Vermont SOS: Private Scholarship Program
to Fund Public and Private Education

Vermont now has a private scholarship program to help low-income parents choose schools for their children. Modeled after the many similar programs around the country, Vermont SOS (Student Opportunity Scholarships) pays 50 percent of tuition costs up to $2,000 for public or private schools.

Established in 1998, VT SOS awarded its first scholarships in September of this year. It is one of the few private scholarship programs in the country that cover an entire state and include public schools.

Parents who want more information should write:

Vermont SOS,
PO Box 232,
Williston, VT 05495

or call 888-558-8883

Facts about VT SOS:

Average Scholarship $1204
Scholarship Applicants for the 1999-2000 School Year - 658
Scholarship Awards - 136
Number of students in each county:

• Addison :16,
• Bennington: 4,
• Caledonia: 19,
• Chittenden: 24,
• Essex: 2,
• Franklin: 6,
• Grand Isle: 1,
• Lamoille: 12,
• Orange: 7,
• Orleans: 9,
• Rutland: 7,
• Washington: 10,
• Windham: 9,
• Windsor: 10

Average Income of Recipient Families: $21,042
Vermont Median Family Income: $39,400
Schools chosen by scholarship recipients:

• Catholic Schools: 56
• Other Religious Schools: 50
• Independent Schools: 27
• Public Schools: 3