Vermont Students Launched Women's History Initiative

A high school group expanded into a global nonprofit advocating for mandatory curriculum changes in Vermont.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of books on a wooden surface, representing history education advocacy in Vermont. — Students from Vermont’s Champlain Valley Union High School founded a nonprofit, Her Education Required, to push for statewide curriculum changes regarding women’s history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Students at Champlain Valley Union High School founded the organization Her Education Required (H.E.R.) to push for mandatory women's history education across the state. The group now operates as an international nonprofit with over 1,000 participants.

Why it matters

The organization formed after students identified a lack of consistency in how women's history is taught in schools. By collaborating with local officials and the Vermont Agency of Education, they aim to secure formal curriculum requirements.

Her Education Required has grown to 100 chapters across eight countries and currently supports more than 1,000 participants. The organization offers up to $10,000 in need-based scholarship aid to students.

The players

Amelie Fairweather

She is the founder of the organization Her Education Required.

Vermont Agency of Education

This state authority is currently evaluating potential updates to social studies standards.

Champlain Valley Union High School

This is the Vermont high school where the student-led organization originated.

The details

Students launched the History by Her bookmark program to increase awareness and are working to establish a dedicated women's history course. Their advocacy aligns with the broader framework of Act 73, which sets graduation requirements within the state.

Amelie Fairweather conceived the organization during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The organization launched its new scholarship fund during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Culture Shift

The push for dedicated history courses reflects a broader trend of students seeking to address perceived gaps in traditional academic standards. This movement mirrors a shift toward more inclusive curriculum models that extend beyond regional boundaries to a global scale.

Local families may see changes to high school social studies requirements if the state moves forward with curriculum updates. Students interested in the new scholarship fund can access up to $10,000 in need-based aid through the program.

The takeaway

Student-led advocacy can successfully transition from local school projects into international organizations. Active engagement with state educational agencies remains a primary pathway for students looking to influence academic standards.