Winter break offers a welcome chance to slow down, reconnect with friends and family, and—most importantly—rest. These quieter moments often create space for deeper conversations we may not have the time for during busier times, including discussions about interests, goals, and aspirations.   Those conversations can naturally lead to important reflections on the future. Fortunately, there are many affordable, flexible ways for students of all ages to learn and train for careers after high school. Eligible students can leverage 802Opportunity for free tuition at Community College of Vermont. New this year, Freedom Unity offers qualifying students free tuition at Vermont State University. And students may also take advantage of VSAC’s workforce development programs, providing free training in the trades and other critical-need jobs in exchange for a work commitment in Vermont.  Start Conversations with Curiosity  Often, the most meaningful moments begin with simple curiosity and a willingness to listen. These conversations don’t need to be formal or structured! Whether you’re catching up with a teen, talking with a neighbor who’s exploring a career change, or chatting with a college student who is home for the holidays, your encouragement and interest make a difference. Consider asking questions that invite reflection and might open the door to deeper understanding. Can you think of questions that invite more than a yes or no answer? That’s interesting. Tell me more about why you’re curious about that. You’ve clearly thought about that. How did you get there? How (or where) did you learn about that? Who influenced your interest? What made you explore this? Self-reflection questions can also inspire deeper conversations: What are the things you most enjoy doing with family or friends? When are you working at your best? What kinds of jobs do the people you admire most have? What about yourself are you most proud of? What excites you when you think about what comes next? As you invite these conversations, engage with intention: listen actively, share authentically, and seek to understand. Your genuine interest can help someone feel seen and supported—and open the door to new possibilities. And if you have a chance, you might also share information about concrete options the student may want to explore. Highlight Real Options The sheer number of opportunities out there today for students can feel overwhelming. The great news for students and families is that Vermont offers several exceptional pathways designed to support learners of all ages and interests, and from all backgrounds.  802Opportunity: Free Tuition at Community College of Vermont Vermont residents with a family income of $100,000 or less who do not have a bachelor’s degree can attend Community College of Vermont tuition-free with 802Opportunity.  For students seeking flexible learning that fits around work, family, or other commitments, the program offers more than 30 certificate and associate degree programs with day or evening classes, part-time or full-time enrollment, and in-person or online formats. Freedom Unity: Free Tuition at Vermont State University  Freedom Unity allows Vermont students with a family income of $65,000 or less who do not have a bachelor’s degree to attend Vermont State University tuition-free. With more than 100 campus-based, hybrid, and online programs leading to associate or bachelor’s degrees, it’s a strong option for students interested in fields like education, engineering, or entrepreneurship. Funding for Workforce Development: Free Skill-Based Training Vermont’s Workforce Development Funding helps learners pursue high-demand careers across the state. Funding is currently available for training in skilled trades and dental hygiene. Workforce Development Funding also supports certain graduate-level programs, including the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Faculty pathways. In addition, the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program will pay some or all of the tuition for a student who enrolls in Guard Service while in school.    These workforce development programs are structured as interest-free loans, but with a big difference: if you complete your program or service and work in Vermont in your field for a set amount of time, your loan will be fully forgiven. No repayment. No interest. Just the support to launch your future.  All People, All Paths There is a path for everyone, whether they’re drawn to hands-on work, public service, creative fields, community leadership, graduate-level careers, or stepping-stone programs that help them get started or build on job experience or credits already earned. As you connect with others during the winter break, remember that planning for the future happens together, over time. It’s an intention kindled by conversation, encouragement, and the shared belief that every person deserves a path that fits who they are and who they aspire to be. A single conversation could be what helps someone take their next step with confidence. Why not let that spark ignite with you? The Vermont Student Assistance Corp. was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 as a public nonprofit agency. We advocate for Vermont students and their families to ensure that they have the tools they need to achieve their education and training goals. We create opportunities for all Vermont students, but particularly for those—of any age—who believe that the doors to education are closed to them. Growing families save for education with VT529, Vermont’s official 529 savings program. To help Vermonters plan and pay for college or job training, our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and are also available to work with adults. Our grant, scholarship, and workforce development programs create opportunity, help students re-skill or learn new skills, and grow the economy. VSAC’s loan, loan refinance, and loan forgiveness programs provide competitive education financing to students and families. Find us at www.vsac.org or visit Facebook, Instagram, orLinkedIn. Read the story on VTDigger here: Honoring all paths: Tips for talking with students about the future this holiday season. ...read more read less