
• IT Support Specialist
• LNA (Licensed Nurse Assistant)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Software Development Bootcamp
• UX Design Bootcamp
• Welding
• Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate
• Child Care Certificate

Target Population:

• Low-income Vermonters
• First-generation college students
• High school graduates seeking alternatives to 4-year degrees
• Students aged 18+ (high school students graduating from career and technical education programs also eligible)

Award Details:

• Scholarships are renewable annually
• In 2022-23, increased from $3,100 to $3,400 annually
• Approximately 700 students receiving scholarships annually
• George and Mazy Preston endowment provides approximately 170 additional scholarships annually for Credentials of Value program

Program Outcomes:

• 22% increase in full-time employment among recipients
• 41% of recipients who reported pay increase experienced increase of at least $4/hour or more
• 74% of certificate students plan to continue education after earning first certificate
• Certificates are "stackable," allowing progression to associate or bachelor's degrees

Mission: To ensure every Vermonter, regardless of income, can earn a postsecondary degree or certificate

Contact Information:

• Phone: 877-961-4369 (VSAC)
• Email: lphilie@thecurtisfund.org or shana@thecurtisfund.org
• Address: 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753
• Website: thecurtisfund.org

Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Contact Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) at 877-961-4369
2. Or contact The Curtis Fund directly at lphilie@thecurtisfund.org or shana@thecurtisfund.org
3. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

Required Materials:
Not specifically detailed in provided materials. Contact VSAC or The Curtis Fund for complete application requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Vermont resident
• Enrolling in eligible short-term, career-focused training program
• Pursuing a Credential of Value (industry-recognized certification)
• Generally low-income students or first-generation college students preferred

Application Timeline:

• Rolling admission (applications accepted throughout the year)
• For specific program deadlines, contact VSAC or The Curtis Fund