Students from all over the country chose to come to college in Vermont and entered the Choose Vermont Scholarship 2020 contest.
For the second year in a row, Vermont’s colleges, universities, and partners offered scholarships to students who “Chose Vermont” and commited to attend a school here. This year, over 400 students entered to win a $5,000 scholarship from their new college. Congratulations to the winners!
These scholarships are made possible by Vermont’s participating colleges and universities along with the support of our friends at Vermont Student Assistance Corporation and the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges.
Participating Colleges, Universities
and Partners:
Corey Bink | Halcottsville, New York
I love Vermont because of the mountainous terrain (and maple syrup 🙂 )
Melianne Reynolds | Sherbrooke, Quebec
The high quality of education convinced me of my choice to go to college in Vermont to earn a more competitive advantage for my future.
For college, I wanted to be near my family, while having a high quality of education and while playing hockey at a high level. When I first came to visit Norwich last autumn, I fell in love with the campus, which made me feel at home immediately. I love everything about Vermont, its breathtaking views, its mountains and its multiple activities.
Louis Searles | Cabot, Vermont
I chose to attend college in Vermont for many of the same reasons I love this state. Its quiet atmosphere, welcoming community, attention to detail, and genuine care for its citizens are reflected in every corner of the state, including in its colleges. I believe that all of those aspects and more contribute to a very high quality of education in Vermont schools, colleges, and universities.
Connor Colty | Connecticut
I chose to go to college in Vermont because Landmark College best fitted my educational needs that I couldn't find anywhere else.
Jessica Lefton | Albany, New York
I chose to advance my undergraduate studies in Vermont, and specifically at UVM because of the human values Vermont illustrates- kindness, integrity, and respect, to name a few. Additionally, I chose Vermont because of the countless opportunities to further my knowledge with the exceptional level of higher education provided. Finally, the cherry on top of the sundae that is Vermont, is being able to explore the captivating nature that will be right outside my doorstep for the next four years.
Samuel Ofenbakh | Des Moines, Iowa
I chose to go to college because of the amazing educational opportunities and the extremely competitive climate.
Tommi Mandell | New Jersey
I chose to move to Vermont for college because of the scenery and environment. Another reason I wanted to move to Vermont is because I really enjoy snowboarding, and Vermont is a great place for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, the Center for Justice Reform at Vermont Law School was a major deciding factor in choosing where to further my education
Thomas Kurkulonis | Conway, Massachusetts
I chose VTC because of their comprehensive Professional Pilot Program taught by highly educated and experienced professionals. Not only will I graduate with a 4 year degree but I can also obtain all certifications necessary to become a Commercial Pilot.
Paige Cusanelli | Vermont
David Thomsen | Medway, Massachusetts
As soon I visited campus for the first time during a blizzard in mid February, learned about all the incredible opportunities available through Champlain's programs, and saw the view on campus, I knew it was the right fit for me. Burlington culture, Vermont's climate, and Champlain's vibe was the perfect combination for this tech-savvy snowboarder.
Kelsey Stoddard | Londonderry, Vermont
I chose to attend a Vermont college so I could stay close to home, get a very good education, and stay in this great state.
Official rules for the $5,000 Choose Vermont Scholarship
OFFICIAL RULES
- In January 2020, the State of Vermont is offering the opportunity to win one of eleven $5,000 scholarships from participating Vermont colleges or universities.
- College scholarships will be administered directly by the educational institution and are to be used for tuition during the 2020-2021 academic year.
- To be eligible to enter, you must be admitted to a Vermont college or university and by June 30, 2020 and commit to attend full-time (as defined and confirmed by each school) in a graduate or undergraduate program.
- Entrants must have committed to a Vermont college or university between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020.
- Entrants must commit to one of the following colleges or universities: Bennington College, Castleton University, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, Landmark College, Middlebury College, Northern Vermont University, Norwich University, Saint Michael’s College, Sterling College, University of Vermont, Vermont College of Fine Arts, or Vermont Technical College.
- Entrants must be 18 years old at registration or have a parent or guardian register on their behalf.
- You must be a student who has never previously attended a college or university in Vermont.
- You are limited to one entry.
- Entrants must submit a completed entry form with all required information. Before college scholarship funds will be awarded, all information submitted on the entry form by the entrant will be verified. If ANY false or misleading information is submitted on the entry form, the entrant will be disqualified without notification to the entrant.
- Each entrant is allowed only ONE (1) ENTRY submittal. Any attempt to enter again under a different name, address, etc., will automatically disqualify the entrant without notification to the entrant.
- Winners will be randomly selected by computer-generated drawing from among valid entries received at the conclusion of the contest period.
- No transfers, cash redemptions, or substitutions are allowed.
- The number of eligible entries will determine the odds of winning.
- Your registration is your agreement that the State of Vermont and Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) may contact you, and otherwise your registration information will be protected as provided by law.
- By accepting a prize, the winner and companions agree to the use by the State of Vermont and VSAC of their name and/or likeness in any promotion/advertising/trade activities, and any and all rights to said use, without further compensation or notification, and without prior review and approval, except where prohibited by law.
- Personal information collected in conjunction with this Contest will be used by the State of Vermont and VSAC: (i) to administer the Contest, including notification of the winner and inclusion of winner’s name on a publicly available winner’s list and (ii) for future advertising/marketing efforts of the State of Vermont and VSAC.
- Employees and their immediate families and household members of VSAC, the State of Vermont, and any college or university in Vermont are not eligible for the drawing.
- Entries will be accepted from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) EDT January 1, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. EDT June 30, 2020.
WINNER NOTIFICATION
- Due to the number of entries received, the State of Vermont will only notify winners via email and/or phone.
- The State of Vermont will contact each winner by email and/or phone within fourteen (14) business days of contest end date, using contact information given by the entrant during the application process. Winners have ten (10) days from date email is sent/phone message is left to respond and verify they meet the eligibility requirements as defined on the college scholarships contest website.
- If you are confirmed as a winner, your chosen school will send you the appropriate forms to complete the scholarship process. No funds will be issued directly to individuals. All forms and processes must be completed within sixty (60) days of contest end date or your scholarship is forfeited.
- Winners’ names will be posted on this web site by July 30, 2020.
Thank You to Our Partners
Vermont Student Assistance Corp. is Vermont’s public, nonprofit agency dedicated to helping students and families make college and career training more affordable through grants, low-cost loans, and scholarships. We work with Vermont students attending school in the United States or internationally, and also help out-of-state students attending school in Vermont with low-cost loans and scholarships.
The Association of Vermont Independent Colleges (AVIC) is the only statewide organization that represents exclusively the interests of private higher education in Vermont. AVIC is dedicated to expanding the capacity of Vermont’s independent educational network and attracting students who will contribute to the state’s future workforce as well as the economic, civic, and cultural life of Vermont.
WHY VERMONT?
Of the many things I love about Vermont, I love the outdoor activities provided around the area such as climbing, hikes, skiing, and the breathtaking view of the sunset on Lake Champlain. I feel positive about my future as a college student here in Burlington, Vermont because of the many academic and professional opportunities that the area provides me.