CCSNH Receives Grant from Metallica Scholars Initiative to Provide Support to Students Entering the Trades

The Community College System of New Hampshire was recognized as the first institution in the Granite State to receive grant funding for the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) through All Within My Hands (AWMH), Metallica’s foundation.

The non-profit is a philanthropic organization created by the members and management of the legendary band Metallica. CCSNH was awarded $75,000 to support students developing trade skills at New Hampshire’s seven community colleges. The 2024 grants represent the sixth year that MSI has provided this funding nationally and, with CCSNH joining 18 new colleges on the roster of MSI community colleges nationwide, the largest expansion of MSI and its largest grant to date. 

In New Hampshire, The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges administered the grant and awarded 224 students with $50,575 of financial assistance to date to offset the cost of specialized equipment, materials, protective gear, or other degree-specific equipment. Students receiving assistance ranged in majors from health sciences and services to hospitality and culinary, industry and transportation and STEM/advanced manufacturing. 

“We share the Metallica Scholars Initiative’s recognition of the critical role that people with technical and trade skills play in our society. We are grateful to be receiving this funding to assist students with financial barriers, and we hope to encourage more students to enter these fields, as well as highlight the major role and impact they have within all our communities and our nation,” said Shannon Reid, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Communications for CCSNH. 

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Highlighting Changing Landscape of Rural America Coming to RVCC

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with New Hampshire Humanities, presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural America opened at River Valley Community College on October 14, 2024. "Crossroads” will be on view through December 13, 2024.

River Valley Community College and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by New Hampshire Humanities to host “Crossroads” as part of the Museum on Main Street program—a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The exhibition will tour six communities across New Hampshire and Vermont, beginning August 2024 and continuing through August 2025. 

"River Valley Community College is proud to have been chosen as a site for the inaugural hosting of a Smithsonian exhibit in New Hampshire” said Alfred Williams, President of RVCC. “We look forward to welcoming the community we serve onto our campus to enjoy this traveling exhibit." 

To coincide with the exhibit, RVCC is hosting a variety of free public events including a selection of objects and artifacts from the Claremont Historical Society on view through December 13, a community art exhibit on view through January 10, 2025, "Harvest Fest" and a series of public panel discussions on topics relevant to Claremont and the surrounding communities. 

High School Robotics Champs Compete for Scholarships from CCSNH at Governor’s Cup

Twenty-nine high school robotics teams gathered at Plymouth State University on October 19 for the 7th Annual Governor’s Cup, an off-season event that has become a hotly contested competition for FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams preparing for the official season. Teams from across New Hampshire compete for awards and scholarships based on robot performance and specific judged elements. 

The Community College System of NH (CCSNH) supported this year’s competition with one-semester tuition waivers to seniors on the winning teams and $2,000 individual scholarships for students nominated by their adult mentors. 

“The First Robotics competitions are always great to attend, to see students express such genuine enthusiasm for learning, and applying what they’ve learned in such creative ways. That blend of learning and doing, of trial and error, and the excitement of problem-solving is something we should all encourage. That’s why New Hampshire’s community colleges are pleased to participate in the Governor’s Cup, ensuring that students who want the opportunity to continue their education will find exceptional science, technology, engineering and math programs taught by stellar faculty across CCSNH. These programs prepare students for fulfilling professional careers, regardless of whether those are directly tied to robotics, or to business, or to scores of other possibilities that ignite their passion for learning and that CCSNH can offer them,” said Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor of the CCSNH. 

We congratulate the winning teams and individuals and look forward to welcoming graduating seniors to CCSNH!

LRCC Hosts Inaugural Merit Badge College for Scouting America

Lakes Region Community College recently hosted its inaugural Merit Badge College, welcoming over 100 enthusiastic participants from Scouting America, Daniel Webster Council, on October 26th. Ranging in age from 11 to 17, these young leaders traveled from as far as Rhode Island and Vermont to take part. This all-day event provided an opportunity for attendees to earn merit badges through hands-on learning experiences with LRCC faculty and merit badge counselors.

The program featured a diverse array of sessions aligned with LRCC’s academic offerings, including Graphic Arts, Robotics, Digital Technology, First Aid, and Automotive. This collaboration not only inspired future leaders but also showcased the LRCC campus, highlighting the valuable skills and opportunities available at community college.

“We are excited to partner with Scouting America to provide this hands-on learning experience,” said Shawna Young, Director of Admissions & Enrollment at LRCC. “This event not only highlights our academic programs and facilities but also fosters community engagement, inspiring young minds to explore the possibilities that community college has to offer.”