Graduates Ready to Take the Next Step

More than 2,100 students will graduate from New Hampshire’s community colleges this year, receiving associate degrees and certificates in fields that range from accounting to welding. With some students doubling up on degrees earned, in total, the colleges within the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) will confer more than 2,200 credentials this academic year.

CCSNH colleges offer degree and certificate programs in a wide range of fields that encompass the humanities, business, science and technical areas of study. More than 600 students will earn credentials in healthcare fields, including 344 in nursing. In the field of education, 130 students have earned credentials in early childhood teaching, out of 215 in all teacher education programs. Driven by a resurgence of interest in skilled trades, CCSNH will graduate nearly 100 welders from one of the dozens of programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs in the trades. While many graduates will be advancing directly into the New Hampshire workforce, many others will continue their education at UNH, Keene State College, Plymouth State University or other colleges and universities eager to welcome community college graduates furthering their education. 

Additionally, several high school seniors from across the state will graduate this spring, having earned an associate degree alongside their high school diploma because of their participation in CCSNH's Early College program.

Recently, two senior nursing students who had just completed their final exams at Manchester Community College had their skills put to the test in the real world when they found themselves at the scene of a collision between a car and a moped that left the moped driver injured. Their quick actions immediately after the incident were celebrated in the press. Both students are slated to begin working at the Elliot Hospital after graduation.

Photo: Gov. Kelly Ayotte participated as the keynote speaker at the Nashua Community College commencement. 

CCSNH Releases Community Magazine: Trades Edition

Last month, CCSNH released the second edition of its Community Magazine. This issue focused on the trades and was published just in time for the April 26 Bring Back the Trades Expo held at Londonderry High School.

An increased interest in the trades in NH, following last fall's widely attended Bring Back the Trades Event at NHTI featuring Mike Rowe and Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte, helped inspire the creation of this publication.

The magazine is intended for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the trades, and highlights educational pathways to lucrative careers in NH. The publication also offers insight about what it is like to work in these professions and includes information about scholarship resources available to students.

LRCC Hosts Advanced Manufacturing Summit to Strengthen Industry Partnerships

Last month, Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) welcomed nearly 50 local leaders and industry partners to campus for its Advanced Manufacturing Summit. The event was co-sponsored by LRCC and the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, and focused on collaboration, innovation and regional workforce needs of area manufacturers.

Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs and Karmen Gifford, President of the Laconia Chamber of Commerce, led the discussion of the participants. Key topics included tariffs, workforce development, housing challenges in the Lakes Region and evolving business needs across sectors.

Notable guests included representatives from 11 manufacturing firms, leaders and various workforce partners in the CCSNH system, officials from the City of Laconia, Apprenticeship NH, First Robotics, NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Granite Edvance, and other influential community and industry partners. The summit provided an important platform for networking and idea-sharing as the college seeks to expand partnerships and align its programs with high-demand industries.

“We’re committed to building programs that meet the real-world needs of both students and employers,” said Steve Tucker, LRCC’s Workforce Development Manager, one of the people involved in coordinating the event. “Today’s conversations are just the beginning of deeper collaboration to serve our region.”

The college plans to use insights from the summit to further develop workforce-aligned training and educational pathways that support the economic vitality of the Lakes Region and beyond.

CCSNH Celebrates Early College Month and Hosts Info Sessions at all 7 NH Community Colleges

CCSNH colleges are celebrating Early College Month across the state of NH, with events designed to help students and families learn more about dual credit opportunities. On May 7, Governor Kelly Ayotte declared May "Early College Month" in NH and read a proclamation recognizing this valuable program that provides high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit, saving money on college and accelerating their entry into a career.  

In-person and virtual information sessions are scheduled throughout the month.