MONTPELIER, Vt. — Beginning this fall, Vermonters will have three additional pathways to high-demand careers through new academic programs at the Community College of Vermont (CCV). The new offerings are a liberal studies associate degree with specialization in education, a paraeducator certificate and a justice studies certificate. CCV programs are designed in close collaboration with businesses, state agencies, and other organizations to prepare students with relevant, in-demand skills.
The education programs were developed in direct response to a need for clear, flexible pathways for Vermonters both starting and advancing careers in the field. The paraeducator certificate will prepare students for paraprofessional roles in K-12 settings, and can be applied to the liberal studies with specialization in education degree. The associate degree supports students who want to pursue careers in K-12 education and combines a grounding in liberal arts with foundational courses in education. Students will be prepared for entry-level education support professional roles and have clear pathways to bachelor’s degree institutions with educator preparation programs.
The justice studies certificate was created with input from stakeholders representing a range of justice-related organizations and agencies, including the Vermont Department of Corrections, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, law enforcement agencies and community and restorative justice organizations across the state, and representatives from career and technical education centers.
The certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the justice system, including law enforcement, legal assisting, corrections, community and restorative justice, victim advocacy, and juvenile justice. The certificate can be completed fully online and credits can be applied to a CCV associate degree in behavioral science.
Leslie Johnson is an associate academic dean at CCV and has been deeply involved in bringing the three new programs to life. “These programs were developed in response to feedback from community and state partners highlighting the critical need for affordable, accessible higher education pathways for aspiring educators and people entering direct service positions in justice-related fields. We are excited to offer these programs that provide students with a strong academic foundation, are rooted in current best practice, and are designed to meet them where they are in their lives,” Johnson said.
CCV’s fall semester begins September 8th. To learn more and apply, visit ccv.edu/apply.
