USA Scholarships
Don Vickers Scholarship 2027 - $1,000
The Don Vickers Scholarship remembers a quarter century of VSAC leadership by supporting Vermont students who plan careers in public service. VSAC may award one scholarship up to $1,000 for certificate, undergraduate, or non-degree study at a Title IV college with any enrollment level. Applicants need at least a 3.5 GPA, FAFSA need, community involvement, essay #1, and two recommendations. Enter scholarship ID VICKERS on the Unified Scholarship Application before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 aid, with renewal possible for three more years.
What is the Don Vickers Scholarship?
When Don Vickers retired from VSAC in 2013, colleagues and friends seeded an endowment so his name would stay tied to students who choose public service over private gain. The scholarship is broad on program type. Certificates, bachelor''s paths, and even non-degree study can fit, and VSAC does not force a minimum credit load.
The academic bar is higher than many Vermont booklet funds. A 3.5 GPA, FAFSA need, essay #1, and two recommendations mean you are competing against an estimated 260 applicants for one award up to $1,000. Renewal for three additional years sweetens the math if you keep grades, need, and service current.
Public service is more than a buzzword here. Spell out the job or mission you want, whether that is local government, teaching, nonprofit work, or another community-facing field. VSAC reads that intent alongside your community service letter.
Enter VICKERS on the Unified Scholarship Application, upload everything before February 11 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and remember one incomplete file can remove you from consideration.
Eligibility
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✓Vermont residency through VSACMeet VSAC residency rules for assisted scholarships. Most VSAC funds require Vermont residency unless the booklet states otherwise.
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✓Certificate, undergraduate, or non-degree studySeek a certificate or undergraduate degree, or enroll in a non-degree program at an accredited Title IV eligible school.
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✓Intent to work in public servicePlan a career path in public service and explain that goal in essay #1 and your recommendations.
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✓Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPADemonstrate academic achievement with at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, verified on your official transcript.
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✓Financial need and community serviceShow financial need through FAFSA and document community involvement or service in essay #1 and recommendation letter #2.
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✓Flexible enrollment levelVSAC lists any enrollment level for this fund, so part-time certificate students and full-time undergraduates can both qualify.
Benefits
- Maximum amount Up to $1,000 when endowment yield allows
- Number of awards One scholarship (~260 applicants in estimates)
- Selection factors Need, recommendations, essay, GPA
- Program flexibility Certificate, UG, or non-degree; any enrollment
- Renewal Up to three additional years if eligible
- Full tuition Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID VICKERS for the Vickers committee.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA for 2027-2028 and link results in MyVSAC because need is a selection factor.
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✓Official transcriptUpload a transcript showing cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and current program enrollment.
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✓Recommendation letter #1Submit one non-relative recommendation that speaks to your character and academic readiness.
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✓Recommendation letter #2 (community service)Provide a separate community service recommendation as required in the VSAC booklet.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Describe your public service career goals, financial situation, and community activities using VSAC prompts.
How to apply
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1
Define your public service path
Sketch how your certificate or degree connects to government, nonprofit, education, or other public-facing work before you draft essay #1.
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2
File FAFSA early
Submit FAFSA after October 1, 2026 so need data is ready. Vickers weighs financial need heavily.
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3
Open MyVSAC
Sign in at secureacctaccess.vsac.org to start the Unified Scholarship Application.
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4
Enter VICKERS on the USA
Add other VSAC booklet scholarships you qualify for in the same submission to maximize one deadline.
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5
Line up two recommenders
One non-relative for letter #1 and a separate community service contact for letter #2. Give each several weeks.
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6
Upload transcript showing 3.5 GPA
Order official transcripts early if your school requires processing time.
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7
Submit by February 11, 2027
VSAC requires the USA, FAFSA, essay, both recommendations, and transcript by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 11, 2027.
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who is eligible for the Don Vickers Scholarship?
Vermont residents who meet VSAC residency rules, intend to work in public service, hold at least a 3.5 GPA, show financial need, and enroll in certificate, undergraduate, or non-degree programs at Title IV schools may apply.
How much is the Don Vickers Scholarship?
VSAC lists one scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment earnings allow. Competition is heavy, with roughly 260 applicants estimated in recent booklets.
Does the Vickers scholarship require community service?
Yes. You must demonstrate community involvement or service, including a dedicated community service recommendation letter #2.
What GPA do I need for the Don Vickers Scholarship?
VSAC requires a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, verified with an official transcript.
Is the Don Vickers Scholarship renewable?
Yes. The booklet states the award may be renewable for up to three additional years when you continue to meet eligibility and VSAC renewal requirements.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Don Vickers Scholarship?
Enter VICKERS on the Unified Scholarship Application.
When is the Don Vickers Scholarship deadline?
Submit the Unified Scholarship Application and all required documents by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding.
Can part-time students apply for the Vickers scholarship?
Yes. VSAC lists any enrollment level for this fund, which covers part-time certificate work as well as full-time undergraduate study.
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