CCSNH Promise Program: Need-Based Gap Funding Now Available for Eligible Students

The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) is offering new need-based funding to eligible students for the 2023-24 academic year. CCSNH’s Promise Program will help New Hampshire students who qualify based on financial need by bridging the gap between grants, scholarships, and the cost of tuition and required comprehensive fees, at all seven of New Hampshire’s community colleges. The program was announced by system leadership on July 12 at Manchester Community College, with students, guests and college personnel in attendance.

Funding for the Promise Program was included in the biennial budget passed by the New Hampshire Legislature and signed into law by Governor Sununu. Potential recipients need to complete the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be Pell-eligible, and enroll in at least six credits per semester.  

$3.2 Million Awarded to CCSNH to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The Community College System of New Hampshire was awarded $3.2 million by the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant. This funding will broaden the impact of ApprenticeshipNH, a CCSNH workforce program, by supporting CCSNH 's efforts to strategically expand Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The majority of the grant will be used to increase sustainability and to expand and diversify apprenticeship programs in targeted industries including advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, infrastructure and clean energy, education and healthcare. CCSNH is the only recipient in New Hampshire and one of seven states nationwide to be granted the additional competitive funding.

The U.S. DOL State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants help states embed job quality, sustainability, diversity, and equity while creating opportunities for innovation, engagement and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeship programs.

The 411 on 911: LRCC Unveils Game-Changing Tuition Offer for Future Paramedics

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) is offering a new opportunity in paramedic education, supported through a Congressionally Funded Community Projects grant. The new Paramedic Emergency Medicine Initiative (PEMI) at LRCC will cover approximately $8,000 per student for the one-year Paramedic certificate program. This remarkable initiative reflects the college’s commitment to eliminating financial barriers for those pursuing careers in emergency services, an area of acute need in New Hampshire. LRCC will work with students to identify other sources of financial assistance to cover costs beyond the per-student grant.

The one-year Paramedic certificate program is designed for firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians or Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians looking to further their education and career. The program includes approximately 1,200 hours of theory and hands-on experience in a lab, in various medical environments, and within ambulance services.

GBCC Becomes Part of World’s First “Little Indonesia” Community

Two organizations with complementary missions, Great Bay Community College (GBCC) and Indonesian Community Connect (ICC), have partnered to strengthen access to important educational resources and assist in meeting critical workforce needs across the Seacoast region and the state. GBCC and ICC will connect New Hampshire’s Indonesian community with education, scholarship, and employment opportunities. This effort will include translation and interpretation services to make the program's benefits more accessible to community members.

“For the Indonesian community, it is not just about the pathway into a credential, certificate, or degree, but addressing specific and core needs such as language support for those who need it,” said Dr. Cheryl Lesser, GBCC president. “We take pride in individualized onboarding and care for our students and will focus on educational opportunities while honoring the culture and providing resources intentionally focused on the Indonesian community. This partnership with the Indonesian Community Connect builds on our support of the community and provides pathways to joyful and sustainable lives.”