Curtis Fund General Scholarships for Postsecondary Education

Geographic Scope: Vermont (all counties)

Program Overview:
Long-standing scholarship program providing renewable financial assistance for Vermonters pursuing postsecondary degrees and certificates. Scholarships are automatically renewed for duration of student's postsecondary education.

Award Information:

• Annual Award: $3,400 per academic year (increased from $3,100 in 2022-23)
• Renewability: Automatically renewed annually for duration of postsecondary education
• 2021-22 Academic Year: Approximately 700 students received scholarships
• 2022-23 Academic Year: Approximately 881 scholarships awarded
• Historical Impact: Over 11,600 students helped since fund creation in 1910

Target Population:

• Low-income Vermonters
• First-generation college students (students who will be first in family to pursue post-high school degree or certificate)
• Vermont residents from all counties
• Students pursuing both associate/bachelor's degrees and certificates

Eligible Programs:

• Postsecondary degree programs (2-year or 4-year)
• Certificate programs
• Both degree-seeking and certificate programs eligible

Mission Statement:
"The Curtis Fund is committed to ensuring that every Vermonter, regardless of income, can earn a postsecondary degree or certificate because in a small state, we can't afford to leave any talent behind."

Historical Background:

• Emma Eliza Curtis left $120,000 in trust for financial assistance to young Vermont men and women pursuing postsecondary education
• Current fund value: Over $31 million (as of 2024)
• Annual grants: Approximately $1.8 million
• Joined Vermont Community Foundation family in 2018 (previously independent private foundation for 108+ years)

Context - Why Scholarships Matter:

• Vermont high school graduation rate: 91.4%
• Only 53% of Vermont high school graduates go directly from high school to college (below national average of 69%)
• Only 40% of Vermont's low-income high school students pursue college/technical education after graduation
• In-state public college tuition in Vermont is more than double the national average

Contact Information:

• Phone: 877-961-4369 (VSAC)
• Email: lphilie@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 at lphilie@thecurtisfund.org
3. For information on specific application procedures and deadlines, contact VSAC or The Curtis Fund directly

Application Submission:

• Applications likely processed through VSAC (Vermont's higher education financing agency)
• Specific application forms and deadlines available through VSAC website or by calling above number

Required Materials:
Specific application requirements not detailed in provided materials.

Renewal Information:

• Scholarships are automatically renewed annually
• Students do not need to reapply each year during their postsecondary education
• Duration of renewal: For duration of student's postsecondary education

Eligibility Verification:

• Student must verify Vermont residency
• Student must continue enrollment at eligible postsecondary institution
• Student must maintain satisfactory academic progress (specific GPA requirements not detailed in provided materials)