The need
In the United States today, a college education is viewed by employers and community advocates alike as an essential piece in preparing young women and men for life and the workplace. More and more jobs in the 21st century are dependent on skills and expertise provided by higher education, but in addition to honing vital skills college graduates gain important perspectives—and exposure to differing perspectives—that allow them to respond reasonably to issues and situations they will encounter throughout their lives.
The frustrating reality for many is that the road to becoming a college graduate is still extraordinarily difficult, particularly for diverse learners, those with learning and attention issues. In Vermont, as calculated from Agency of Education data released in February 2016, less than 5% of 2009 high school graduates with IEPs obtained a college degree within 6 years of graduation—this despite 54% of such students nationwide aspiring to be college graduates. VLSI exists to give a support structure to those with that aspiration who learn differently.
The frustrating reality for many is that the road to becoming a college graduate is still extraordinarily difficult, particularly for diverse learners, those with learning and attention issues. In Vermont, as calculated from Agency of Education data released in February 2016, less than 5% of 2009 high school graduates with IEPs obtained a college degree within 6 years of graduation—this despite 54% of such students nationwide aspiring to be college graduates. VLSI exists to give a support structure to those with that aspiration who learn differently.
from Agency of Education report, Vermont High School Graduates Postsecondary Enrollment Rate, February 2016