The Burlington Free Press reports that "the Community College of Vermont celebrated the commencement of its largest-ever graduating class, awarding two-year degrees to 458 students from across the state." Of these 458 students, "96 percent are in-state students; many are the first in their family to earn a college degree, and most have roots to the communities in which they live," meaning they are likely to stay in Vermont after graduation. Notably, "enrollment at CCV has jumped 40 percent in the last five years, and is up 14 percent over last year." CCV also "strives to keep its tuition the lowest in the state — $4,420 for tuition and fees in the 2007-2008 academic year, compared to $12,044 (excluding room and board) for in-state students at the University of Vermont."

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The Bennington Banner reports that a new paper written by policy analyst Heather Brome and issued by the New England Public Policy Center suggests that New England's "brain drain," or the exodus of young residents to other states, may have been exaggerated.  According to Brome, although there are fewer people between the ages of 25 and 39 in New England today, the number of young professionals did not decrease in the region from 1990 to 2005.  Notably, Brome was hesitant to apply her findings directly to Vermont because she has not examined the state-by-state data in depth. In response to the findings, Representative Joseph Krawczyk, R-Bennington, stated that Vermont may not be experiencing the same general trend as the rest of New England and should continue to work to bring young people to the state.

Last year, the Next Generation Commission was convened by the Vermont General Assembly to examine different ways to encourage young people to stay in Vermont. The group examined several solutions including an increase in funding and scholarships to help people attending Vermont colleges.

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The New Hampshire Business Review reports that an analysis of 2004-2006 census data by the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire found that Vermont's 25-34 year-old population grew by 2.7 percent -- the twentieth fastest growth rate for this age group in the nation.  The overall United States experienced a 2.1 percent growth of this same age group.  Notably, Vermont ranks in the bottom 10 states for total population in the 25-34 cohort.

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According to the Brattleboro Reformer, Governor James Douglas has announced the launch of a new website that will attempt to attract young Vermonters in neighboring states to return to Vermont.  The website will list job openings, apartments and homes for rent, and social and outdoor activities.
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The Times Argus reports that RutBusters is a grass-roots group that works to involve Vermonters ages twenty to thirty in their community by hosting community forums and events. RutBusters hopes that a vibrant social and economic environment will encourage working-aged residents to stay in state.
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