Free Degree Promise Prepares Student for Career in Mental Health

Where Are They Now: Alexis' Story

CCV graduate continues her education in psychology at Vermont State University
 

When Alexis Cole’s high school classes suddenly moved online during the Covid pandemic, her grades skyrocketed. The Colchester High School freshman was surprised to find ease in online learning.

“I am a very social person; so, in school, my priority was never the work,” she recalled. When forced to compartmentalize socializing and academics, she succeeded. “I could manage time better, and do work on my own terms. I did really well.”

When Alexis learned about the state’s Early College program at the Community College of Vermont (CCV), through which high school seniors can enroll full-time in college courses at no cost, the online option was as appealing as the financial incentive.

Her school counselor first told her about Early College and the pathway became more enticing when Alexis learned about the Free Degree Promise that invites Early College students to complete their CCV degree without going into debt. “How could you pass up two free years of college?” Alexis questioned.

She was the first in her family to attend college and takes pride in breaking a “generational family pattern.” “Family members before me did not have the opportunities I did, like the Free Degree Promise,” she shared. “I am beyond grateful and my family is super proud of me.

Launched in 2022, the Free Degree Promise builds on the state’s Early College program to offer Vermont’s young people a fast-track to a debt-free degree the year after high school graduation. In addition to covering fees, tuition, and a living stipend, the Promise connects students to career and education advisors.

The High School Balancing Act
Alexis felt apprehensive about balancing her social life with being a full-time college student, but the open-door approach of her high school kept her connected to her senior year experience. She visited friends and teachers, did work in the school library, worked with her school counselor, and attended pep rallies and football games. She had breakfast regularly with her freshman math teacher, Julie Rutz, who continues to be a close friend and mentor today.

Any initial concerns about missing out shifted when Alexis took stock of the value of the real-life experiences she was having as a college student. “My brain and mindset adapted to being a different kind of student,” she realized.

Alexis now encourages younger friends to try the program. “I tell friends that it may be intimidating, but the temporary fear of FOMO is not worth missing out on the long-term benefits.”

The Powerful Role of the Advisor

Alexis chose to pursue a Behavioral Science degree at CCV and credits that choice to her relationship with her middle school counselor, who helped her during a time of great need. “After that, I always wanted to be a helpful person for somebody else,” she said.

When Alexis began at CCV, she explored the Behavioral Science course descriptions with her advisor, Ian Boyd, and found them all fascinating. The quality of the courses and her advisor relationship sculpted her experience.

“Ian is amazing. We were constantly in touch and he helped me figure out what was and was not working for me,” Alexis said. Ian also welcomed her mom to sit in on every meeting.

“As an advisor, my job is to help students navigate the whole college experience, including in-depth conversations about career pathways,” said Ian. “Alexis was ready for a challenge.”

Like other CCV advisors, Ian witnesses his students experience tremendous growth as they explore academic areas that may have otherwise been unavailable to them. He also witnesses how the Early College and Free Degree Promise pathways empower CCV’s youngest students with academic focus, confidence, and improved communication and advocacy skills. “It’s a very cool transformation and these are imperative skills to be successful,” Ian stated.

A Pathway to Vermont State University

Upon graduating CCV and with the help and support of Ian, Alexis enrolled at Vermont State University where she is studying to become a clinical psychologist. Her time at CCV provided the foundation, confidence, and academic credits she needed to pursue this path.

Alexis plans to work in the mental health field, serving adults at a community-based organization in Vermont. “Everyone should have someone to lean on when they are struggling; I strive to be that person,” she shared. “I am excited to stay in Vermont and create a life here.”

Affordable Degrees Benefit All
Since the Free Degree Promise program launched with Vermont’s high school graduating class of 2022, CCV has welcomed a 70% larger cohort of Early College students representing over 80% of Vermont’s high schools.  The college has also seen a 150% increase in the number of low-income students enrolled in Early College.

“When you remove the financial barrier, students view their future with clarity, hope, and excitement. They can focus on setting goals and planning a pathway to a degree,” said Sarah Kresser, the Early College Degree Program Manager at CCV. “This gives them more agency and motivation.” 

The large majority (65%) of enrolled students intend to stay enrolled to complete their associate degree, more than doubling the typical cohort of Early College completers who persist at CCV. This year, more than half of those students are first-generation college students.

The McClure Foundation, an affiliate of Vermont Community Foundation, invests in accessible and affordable postsecondary education as a part of its vision of a more equitable and resilient Vermont. It hopes the early impacts of the Free Degree Promise will inspire the state of Vermont to continue the initiative beyond the Foundation’s five-year commitment, so that younger Vermonters can also count on accelerated associate degrees.