By Layla Kalinen
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Coming online soon is an expanded support program open to Afghan refugees seeking financial support for continued education.
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation has been awarded $50,000 from the State Refugee Office of the Vermont Agency of Human Services to serve people from Afghanistan seeking asylum in Vermont.
The funding, which will run through VSAC’s Educational Opportunity Center, enables VSAC to counsel Afghans on education and careers, as well as related areas such as travel, materials, translation and interpretation.
As hundreds of Afghans immigrate to Vermont, new challenges arrived beyond cultural assimilation; transportation and housing being two major obstacles.
VSAC’s Public Affairs Manager Vicky Tebbetts said the new educational assistance funds do not come from the same money earmarked to serve the state as a whole.
“Hundreds of them have come to Vermont,” Tebbetss said. “Some of them are very well educated in their home country. I know unlike many of the [other] newcomers to Vermont, housing and transportation are the two biggest challenges for them.”
Scott Giles, VSAC president, said the new expansion of refugee resources for education is another tool in supporting diversity in Vermont.
“Vermont continues to welcome refugees from across the globe who have become valued members of our communities,” Giles said. “Vermont has had a vibrant refugee resettlement community and infrastructure for decades. With this grant, we will be able to deepen our work with the Afghan community to help them define a path to their continuing education, training interests or career aspirations.”
According to Giles, a large sector of Afghans who arrive in Vermont have a strong academic background and have worked closely with the United States military. Other Afghans had educational journeys interrupted because of ongoing violence, or because they identify as women. The grant will enable VSAC to further support Afghans in charting a course to leverage the opportunities in Vermont. These opportunities could be career counseling, learning to drive, passing prerequisites necessary for a medical career, and beyond.”
Tracy Dolan, director of the State Refugee Office of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, said the grant came through that agency.
“VSAC is well positioned to assist all Afghan arrivals with clarifying their academic and career goals within the American educational system, researching programs to meet those goals, and finding the financial aid funding necessary,” Dolan said. “The Agency is investing in workforce development, and the VSAC team is accomplished at navigating resources related to short-term training.”
VSAC’s EOC program helps Vermont adults access learning opportunities, including classes, certification, career training, and college programs. Whether they are new to the process, returning to school, or are avid lifelong learners, many may receive help in planning their career paths and exploring education options, applying financial aid to pay for college or career training, setting themselves up for success in school, and more.
Wazir Hashimi, co-founder and board president of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, said the female Afghan population is especially vulnerable and has faced extreme marginalization.
“I believe VSAC is crucial to students’ success because it offers financial support for Afghan students to help pay for their college degrees,”Hashimi said. “VSAC has enabled me and other Afghan students to obtain an education that we may not have access to otherwise.”
“Also, this financial assistance encourages and inspires students from very financially disadvantaged families to have access to higher educational programs and make a difference in their lives and the community,” Hashimi said. “I believe VSAC financial assistance should continue because it helps deserving Afghan students with the ability to afford college and build a proud life in the future.”
This is a one-year grant with VSAC (May 2023 — March 2024). Dolan explained the EOC at the VSAC has specific objectives that will provide services statewide in three integral parts.
“We will create a comprehensive information campaign to promote short-term education and training programs among the Afghan refugee population, as well as support Afghan refugees to enroll in these short-term education and training programs by providing technical assistance in the application and enrollment process,” Dolan said. “Then EOC and VSAC will support Afghan refugees with funding these short-term education and training programs by navigating financial aid, including access to scholarships targeted toward short-term education and training. This is funded through the State Refugee Office using federal funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement.”
Afghans who are interested in meeting with a VSAC EOC counselor may call 877-961-4369 to schedule a free appointment.
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