Governor Joins CCSNH to Honor Early College Advocates

Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifying May as Early College Month in New Hampshire and recognized seven educators as Early College Advocates, at a recent ceremony at the State House. Through its Early College program, CCSNH provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at low or no cost to New Hampshire families.  

“Early college programs at New Hampshire’s community colleges enable thousands of high school students each year to earn college credit, save on college costs, and gain the confidence to thrive in postsecondary education and in careers,” said Governor Ayotte.

CCSNH’s Early College programs help students get ahead academically by earning dual high school and college credit while reducing college costs and debt. This year, 11,100 students from 125 high schools enrolled in Early College courses. Through recent investments by the governor and state Legislature, students and families are expected to save at least $15 million in future college costs through CCSNH’s Early College program.

Education With an Impact

What does postsecondary education really mean for New Hampshire's future? Chancellor Mark Rubinstein tackled that question recently on NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast. Rubinstein also highlighted his recent honor of receiving NHTI’s Early Learning Champion Award in recognition of his leadership and for helping to secure funding to use as tuition support for those pursuing a degree or certificate in early childhood education.

NHTI Educators and Students Honored as Heroes at Annual Fire and EMS Event

Seven members of NHTI—Concord’s Community College’s Paramedic Emergency Medicine community were honored at the 32nd Annual NH Fire and EMS Services Committee of Merit awards ceremony, a volunteer-led event recognizing service members across the state. The ceremony included remarks by Governor Kelly Ayotte and a performance by Professional Firefighters of NH Pipes & Drums.

Congratulations to NHTI’s Paramedic Emergency Medicine program for its continued excellence and dedication in preparing first responders, and to the award recipients who include:

• Keith Wilding, program coordinator – EMS Educator of the Year
• Markie Boyce (Class of 2018) and Eric Wells (Class of 2016) – Pamela Mitchell/Richard Connolly Memorial EMS Achievement Award
• Zack McComb, lab instructor (Class of 2018) – EMS Unit Citation for Motor Vehicle Accident Call
• Nick Corigliano, preceptor (Class of 2023) – EMS Unit Citation for a Cardiac Arrest Call
• Jessica Lewis, current student – EMS Unit Citation for a Technical Rescue Call
• Margot Kratzenberg (Class of 2025) – Unit Citation for Technical Rescue Call

Group photo (left to right): Nick Corigliano, Jessica Lewis, Eric Wells, Keith Wilding, Markie Boyce, and Justin Hinds

Franklin High School Students Participate in LRCC Graduation

This spring, 14 Franklin High School students earned Early Childhood Associate Teacher certificates from Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) thanks to the opportunity to take Early College classes for dual high school/college credit at no cost. The record number of students included juniors and seniors, eight of whom participated in LRCC’s graduation ceremony on May 16, celebrating a milestone typically reserved for traditional college students.

“It’s an honor to be able to walk at the LRCC graduation because you know that you’ve earned something that you can use in the future,” said Payton Cloutier. “We’ll be able to compare the two – a high school graduation vs. a college graduation.”

To receive the Early Childhood Associate Teacher certificate, students completed four courses including Growth and Development of the Young Child; Infant/Toddler Development; Health, Safety, and Nutrition; and College Essentials. During the program, students built pathways that connect school to real-world experiences and bring them one step closer to a career. Students designed model childcare centers using New Hampshire licensing regulations, developed health and safety plans and worked through real world scenarios connected to child development.