BURLINGTON — Thanks to a third year of state funding via H.484, Section 17, an act relating to enhancing workforce and economic development opportunities, The University of Vermont will be offering up to two free courses to eligible Vermont residents seeking education and skills for professional growth or employment, with new course additions in the healthcare field.
From August 2023 through June 2024, the UVM Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program will offer free academic learning opportunities in business, education and social work, food and agriculture, healthcare, and STEM, while funds last.
"Students from all of Vermont's 14 counties participated in courses made accessible by Upskill over the last two years, learning new skills needed to meet the qualifications for desirable jobs," Dr. Jill Irvine, Chief Officer of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), said in a news release.
Irvine added that "this year, we are particularly excited to add course opportunities for Vermonters that will address the medical staffing shortage through accessible, on-demand certifications in Behavior Technician Specialist, Patient Care Technician, and Medical Laboratory Assistant."
Managed by PACE, the program allows eligible Vermonters to choose one course per semester or in the summer that can result in college credit or a non-credit professional certificate.
A sampling of non-credit certificates offered include Project Management Practices, Digital Marketing, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching, and Cannabis Plant Biology.
Credit courses and programs include opportunities such as Introduction to and Advanced Geographical Information Systems, Computer Software Certification, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical program, and Resiliency-based and Trauma-informed Practices.
In 2022, 342 Vermonters applied scholarships to enroll in a total of 423 courses. Of those Upskill Vermont Scholarship recipients, 137 represented companies across the state. The majority were employed full-time with fewer than four years of work experience, and 45% of recipients took courses with the goal of changing careers.
"The professors and the teachers of the classes were sensitive to the fact that they were working with a very diverse population of students with different backgrounds," said Katharine Long, UVM Upskill Vermont student in Data Visualization, Leadership, and Project Management courses. "They were accommodating in terms of the project design and teaching to those different levels."
Vermonters can check eligibility requirements to apply for the scholarship at upskillvermont.org. Those who qualify will be able to take up to two free education and training courses, one per semester. Registration opens on Aug. 1.
This piece was submitted to The Commons.