College & Career Pathways 2026: Taking a Gap Year: How to Build an Intentional Path to Your Future

College & Career Pathways 2026: Taking a Gap Year: How to Build an Intentional Path to Your Future

The path after high school is not “one size fits all”, especially as students navigate a rapidly changing education and work landscape. An intentional gap year offers time to explore interests, build real-world skills, and learn beyond the formal classroom. A well-planned year can strengthen confidence, independence, and self-knowledge while helping students stay engaged and future-ready, no matter which post-secondary option comes next. This workshop explores the range of gap year opportunities, offers guidance on college deferment or reapplication, shares strategies for financing gap time, and shows how to design a meaningful and fun year that prepares young adults for a future they feel excited about. This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 10th-12th grade students and their parents/guardiansPresenter: Julia Rogers, President Emeritus, Gap Year Association Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

College & Career Pathways 2026: Apprenticeship Opportunities

Enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program is a smart investment in your career. It provides hands-on training, mentorship, and a path to a rewarding career with long-term stability and growth opportunities. Come learn about the opportunities that exist in Vermont, and how to pursue a registered apprenticeship to take the first step toward your dream career. This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenters: Zach Johnston, Project Coordinator, Vermont State University Apprenticeship Programs & Christopher Laflam, Vermont Department of Labor – Workforce Development Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

College & Career Pathways 2026: Navigating the College Search for Students Who Learn Differently

This workshop will give neurodiverse students and their families the tools you need to determine fit and prepare for the transition to education after high school. We will discuss what to consider, the questions to ask, the legal landscape, and the wide range of accommodations, supports, and programs that exist in post-secondary education today. The presenter will also share some details about the specific expertise of Landmark College, which specializes in educating neurodiverse high school and college students. This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians; also appropriate for college access professionals Presenter: Sydney Ruff, Senior Director of Admissions, Landmark College Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

College & Career Pathways 2026: I Wish I Knew That! Programs to Pursue Before Graduating High School

Participants will learn about the Flexible Pathways opportunities available to students and how participating in one or more of these programs in high school can help you get a jumpstart on your future. This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–11th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Education High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways

College & Career Pathways 2026: MyFutureVT - Your Guide to Success After High School

Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Come explore MyFutureVT, a free resource for career exploration, education options, and financial planning. Plus, learn about the Vermont Employment Pathfinder, a tool that will help you connect the dots between your skills/interests and education/job opportunities. Gain the confidence and tools to confidently chart your path to success! This is a recording of the live workshop at College & Career Pathways on March 14, 2026. Audience: Best for 9th–12th grade students and their parents/guardians Presenter: Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont High school students and parents/guardians, whether you’re college-bound, training-bound, or not sure, VSAC's college and career pathways events and resources are for you. Find additional event details and resources at: https://www.vsac.org/plan/college-career-pathways Vermont Employment Pathfinder: https://myfuturevt.org/vep/