Strategic Investment Area 1
Workforce & Economic Engagement
What we mean
The Vermont State Colleges System strengthens Vermont’s workforce and economy by aligning education with employer needs, building strategic partnerships, anticipating workforce trends, and preparing learners for successful careers.
Strategies
- Strengthen Employer Partnerships to better connect education and industry.
- Use Workforce Intelligence to guide academic planning and investment decisions.
- Align Academic Programs with Workforce Needs
- Improve Employment Outcomes by connecting learners to careers in Vermont.
Strategic Investment Area 2
Student Success & Academic Innovation
What we mean
Student success is the foundation of the Vermont State Colleges System’s mission. We will create educational experiences that help learners enroll, persist, complete meaningful credentials, and successfully transition into careers or continued education. Through innovation in academic programs, teaching, technology, and student support, we will continually improve outcomes while ensuring our educational offerings remain responsive to the changing needs of students and Vermont.
Strategies
- Improve Student Retention by strengthening advising, financial navigation, and learner engagement.
- Increase Credential Completion through innovative academic pathways and student-centered program design.
- Strengthen System Pathways by creating seamless transitions across the Vermont State Colleges System.
- Advance Academic Innovation through flexible delivery models, online education, competency-based learning, and continuous improvement.
Strategic Investment Area 3
Infrastructure Modernization
What we mean
The Vermont State Colleges System’s physical, financial, and operational assets are essential to fulfilling our public mission. We will invest in facilities, technology, and systems that support student success while creating new opportunities to strengthen communities, expand partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the System.
Strategies
- Optimize Facility Utilization by aligning campus assets with student, institutional, and community needs.
- Expand Community Partnerships through innovative use of System facilities and collaborative investments.
- Advance Strategic Capital Investments that strengthen learning environments and community vitality.
Strategic Investment Area 4
Access & Affordability
What we mean
Higher education should be accessible, affordable, and achievable for every Vermonter. We will reduce financial barriers, expand educational opportunity, and create clear pathways that enable learners of every age and background to enter, progress through, and complete their educational goals.
Strategies
- Improve College Affordability through coordinated financial aid, scholarships, and innovative funding strategies.
- Expand Educational Opportunity for low- and moderate-income Vermonters.
- Strengthen Entry Pathways by simplifying access to the Vermont State Colleges System and supporting learners from first inquiry through enrollment.
Together, these Strategic Investment Areas position the Vermont State Colleges System not only as Vermont’s public higher education system, but as a catalyst for workforce development, community vitality, and economic opportunity across the state.