Commencements held across the state | |
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More than 2,000 students graduated this month from New Hampshire’s community colleges. These students, their families and friends, teachers and mentors were celebrated in commencement events across the state. They overcame challenges, made bold decisions, persevered, thrived, and achieved. Their stories are inspiring, and these graduates will make a profound impact here in the Granite State.
Some highlights:
- 92 percent of this year’s graduates are NH residents
- 244 - more than one in ten - graduated from the colleges’ Registered Nurse programs, and another 37 from Licensed Practical Nurse programs
- Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 71, with the average age of 27
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Our students say it best, and we’re proud to share the words of a commencement speaker, Brigid Murphy from Dover, NH, who describes how choosing to attend one of NH’s community colleges at age 24 made the difference for her.
Here is an excerpt, but we hope you will take a moment to view the clip at the link below.
“The biggest difference between Great Bay and other colleges is not the lower tuition, the smaller class sizes, the incredible work of the staff members, or the welcoming atmosphere of the students. What really makes Great Bay stand out is the way they believe in us. They make academia accessible to people like me, who may not have been able to succeed in a traditional college setting, or who know there is more than one path to success nowadays. They challenge us to be our best, as all good colleges do, but what makes them stand out is that they provide resources to make our best more attainable to us. They elevate not only our intellect, but our spirit and our mental wellness as well. They cater to all of us, from different backgrounds, going down different future paths, and make us work hard while teaching us to advocate for ourselves and to help others.”
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Unique collaboration creates healthcare career pathways | |
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ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of the Community College System of New Hampshire, Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Health System recently announced a registered apprenticeship program to cultivate talent in nursing, technology, and healthcare support roles. The “earn while you learn” approach allows individuals to hold a paid position while engaging in classroom learning and on-the-job training.
“A program like this not only helps us place people in critically important positions, it also removes barriers for people who want to pursue a healthcare career,” says Karen Schoch, Director of Organizational Development at Catholic Medical Center.
A job fair was held recently at Manchester Community College for people to learn about the program, meet with representatives of the hospital partners, and learn about other educational benefits that can support their enrollment.
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Two NH community colleges approved for “Second Chance Pell” eligibility to train incarcerated population | |
NHTI – Concord’s Community College and White Mountains Community College in Berlin, NH have been awarded experimental site status allowing the use of Pell grants - federal, need-based funding for postsecondary students - to support educating incarcerated individuals. The colleges, in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, applied for eligibility to help the state address challenges of recidivism, support the civic re-engagement and economic stability of individuals transitioning out of prison, and bolster New Hampshire’s workforce at a time when employment opportunities abound for those with appropriate training and preparation. Providing education in prison has been shown to reduce recidivism rates and increase employment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals, with a host of attendant benefits to society and public safety. | |
NCC debuts new Workforce Solutions Center | |
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The Workforce Solutions Center at Nashua Community College is a resource for area students and employers looking for the right credentials and training.
“We’re here to help the workforce,” said Kim Eckenrode, Career and Technical Education Pathways Director. “We’re here for companies who want to have some training for their employees or to create a pathway for their employees to get degrees and improve retention. We’re also here for people who want to pivot to a new career. And like our Microelectronics Boot Camp, which was launched in partnership with BAE Systems to address a labor gap, we’re here to develop partnerships with local businesses.”
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Follow the link to our video and see why our students "choose community."
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For more information or if you have questions about CCSNH, please contact Shannon Reid, executive director of government affairs and communications.
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The Community College System of NH is NH's statewide system of community colleges offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees, and dual-credit partnerships with NH high schools. The System’s colleges are Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth and Rochester; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI – Concord’s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont, Keene and Lebanon; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin, Littleton and North Conway. | | | | | |
