What Is 802Opportunity?
Offered through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), 802Opportunity provides free tuition to Vermont residents with a household Adjusted Gross Income of $100,000 or less per year. The program covers associate degrees and certificate programs at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont State University. It’s the most comprehensive free tuition program in the state and one of the most accessible in the country.
Why It Matters for Health Care
Vermont is facing a well-documented shortage across nearly every corner of its healthcare workforce from CNAs and EMTs to behavioral health specialists and medical coders. The demand is real, but so is the opportunity. With 802Opportunity, becoming part of the next generation of healthcare professionals just became a whole lot more possible.
Healthcare Programs You Can Start Now (For Free!)
At CCV, students can enroll in a variety of healthcare-focused certificate and degree programs, including:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Assisting
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Phlebotomy Technician
Medical Billing and Coding - Health Science (associate degree)
These programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering evening, online, and hybrid options that support working adults, caregivers, and recent high school graduates alike. Many also offer stackable credentials meaning students can enter the workforce quickly while continuing to build toward higher-level degrees.
Local Impact, Long-Term Change
At Northern Vermont AHEC, we’re deeply invested in helping Vermont students find their path into health care careers and helping Vermont communities get the skilled professionals they need. 802Opportunity aligns perfectly with that mission. By eliminating the financial barrier, it gives more Vermonters the ability to stay in-state, train in-state, and work in-state.
And when more of us are trained and working in health care, everyone benefits: patients, families, providers, and communities.
How to Learn More
- Read about 802Opportunity on VSAC’s blog
- Explore CCV’s Healthcare Programs
It’s not every day you get a shot at free college and even less often in a field as essential as health care. 802Opportunity isn’t just a financial aid program. It’s a blueprint for strengthening Vermont’s future, one trained health professional at a time.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to return to school, this could be your moment. Let’s build a healthier Vermont together!