PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship 2027 - VT
The PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship honors Vermont high school seniors who already lead community service that improves life for children and teens and who want college training for future youth-related careers. PedsOne sponsors the fund; VSAC runs selection through the Unified Scholarship Application in MyVSAC. One $4,000 award goes to a senior who shows exceptional service leadership, financial need, academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA), and a work ethic that predicts finishing a bachelor''s degree. You must enroll full time at an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding and pursue study that supports youth work, such as child development or adolescent-focused fields. Required documents mirror other VSAC booklet entries: USA, FAFSA, essay #1, recommendation letter #1 from a non-relative, recommendation letter #2 on community service, and a transcript. VSAC estimated about 235 applicants for one award in recent booklets. Plan on the standard Vermont window: USA opens October 1, 2026 and closes February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
What is the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
PedsOne built this fund to reward Vermont seniors who already show up for kids, not just students who say they might someday. The scholarship looks for service leadership you can point to: mentoring, coaching, tutoring, hospital volunteering, 4-H work, or any sustained effort that makes life better for children and teens. VSAC handles the paperwork, but the story in your essay and community service letter has to feel real.
The money is modest at $4,000, yet the competition is stiff. Recent VSAC booklets estimated roughly 235 applicants for a single award. That makes early preparation worth it. Line up recommenders before winter break, keep your GPA at or above 3.0, and tie your college major or certificate plan to work with youth after graduation.
You apply the same way as for dozens of other Vermont booklet scholarships. MyVSAC, FAFSA, essay #1, two letters, transcript, and the PEDSONE ID on the USA. Miss the February 11 cutoff and you wait another year, so treat the October 1 opening like the start of a real project, not a last-minute checkbox.
Eligibility
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✓Vermont resident high school seniorYou must be a current high school senior who is a Vermont resident when you apply. VSAC verifies residency on the Unified Scholarship Application.
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✓Youth-focused college plansSeek an undergraduate degree and college experiences that support future youth-related work, such as child development, education, social work, or allied health paths that serve children and teens.
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✓Full-time enrollmentPlan to enroll full time at an accredited postsecondary school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, federal Direct loans). VSAC disbursement rules require full-time undergraduate associate or bachelor enrollment.
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✓Minimum 3.0 GPADemonstrate academic achievement with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and a work ethic that predicts successful completion of a bachelor's degree.
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✓Community service leadership for youthShow exceptional leadership in community service with a clear commitment to improving the lives of children and/or teens. Recommendation letter #2 should speak directly to that service.
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✓Financial need through FAFSADemonstrate financial need using FAFSA data linked to MyVSAC. Complete the FAFSA for the aid year before the February deadline.
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✓U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizenMeet VSAC citizenship requirements for federal student aid, consistent with other state-assisted scholarships.
Benefits
- Award amount $4,000 scholarship
- Number of awards One per cycle
- Tuition and fees Disbursed via VSAC to college
- Selection factors Essay, letters, need, achievement
- Renewability One-time award
- Full tuition coverage Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and include VSAC ID PEDSONE so reviewers route your file to the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship committee.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA after October 1, 2026 and authorize VSAC to use your Student Aid Index for need-based selection.
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✓Recommendation letter #1Submit one letter from a non-relative who can address your academic strength, character, and leadership.
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✓Recommendation letter #2 (community service)Provide a community service recommendation as required in the VSAC booklet entry for PEDSONE.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Use essay #1 to explain your youth service impact, college goals, and financial situation. Follow the booklet word limit.
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✓Official transcriptUpload a transcript showing courses, GPA of at least 3.0, and senior-year progress.
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✓MyVSAC enrollment plansList the colleges you are considering and update your choice once you commit so disbursement rules stay accurate.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
It is a VSAC-administered scholarship sponsored by PedsOne for Vermont high school seniors who lead community service benefiting children or teens and plan college study related to future youth work. One $4,000 award is offered per cycle.
Who qualifies for the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
You must be a Vermont high school senior with at least a 3.0 GPA, financial need, full-time college plans at a Title IV-eligible school, and documented service leadership focused on youth.
How much is the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
VSAC lists one $4,000 scholarship per cycle. The award is not described as renewable in the booklet entry.
When is the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship deadline?
For 2027-2028 aid, submit the Unified Scholarship Application and all required documents by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The USA opens October 1, 2026.
What VSAC ID do I use for the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
Enter PEDSONE on the Unified Scholarship Application. The ID appears above the scholarship description in the VSAC Scholarships and Forgivable Loans booklet.
What GPA do I need for the PedsOne Youth Service Scholarship?
You need a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. VSAC also weighs your work ethic and likelihood of completing a bachelor's degree.
What documents does VSAC require for PedsOne?
You need the USA, FAFSA, essay #1, official transcript, recommendation letter #1 from a non-relative, and recommendation letter #2 on community service.
Can I use the scholarship at out-of-state colleges?
Yes, if you enroll full time at an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding. VSAC does not limit PedsOne to Vermont campuses.
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