ROAD to Success

An Engineering student works in a lab

We’re Making it Easier for Rural Students to Succeed

According to the 2020 Census, rural Vermont students are currently less likely than their urban counterparts to enroll in and graduate from four-year education programs. 

Funded by The U.S. Department of Education Rural Post-secondary and Economic Development program, ROAD to Success is designed to link students from rural Vermont communities to high-wage and high-demand occupations in Vermont.

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Student Eligibility

Participants must have attended a rural Vermont high school or a rural Community College of Vermont campus AND have a need for technology or paid internships in order to complete their program of study at one of VTSUs rural campuses.

Access to Technology & Expert Staff

Participating students receive stipends for experiential learning (such as research or internships), support from professional staff who have training and expertise in serving rural students, and access to the technology needed to complete their credentials. 

Beyond the dual-advising model system that supports all students, ROAD to Success participants get tailored support services in the following areas: 

  • Laptops for loan  
    • Mac and Dell options
  • IPads  
  • Broadband Connection Support
    • ROAD to Success will work with you to find an affordable internet option available for you, and help you with access during the academic year. These options might include Xfinity, Fidium Fiber (or other local providers) and Starlink.

  • Flexible career pathways 
  • Success advising
  • 24/7 remote tutoring
  • Compensation for experiential learning 
  • Assistance with college applications and financial aid 

Find Your ROAD to Success

Get the support you need to attain the career you want.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Today

Career Development

We’ll work with you to determine what path best fits your interests and lifestyle, and help you find an academic program path that will directly place you into a high-skilled, in-demand occupation in Vermont.

Starting in your first semester, you’ll have access to career development that helps guide you through paid career-focused internships and learning experiences that are based in the NACE Core Competencies of career readiness.

ROAD to Success is one of the several ways that VTSU is able to help provide funding for students participating in an otherwise unpaid or under-paid internship or applied learning experience such as:

  • Research
  • Student Teaching
  • Job Shadowing
    • Mileage reimbursement
    • Other expenses
  • Professional Development
  • Conferences
    • Lodging and Meals
    • Registration Fees
    • Travel

As Heard on Vermont Edition:

ROAD to Success participants Lilly Hudson and Raymonda Parchment spoke with Vermont Public about their experiences at Vermont State during the transformation.

Listen to the story at Vermont Public

Questions? Contact our Staff

Women with grey hair smiles at the camera with a forest in the background.
  • Staff

Beth Walsh

She/Her

Director, ROAD to Success Project

  • Department

    • Academic Support

  • Primary Office Location

    Johnson Campus

Sunset sky with clouds

Rural Councils & Community Connections  

We’re collaborating with partners and identifying gaps in post-secondary education and economic development opportunities. From this research, we’ll establish and convene three regional councils with other industry partners, community organizations, and employers. This network will facilitate internships, work-study opportunities, research and innovation collaborations, and community engagement initiatives that extend beyond the grant period.