From Manchester to Mars: How Welding Student Pavel Novikov Earned NASA Recognition

Everything about Pavel Novikov’s journey has been long, winding and sometimes complicated, but each step has helped shape his character and has made him a stronger student, son and friend.

A Russian native, Pavel moved to the U.S. in 1998 when he was just 12 years old, seeking a better life with his family. He has vivid memories of playing video games as a child. “We didn’t own a well-known gaming system,” Pavel recounts. “We had an unbranded system that was better than the original. That made a huge impact on me—the fact that you could duplicate technology and really improve it for the better.”

This fascination with technology, deeply rooted in science, engineering, and imagination, led Pavel to pursue an associate degree in Welding Technology at Manchester Community College, focusing on robotic fabrication and engineering. But Pavel doesn’t dream of just welding here on Earth; he dreams of making permanent connections in the cosmos.

Pavel’s hard work and determination have led to many successes. One of his proudest achievements to date was completing the Accelerated Submarine Welding Program, sponsored by the U.S. Navy. The program focused on high-stakes fabrication in extreme environments.

“I dream of designing and testing combat astronaut armor — engineering that protects human life in the harshest conditions,” said Pavel.

It’s no coincidence that his fascination with space helped him earn a scholarship from the NASA Space Grant, managed by The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges. The award is available to full-time students with at least a 3.0 GPA enrolled in NASA-relevant STEM associate degree programs. Novikov is one of ten students who were recognized this fall for their outstanding achievement.

GBCC Earns National Recognition for Quality of Non-Credit Programming

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) has been chosen as one of eight inaugural institutions to earn New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) Recognition for the quality of its non-credit programming. NECHE has been accrediting colleges and universities for over 125 years and began recognizing non-credit programs in 2025 in response to a growing need for quality assurance as non-credit college enrollment continues to grow.

GBCC completed a rigorous evaluation and review process to earn the NECHE Recognition. The college submitted an evidence-based report using the NECHE Non-Credit Quality Assurance Framework and opened its doors for a peer review site visit. The Non-Credit Recognition Committee then reviewed GBCC and made recommendations.

“We are honored to be in the first cohort of colleges recognized by NECHE for our excellence in non-credit education,” said Dr. Cheryl Lesser, president of GBCC. “GBCC’s non-credit programs provide quick, accessible skills development that play a critical role in addressing New Hampshire’s workforce challenges.”

For Whom the Trades Toll: CCSNH Receives Second Metallica Grant

November is National Scholarship Month and students in trades programs at the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) will be rocking out thanks to local support from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) that includes a $50,000 grant from the band’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH).

The non-profit philanthropic organization was created in 2017 by the members and management of Metallica and is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger and other critical local services. For the second year in a row, CCSNH is recognized as the only institution in the Granite State to receive funding. CCSNH will use the grant to expand access to skilled trades programs across New Hampshire’s seven community colleges, helping students gain the education and tools they need to succeed in high-demand industries.

In New Hampshire, The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges is administering the grant that awards financial assistance to students to offset the cost of specialized equipment, materials, protective gear, or other degree-specific equipment.

“Skilled trades programs offer exceptional opportunities for students to enter and advance in fields that are vital to our economy,” said Shannon Reid, CCSNH’s Director of Government Affairs and Communications. “We’re thrilled to support nearly 90 students this fall with scholarships for specialized equipment required for programs in Aviation Technology, Massage Therapy, Culinary Arts and Welding.”



Through its more than 200 degree and certificate programs and ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of CCSNH, New Hampshire’s community colleges play a lead role in encouraging, educating and training individuals to fill key skilled trade positions across the Granite State.