New Hampshire Next 2020

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2019-20 COMPLIMENTARY

Your guide to life after high school A SPECIALTY PUBLICATION

Choose community college How to pay for higher education Launch your health care career debt-free Plan for your future in the 603

Your path star ts here

Seven New Hampshire Community Colleges across the state will help you f ind the right path.

College is about creating opportunities, pursuing interests and taking that next step in your education and future. New Hampshire community colleges offer all that, plus a way to avoid big tuition bills and student loans. They’re also a great place to learn. Small class sizes mean your instructor will know who you are, understand your aspirations and support your efforts.

Degree and certificate programs are designed to help you prepare for your next step, whether that leads directly to a new job or transferring to continue your education. Our graduates are in demand.

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Many NH high school students are also earning college credit through our Running Start program, where students can take college-level courses and save time and money. Ask your school counselor about Running Start courses at your high school and Early College courses on campus.

When you’re ready to look at colleges, begin at ccsnh.edu to link to the seven NH community colleges. We’ll help you take the next step on your path.

www.ccsnh.edu | (603) 230-3500

NEW HAMPSHIRE

contents

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR:

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Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC D E S I G N E R :

Nancy Tichanuk, x5126 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com

a running start on 10 Get college and career Earn both high school and college credits with CCSNH programs

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE:

Melissa George, x5133 mgeorge@parentingnh.com B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R :

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com

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EVENT & M A R K E T I N G M A N AG E R :

What you need to know about paying for college

B U S I N E S S & S A L E S C O O R D I N AT O R :

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com D I G I TA L MEDIA SPECIALIST:

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com S A L E S S U P P O R T C O O R D I N AT O R :

Angela LeBrun, x5120 alebrun@mcleancommunications.com

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Creative options to reduce costs Ways you can make college more affordable

NH Next is published by McLean Communications 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310 nhnext.com Please forward any inquiries or correspondence to 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101. For editorial information, please call (603) 624-1442, x5157. To find out how to advertise in the 2019-2020 edition of NH Next, or on the NH Next website, nhnext.com, call (603) 624-1442, x5154. Š2019 MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is not allowed. Articles and advertisements in NH Next do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by NH Next does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Choose community college

10 reasons to choose a twoyear college program in NH

Financial Aid Q+A

Emily Samatis, x5125 esamatis@mcleancommunications.com

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Apprenticeship: A pathway to success

Launch your health care career without going into debt

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College and career ready in the 603

Explore the many opportunities available in the Granite State NH NEXT 2019-2020

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Get to know your

high school counselor

W

hile your school counselor is there for you if you ever have a problem, he or she is also there to assist you with college planning. Be sure to make the most of your counselor’s help.

• Teach you about early action and early decision admission programs.

• Help you create a timeline, so you won’t miss any deadlines associated with the admissions process.

• Write letters of recommendation for you.

• Help you develop interviewing skills and encourage you to participate in college admission interviews.

• Give you information about financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.

• Assist or help you find assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Help you prepare for your transition to college.

HOW CAN YOU GET TO KNOW YOUR COUNSELOR?

WHY SHOULD YOU GET TO KNOW YOUR COUNSELOR?

Your school counselor plays a big role in helping you with the college planning process. Your counselor can do the following: • Help you determine your abilities and interests in future educational and occupational choices.

• Make sure you select the right courses and are on the appropriate track for the kind of post-secondary education and occupation(s) you would like to pursue.

• Help you in selecting and registering for appropriate college admissions tests, and then explain the results of these tests.

• Encourage you to participate in college fairs and financial aid workshops.

• Give you information on different schools (entrance requirements, curricular offerings, costs, etc.) and occupations.

• Encourage you to visit college campuses.

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Because your school counselor can play such a critical role in the college planning process, it is important that the two of you get to know each other.

• Visit your school counselor early. You should develop a relationship with your counselor during your freshman year of high school. This will give your counselor sufficient time to get to know you and your family, and therefore let you know about any college information or pre-college enrichment programs that come up along the way.

• Visit your counselor often. Be sure to visit your counselor at least twice a year during your freshman and sophomore years.

Beginning your junior year, you will want to start visiting your counselor a little more often, as college preparation becomes more critical. Visit your counselor at least once a month during your senior year to keep them updated and to ask any questions that may come up.

• Open up to your counselor. In order for your counselor to be able to assist you to the best of their ability and provide a quality recommendation for you, they need to know who you are. Provide them with a list of your extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer experiences, etc. Let them know what kind of occupation you are thinking of pursuing. Give them a list of schools that interest you.

• Your school counselor is there to assist you in planning for college. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t let your counselor (or your parents, for that matter) do all the work. As the student, you need to be actively involved in planning for your future.

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com — a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses nationwide.

Sponsored by Edsouth. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

NH NEXT 2019-2020

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FROM OUR SPONSORS

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams Pursue a post-secondary education

A

merican essayist Henry David Thoreau notably suggested, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” One way to seize Thoreau’s advice as you consider life after high school is to pursue a post-secondary education.

NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION’S

for NEW HAMPSHIRE residents

$7,000 average savings

on out-of-state tuition

at two-year and four-year public colleges and universities in the five other New England states

700+ approved programs

undergraduate and graduate

New programs added for 2020-21!

Visit our website to view details and list of programs.

nebhe.org/tuitionbreak tuitionbreak@nebhe.org

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857-284-4879

College offers an excellent opportunity for personal, academic, and professional growth. Research from The College Board tells us attending college helps students to become more independent and responsible. In college, you explore subjects in greater depth than you are able to in high school, choose your own courses and class schedule, and decide which extracurricular activities you’ll focus on.

In today’s local, national, and global economies, a postsecondary education is more important than it has ever been before. A college degree offers you more choices and better opportunities for advancement. I am the first in my family to graduate from college. Earning my degree has made a meaningful difference in my life, opening doors and creating experiences which have shaped who I am personally and professionally. And as the parent of two young children, I am eager to help students across the state of New Hampshire realize their college dreams.

The NHHEAF Network Organizations’ Center for College Planning (CCP) is the state’s largest source of free college planning resources in New Hampshire. Our team of expert college counselors are ready to help you realize your college dreams. Call us today at 888.747.2382, extension 119 and let us help you “go confidently” as you plan for “the life you have imagined.”

CHRISTIANA THORNTON Christiana Thornton is the President and CEO of The NHHEAF Network Organizations, a nonprofit organization helping New Hampshire families plan and pay for college since 1962.

NHHEAFNETWORK.ORG

FROM OUR SPONSORS

Take the next step NH community colleges span a wide range of interests and career pathways

C

ollege is about exploring interests, creating opportunities and taking that next step toward your future. At New Hampshire community colleges, students can find a wealth of opportunities and experiences at a fraction of the cost of other college options.

They’re also a great place to learn. Small class sizes mean your instructor will know who you are, understand your strengths and support your efforts.

The programs offered at NH community colleges are designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and career pathways.

The programs will prepare you for your next step, whether that’s directly into the workforce or transferring to a four-year college or university. Our grads are in demand!

Many NH high school students are also earning college credit through programs like “Running Start,” Early College and eStart, where students can take college-level courses and save time and money. Ask your school counselor about dual credit courses at your high school.

When you’re ready to look at colleges, begin at ccsnh.edu to link to the seven NH community colleges. We’ll help you take the next step on your path.

Sincerely, —THE TEAM AT NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGES CCSNH.EDU

NH NEXT 2019-2020

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FROM OUR SPONSORS

Tomorrow’s highly skilled workers and engaged citizens

W

ith over 153,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending New Hampshire’s public and private colleges and universities, tomorrow’s highly skilled workers and engaged citizens are being educated right here in the Granite State. Recognizing the benefits of working together, New Hampshire’s non-profit higher education institutions understand that they benefit from sharing resources and partnering with each other through the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC).

The NHCUC, founded in 1966, is a unique higher education consortium with a diverse membership of public and private, four-year and two-year colleges and universities. For 50 years the NHCUC has worked to provide services and programs that benefit students, faculty, administrators and its member institutions. Through shared library services, collaborative admissions programs, faculty and professional development offerings, and career services the NHCUC connects its member campuses in a variety of effective and important ways.

Recognizing that education does not just occur in the classroom, the NHCUC continuously seeks dynamic partnerships with K-12 schools, businesses and other non-profit organizations.

As a co-founder of the New Hampshire Forum on the Future,

the NHCUC ensures that the emerging issues and opportunities confronting New Hampshire are regularly addressed at a series of engaged breakfast briefings targeted to the state’s key thought leaders. To prepare high school students for collegelevel courses, the NHCUC, in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Education, sponsors the New Hampshire Scholars Program, which partners with local high schools to encourage students to take rigorous academic classes.

New Hampshire’s postsecondary education sector represents a major component of the state’s economy. Contributing over $6 billion annually to New Hampshire’s economic engine, colleges and universities provide over 28,000 direct and indirect jobs to the state’s labor force, expend over $1 billion on wages and salaries and confer more than 16,000 degrees annually.

Under the guidance and leadership of the presidents from each of the NHCUC’s member institutions, the NHCUC is an important convener, advocate, and representative for New Hampshire’s diverse array of postsecondary educational institutions.

— DEBBY SCIRE PRESIDENT & CEO NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

ParentingNH, a national award-winning publication, is New Hampshire’s first and only statewide magazine for parents

of children and teens.

For over 25 years, readers have turned to ParentingNH

for information on issues that are important

to New Hampshire’s families.

YOUNG WRITERS ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS • FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

COMPLIMENTARY

Pick up your free copy at 500+ locations in New Hampshire.

Online at parentingnh.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Ready, set, go back to school

Make the most of your

college fair experience

C

ollege fairs are a way to find out about

PASS OUT YOUR RESUME

colleges of interest to you because a

Handing out your high school resume at college fairs will show college representatives that you are a go-getter. College reps like to see students who have made the effort to compile a resume. Your resume will allow the representatives to see what kind of a student you are and allow them to take it back to their colleagues in college admissions for review.

variety of college representatives are together in one place.

GO PREPARED

Before you attend a college fair, make a list of colleges that interest you. Then visit the websites of the colleges on your list to try to find as much general information as possible. This will allow you to ask more in-depth questions when you talk to representatives at the fair.

MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS

Make a list of your most important questions beforehand, so you don’t forget what you want to ask. Focus on questions that pertain to your interests. Ask about majors that you are interested in pursuing.

What kind of classes will you have to take for those majors? What are recent graduates of those majors doing now? How safe is the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods? What is the campus environment like on the weekends? What kinds of campus job opportunities are available? Just remember to ask questions that you couldn’t find answers to from researching the websites.

MAKE INFORMATION LABELS

Most colleges will have inquiry cards that they will want you to fill out, which will place you on their mailing lists. You can save a lot of time at the fair by bringing along self-stick labels to place on the cards.

Include your contact information, e-mail address, birthday, high school graduation date, GPA, and areas of interest. Many college fairs feature a barcode/scanner process that makes collecting this information easier.

Be sure to pre-register online and bring your mobile phone or print out your barcode if this process will be available at any college fairs you will be attending.

TAKE NOTES

Bring a pen and a notebook or a smartphone/tablet.

You will need these to take notes with when talking to college representatives. Don’t expect to remember everything they say without recording the info.

ATTEND INFORMATION SESSIONS

Many college fairs offer information seminars on topics such as financial aid, the search process, applications, etc. These sessions will give you the opportunity to ask questions about the college planning and admission process.

FOLLOW UP

Once the college fair is over, you should read over the college pamphlets that you received and the notes that you took. For the colleges that you are really interested in, follow up by taking virtual tours of the campuses and scheduling college visits.

To find out when college fairs will be held in your area, contact your high school counselor.

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com — a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses nationwide. Sponsored

by Edsouth. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

DON’T MISS THIS COLLEGE PREP EVENT Destination College is designed to help high school juniors and their families prepare for entry into college.

This annual statewide college preparation convention is held every spring through collaborative efforts between The NHHEAF Network Organizations and New Hampshire colleges and universities. All of the day’s events are free to students and parents. In 2020, the fair will be held at Saint Anselm College in Manchester on March 28.

Attendees will have access to a variety of college planning workshops, hear a student keynote speaker and have the opportunity to participate in scholarship raffles and attend a college fair. For more information, go to nhheaf.org.

NH NEXT 2019-2020

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Y our path

starts here 10 |

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SPONSORED CONTENT

G Tuition for STEM courses is FREE for Running Start, Early College and eStart!

High school students can take up to two dual-credit courses per year for FREE in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, through a scholarship program offered by the State of NH. It’s easy to register and have tuition waived for all three programs!

et a Running Start on College and Career

High school juniors and seniors enrolled in New Hampshire Community College Running Start classes earn both high school AND college credit!

Running Start courses are college courses taught at local high schools by teachers who have college-level teaching credentials and use a college syllabus and course materials. These courses are taken as part of the daily class schedule.

SEE WHAT OTHERS

LOW-COST COLLEGE COURSES

— Mother of a daughter now attending University of Rhode Island

Tuition is only $150 per course — a huge savings from the regular cost of college courses. Students get an affordable start on a college degree and career skills. Classes range from specialized technical courses like automotive and advanced manufacturing — to popular “gen-ed” requirements like college composition and calculus.

Running Start credits transfer to two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the Granite State, as well as throughout the region and US. Contact your high school’s Running Start coordinator or guidance counselor for more information.

HAVE TO SAY. . .

“My daughter just transferred her credits this semester. She was thrilled. I loved this program!

Having college coursework on her resume when applying to college was very helpful. I will be sure my son participates.”

“I found these courses to be helpful in terms of money and getting a head start on my college learning.“ — NH high school graduate now attending Great Bay Community College

“I managed to save an entire year’s tuition because of the courses I took through Running Start.”

— NH high school graduate now attending UNH

A

nother Option for HS Students is Early College

The Early College program enables high school students to take courses on the campus of a NH community college at a significant discount — one-half the “regular” college cost for each course. Like the Running Start program, students earn college credit — which gives them a jump on college requirements and saves money.

Students should work with their high schools to make sure the course will be counted as part of high school requirements.

H

ave You Heard About eStart?

High school students may also earn both high school and college credit through eStart.

Courses are taken online through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS.) For more information, go to www.vlacs.org or email: estart@ccsnh.edu.

Learn more at CCSNH.edu

NH NEXT 2019-2020

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SPONSORED CONTENT

NH Community Col l choice for quality high e

T

here are seven community colleges throughout the Granite State, offering courses on-campus and online to meet the needs of high school grads.

NH community college degree and certificate programs range from the Liberal Arts to STEM — which pathway will you choose?

Berlin

ARTS, HUMANITIES, COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN Rte. 16

Gain focused skills and a strong foundation for transfer Littleton

BUSINESS

Attain real-world experience, professional and leadership skills HEALTH SCIENCES AND SERVICES

Study for careers in nursing, an array of direct care roles or healthcare administration

NEW H A M PS H I R E North Conway

Lebanon I-93 I-89 Claremont

Laconia

HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY

Learn about the restaurant, resort, recreation and event management professions INDUSTRY AND TRANSPORTATION

Train for in-demand, hands-on and highly skilled professions SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Prepare for careers with huge impact and personal meaning STEM AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Study for high-tech in-demand jobs across an array of industries from aerospace to life sciences

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Concord Manchester Keene Rte. 101 Nashua

Rochester I-95 Portsmouth

l leges: The affordable h er education Top 10 Reasons to Choose Community College #1

QUALITY EDUCATION

NH community colleges offer courses comparable in academic rigor to those taught at four-year colleges and universities. In fact, at community colleges the emphasis is placed on classroom instruction and student support, which leads to an outstanding learning experience for students.

40% of all traditional-age college students start out at a community college.

28% of all bachelor degree holders start at a community college.

47% of all bachelor degree holders take at least one course at a community college. (www.collegeatlas.org/communitycollege-benefits.html)

#2

COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMS

Today’s community colleges offer traditional liberal arts curriculum, as well as the career/technical programs that have historically been the cornerstone of community college programs. Traditional liberal arts-inspired associate degrees parallel the first two years of general education at a four-year college, making it easy to transfer.

#5

CAREER-READY GRADS

A community college degree can lead to a university degree (at a significant cost savings), or straight into a high-demand career.

Nationally, community colleges educate 62% of allied health professionals. More than 80% of law enforcement officers and firefighters studied at community college.

FLEXIBILITY

Daytime, evening and online classes provide flexible scheduling opportunities for students of all ages, who are at different points in their education and career paths. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, 62% of all full-time community college students also work and 72% of part-time students work while in school, so the flexibility we offer is important!

#3

#4

SMALLER CLASS SIZES

At NH community colleges, 89% of the classes have fewer than 19 students.

Smaller class size offers greater opportunity for student participation, more individual attention and improved instruction.

#6

ACCREDITATION

New Hampshire’s community colleges are accredited by the same agency that accredits UNH, SNHU, Dartmouth, Boston University and all other accredited New England colleges. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits all New England colleges, which means that the education meets shared standards of educational quality.

#7

TRANSFERABILITY

Working with advisors from both colleges, students can successfully transfer all or most of their community college credits.

NH community colleges have articulation

agreements with four-year colleges both in-state and out-of-state. To see exactly what transfers in New Hampshire, visit NHTransfer.org

#8

GREAT PLACE TO START

Nationally, and in New Hampshire, community colleges are a great place for students to start either a four-year college pathway or a high-demand career. Whatever your goal is, you can reach it starting at a community college.

#9

FINANCIAL AID

Even though tuition at community colleges is lower than at other colleges and universities, financial aid is still available.

The Federal Pell Grant, for example, is open to students attending any accredited post-secondary school, whether they attend full- or part-time. Many scholarships don’t differentiate between two- and four-year colleges, and some are designed specifically for community college students.

#10

AFFORDABILITY

Community college tuition is very affordable. New Hampshire students can earn a full associate degree for about $15,000, and be half-way to a bachelor’s degree.

Making this choice saves thousands of tuition dollars for the millions of students who choose it every year.

Learn more at CCSNH.edu

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Financial Aid

Col Cosleg ts e

Q+A Financial Aid

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SPONSORED CONTENT

T

he total cost for attending college, or the “cost of attendance,” includes tuition, fees, room and board, as well as an allowance for personal expenses, such as travel, books, laundry and the occasional pizza. You can find the cost of attendance in college catalogs and on websites.

You can also access a net price calculator on colleges’ financial aid websites to get a better idea of how much college will cost your family after accounting for any financial aid you have been awarded.

Q: WHAT IS A NET PRICE CALCULATOR AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

To make it easier for prospective students to figure out how much it will actually cost to go to college (sticker price vs. actual cost), Congress passed a higher education law that, among other things, requires all colleges to offer a net price calculator on their websites.

Essentially, it allows you to get a detailed estimate of your out-ofpocket costs as well as your eligibility for financial aid long before you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? There can be both federal and institutional money to help you and your family meet some of the costs of postsecondary education.

Aid can be based on several criteria including family income, student academics, or program of study.

Even if you think you might not qualify, you should still apply; many students and their families don’t apply and miss their chance at receiving aid. Before filing the FAFSA, many parents want to know how colleges will assess their financial situation.

Go to studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimate to get an early calculation on your Expected Family Contribution.

The EFC is the amount of money the FAFSA determines that the student and his/her family can contribute toward the cost of one year of college. Essentially, the EFC represents the minimum you will have to pay based on your family’s needs.

Q: HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? To be considered eligible for financial aid (including need-based federal aid, grants, loans and work-study), students and their families must fill out the FAFSA. Colleges and universities use this application to determine how much aid students are eligible to receive. The FAFSA can be completed starting October 1 of the year BEFORE you intend to enroll in school and must include your parents’ federal tax-return information from the previous year.

If you have concerns about getting parental support through the process, contact The NHHEAF Network Organizations’ Center for College Planning (CCP) at 1.888.747.2382, ext. 119. Our college counselors have experience working with unaccompanied youth, foster youth and youth-in-care.

Some colleges also require supplemental forms, such as the CSS

PROFILE® form. Check with each school’s financial aid office for details. To continue to qualify for aid, you must submit a FAFSA form each year by the school’s deadline. The FAFSA can be filled out and submitted electronically at fafsa.gov or on a mobile device via Federal Student Aid’s FAFSA app.

Q: WHEN DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? Each college may have a different deadline for filing financial aid applications. Most deadlines for regular admissions candidates range from Feb. 1 to March 15. However, some early admission or early decision deadlines could be as early as Nov. 1. Check with each school to be sure you know the school’s filing dates.

Missing a posted deadline could mean a significant reduction in the amount of aid received.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF AID ARE AVAILABLE? TThere are two types of financial aid: gift aid and self-help aid.

GIFT AID is money that does not need to be paid back and is comprised of grants and scholarships. Grants are usually need-based, which means eligibility is based on your family’s ability to pay for college (as determined by the federal government and the college).

Scholarships are usually merit-based, which means eligibility is based on your talent (academic, artistic or athletic) or possibly community service. Some scholarships are also offered through local scholarship programs and applications can be found in the school counseling office at your high school.

SELF-HELP AID includes student loans and work study. The federal loan programs, the Perkins and Stafford Loans, are flexible with students and have excellent repayment terms. Most students do not need to pay back their loans until they graduate.

Work study is also considered a form of financial aid. College students can earn money at an on-campus job, with most jobs averaging about 10 to 15 hours a week. Earnings are most commonly used to cover personal expenses.

Q: WHAT IS AN AWARD LETTER? An award letter is the official notification from a college or university’s financial aid office that outlines the aid awarded to an individual student. An award letter may include federal grants, college grants, scholarships, student loans, student employment/work study and parent loans.

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Maximize your search

It is important to understand that the award packages will differ from school to school based on the school’s available resources and your family’s level of need at each campus. A family’s level of need at a local community college may be different than at a four-year private college.

However, don’t assume a higher cost institution is out of reach for you. Often, private institutions have large endowments to support scholarships. In some cases, a private college may actually cost less than a public college.

1. START LOOKING EARLY. While searching for additional scholarships takes time and energy, it is well worth it if it helps reduce tuition costs. The more time you dedicate to your scholarship searches, the more options you will have.

Q: WHERE CAN I TURN FOR OUTSIDE

2. ORGANIZE SCHOLARSHIP MATERIALS. Each scholarship may have a separate application deadline and specific criteria. Many scholarships require one or more of the following: • Parent and student financial information • Personal statement or essay • Letters of recommendation • Proof of eligibility (credentials) • High school transcript • Standardized test scores

MONEY TO HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE?

3. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND PROOFREAD. Complete the application accurately and fully. Include all required materials. Make sure your applications and essays are legible and free of grammatical or spelling errors. Be certain your essay responds to the question asked. Do not forget to sign and date the application.

Q: WHERE CAN I GO FOR FREE HELP APPLYING FOR

4. MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING. If your application is lost, this will make it much easier to resend your application.

FINANCIAL AID?

Contact the Center for College Planning (CCP) at The NHHEAF Network Organizations to schedule an appointment with one of our expert college counselors at 1-888-747-2382, ext. 119 or collegeplanning@nhheaf.org. Free workshops are offered at high schools around the state. To find a date or time we will be in your community check out our events calendar at nhheaf.org/index.asp#calendar.

5. APPLY EARLY. Keep a calendar of application deadlines. Consider using certified mail or return receipt.

While the majority of the deadlines may not be until spring of senior year, many of the national scholarship deadlines are earlier.

Scholarship

opportunities in your own backyard

NINETY PERCENT OF ALL OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

COME FROM LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT RESOURCES AND WEBSITES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU FIND THESE LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES. TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU FIND FREE MONEY.

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (nhcf.org) annually distributes more than $6 million in grant aid and loans to New Hampshire students. This is the largest source of independent student aid in New Hampshire. There are more than 390 separate funds established by individuals, families, organizations and businesses, all to support higher education. While most of the scholarships and loans are awarded to students entering college, already in college or pursuing a graduate degree; the Foundation continually looks for new ways to deliver scholarship services to less traditional types of adult students returning to school or exploring training opportunities.

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS (scholarshipamerica.org) is a national network of 1,000 community-based, volunteer-driven scholarship foundations in cities, towns and

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There are plenty of opportunities to earn outside scholarships to help you pay for college. In fact, students have a greater chance of being awarded scholarships offered at the local level. Start at your school counseling office and browse the bulletin boards and the scholarship file cabinets for many of the local opportunities. Your school may post scholarships online, so check the website as well.

Utilize scholarship search engines that highlight grants and scholarships for New Hampshire students. Visit nhcf.org (NH Charitable Foundation) for NH-based scholarships. After exhausting all of the local avenues, broaden your search to the national level at websites such as fastweb.com or scholarship.com. And lastly, inquire at your parent’s place of employment, local library and your college’s financial aid office for other opportunities.

neighborhoods throughout the United States. Founded in 1958, Dollars for Scholars is the largest-standing Scholarship America Program. Dollars for Scholars Chapters award millions of dollars in scholarships each year to thousands of students.

LAKES REGION SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION (lrscholarship.org) has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to more than 5,200 recipients since 1956.

CONSIDER A PARENT’S (OR RELATIVE’S) WORKPLACE. Look at local awards from civic organizations. Search for awards from private trusts. Many local organizations provide scholarships to the local high schools and libraries.

THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE at your high school will post many local scholarship opportunities. Check with your school counselor for more information.

NATIONAL WEBSITES also offer some local opportunities. Check with National Search Databases such as fastweb.com and collegeboard.org.

Courtesy of the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations

Small classes with low faculty to student ratios Clinical experiences within weeks of enrollment Early clinical experiences at major medical centers, local hospitals and community sites

Highly integrated academic, laboratory and clinical curriculum

Comprehensive Financial Aid On campus, state-of-the-art radiology laboratories

For Nursing, flexible scheduling, day or evening weekend division schedules

Bachelor of Science (BS) completion programs available for students and graduates Certificate programs in the following areas: • Computed Tomography (CT) (Graduates of an accredited imaging program only)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Graduates of an accredited imaging program only)

Programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, (JRCERT), Chicago, IL, respectively.

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Creative options to reduce G R A N T S

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TIPS FOR PARENTS Borrowing from retirement plans While many parents consider borrowing from retirement as an option for managing college costs, it is important to remember that while your education is very important to your future, your parents’ retirement plan is their future.

They can borrow for college, but they can’t borrow for retirement. The pros and cons must be carefully weighed to balance future financial well-being with current obligations.

Home equity loans or lines of credit For homeowners, home equity loans or lines of credit may be a viable option for managing college costs. With lower

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mortgage rates, families may have the ability to utilize a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit to their advantage.

These rates may be fixed for the life of the loan or they may be variable. A line of credit is available to help when needed in years two, three and four as well. With a line of credit, families only pay interest on the portion they use. A line of credit acts as a checking account, as borrowers have the ability to write checks when they need it to pay bills. There may also be tax advantages with this option.

Typically, the interest paid on the loan is tax-deductible. Keep in mind,

however, this option poses the home as collateral. Work with the holder of the existing mortgage to discuss the benefits.

For more information about alternative funding options for education, go to www.nhheaf.org

college costs I

s it too late to start saving for college? Not really! The truth is, even if you are in high school and haven’t started saving, there are still things you can do to make college more affordable.

GET COLLEGE CREDIT EARLY

Many high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses that allow students who test at a certain level to earn college credit. In addition, check to see if colleges in your area offer concurrent enrollment – you earn both high school and college credit for the courses in which you are enrolled – for much less than the standard price of college coursework.

Ask your school counselor about Running Start courses offered through the Community College System of NH (www. ccsnh.edu) and how you can even take two of these courses for free.

GO FOR 2 FIRST

Begin your college career at a local two-year community college, a less expensive alternative that will offer you many of the same experiences of a four-year university. After taking core courses, you can transfer to a four-year school and save a lot of cash while still moving toward your undergraduate degree. Check out the Community College System of NH (ccsnh. edu) for information on the Dual Admissions and NHTransfer programs that make transferring easier.

STAY LOCAL, GO PUBLIC

Attending a public college or university in New Hampshire is a smart financial choice for many students and families. The average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public university in New England is $25,060 per year, while a private university will cost you $48,510 per year (tuition & fees and room & board according to College Board Trends in College Pricing 2018). This means you can attend roughly four semesters at a public university for the same cost of one year at a private school.

books, supplies and class materials. You may also need money during your first week of school to pay for parking passes, phone and cable setup. If you are able to save a considerable amount of money, you can either use this for spending money throughout the semester, or use it to help pay a portion of the tuition costs.

LOOK FOR DEALS ON TEXTBOOKS

You have options when it comes to purchasing your textbooks. Check out your college bookstore’s selection of used textbooks. Usually they are in very good condition and sold at a partial discount. You can also try using the Internet to find bargain books. Check out these sites for great deals: eFollett.com, bigwords.com, amazon.com. You can also rent — yes, rent — your textbooks for a huge savings. Take a look on chegg.com, amazon.com, or textbooks.com for more information.

HIGHER EDUCATION INCENTIVES

Borrowing to pay tuition can be a little nerve-wracking for families, but you should know there are some benefits associated with paying college costs. Families and students can go to irs.gov to find out about the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credit, Tuition and Fees Deduction and Student Loan Interest Deduction.

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Local scholarships provide thousands of dollars of aid to high school students. Talk with your school counselor or visit the school website for information about scholarships particular to your high school. Contact the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation at 1-800-464-6641 or go to www.nhcf. org for additional scholarship opportunities for qualified New Hampshire residents. For national searches, consider www. fastweb.com or www.collegeboard.com/pay.

LOAN FORGIVENESS

UTILIZE YOUR SAVINGS

There are opportunities for those who qualify to have their federal student loans canceled or forgiven. Loan forgiveness programs exist for a number of professionals, including teachers, those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, medical professionals, and individuals working in the nonprofit sector.

Take a look at the financial aid section at www.nhheaf.org for more information.

As your high school career winds down, make a concerted effort to save as much as possible from your part-time or summer employment. These savings can be used to purchase

Courtesy of the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations NH NEXT 2019-2020

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Apprenticeship: A debt-free pat h Dartmouth-Hitchcock provides opportunity and training in innovative workforce program

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t hway to B

success

y the time Liz Wright reached the middle of her senior year, college — and her dream of a career in health care — was starting to seem very far away.

“I was scared,” Liz says. “My parents are older and are around retirement age. I didn’t want to get them in a huge amount of debt since they still have my brother to put through some sort of higher education.”

The 18-year-old always wanted to go to college, study biology and then work toward becoming a physician assistant, but taking on substantial student debt seemed unwise.

“I had been accepted into my top choice and a couple other schools, so I knew that I had options,” she said. “But when it came down to money, we just couldn’t make it happen.”

Dartmouth-Hitchcock provided the pathway she was looking for. The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute (D-H WRI) offers a number of training programs designed to help people launch their career in health care.

Since 2014, the D-H WRI has been offering

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training for Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians, Surgical Technologists, Ophthalmic Assistants and Licensed Nurse Assistants. Over 600 students have graduated through these programs and started their careers within the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system.

D-H WRI provided the options Liz needed at exactly the right time.

“Health care was the path I knew from childhood that I wanted to go down,” she says. “Growing up, my parents had health challenges. I was really young when I was first introduced to the hospital environment, and I truly respect and admire the people who work to help others. I know that my family was so grateful and relieved when my mom was cancer-free after battling thyroid cancer. Those feelings stuck with me. Knowing that I could be the one comforting families or helping someone in need made it easy to decide on health care for my future career.”

Knowing that she wants to work directly with patients and her future goal is to become a physician assistant, Liz decided to pursue the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program. The training program is accelerated and the classroom portion is complete in just 11 weeks. Plus, she was able to earn college credits and start working towards her goal of obtaining a degree. At the end of the program, Liz passed a national certification test and began working in the clinic as a Medical Assistant Apprentice.

Apprenticeship is an age-old training methodology that supports on-the-job learning and allows you to earn a salary while building competence and confidence. Liz not only became more assured in her technical skills, but also developed relationships and expanded her professional network.

Craig Beck, Vice President of Operations and Business Development at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, shared that “providing care for patients is all about relationships. Always has been and always 22 |

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“

Students who come through our training programs have the opportunity to accelerate their career and gain valuable skills that allow them to grow here at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

”

— BRIDGET FOX, DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

will be – regardless of how technology moves us forward. Imagine the mom coming in with an infant who is sick, or the child of an elderly parent who is facing difficult decisions, or a patient whose lab results came back negative — Medical Assistants are often the first person who enters an exam room with them at this point in their health care journey and patients rely on them for support, help, and care.”

For Liz, the Medical Assistant role was the perfect fit. It gave her a way to give back — provide help and comfort to others while she continues to work towards her personal career goals.

Most D-H WRI training programs allow students to earn a training wage while they complete the education/training portion of the program. Once they graduate they transition to a full-time role in the health care system. When they are ready to continue their education, Dartmouth-Hitchcock provides tuition reimbursement benefits to help them achieve their degree goals.

“Students who come through our training programs have the opportunity to accelerate their career and gain valuable skills that allow them to grow here at Dartmouth-Hitchcock,” says Bridget Fox, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Development Specialist. “When you learn directly in the work environment students quickly develop an understanding of how health care works. That understanding, paired with the foundational knowledge and skills taught in the training program, really helps them make decisions about their continued course of study and career path.”

As New Hampshire’s only academic health system, DartmouthHitchcock supports a culture of continuous learning and is committed to welcoming learners into their teams. Bridget explains, “there is an expectation that everyone who works at Dartmouth-Hitchcock is both a teacher and a learner. Health care is constantly changing and we have to learn from each other — everyone’s input matters.”

At Dartmouth-Hitchcock their mission is to care for the people in our communities. Not only do they care for our neighbors, friends, and families; they also care for each other. Their teams are committed to continuous improvement and lifelong learning through career development, cutting-edge medical research, and working with patients on their personal health journeys.

A lot of times young people wonder how to get started or wonder which role or path will be right for them. The team at the D-H WRI tries to make it easy to learn about their programs

and pathways. Bridget says,“on a regular basis we host program information sessions. This is a great opportunity for interested participants to come out and learn about the program, the roles, the college pathway, and our organization. Past students also come and share a bit about their experience.” There is a schedule posted on their website (dhwri.org) of upcoming sessions in 2020.

“The success begins in the classroom,” Liz says. Once she started the training program she was given time in class to complete homework, consult with teachers, and balance the workload without piling on unnecessary stress. While she acknowledges that in an accelerated program there is a lot of work to complete in a short period of time, the instructor and program leadership team provide participants with a lot of support and “everything you need.”

“After completing my apprenticeship, I plan on taking things one step at a time,” Wright says. “I may take some courses at a local community college and continue working towards my bachelor’s degree, and hopefully soon (fingers crossed) I’ll be applying to a physician assistant program.”

“The most rewarding part of this whole program is knowing that you’ve done the work, achieved so much, and earned college credits to show for it,” Wright says. “I was able to not only begin a career, but I’ll be finishing my associate degree in June. There is no negative to this program, all positives that can reinforce your knowledge and allow you to build confidence in yourself.”

ONLINE

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute dhwri.org

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New

Postsecondary education options in

Keene State College

www.keene.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s Lakes Region Community College

www.lrcc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s Manchester Community College

www.mccnh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Courtesy Photo / UNH

Antioch University of New England

www.antioch.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D, Psy. D Colby-Sawyer College

www.colby-sawyer.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Dartmouth College

Granite State College

www.dartmouth.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D and M.D.

www.granite.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Empire Beauty School

Great Bay Community College

www.empirebeautyschools.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

www.mcphs.edu/mcphs-life/ manchester/ Highest degree obtainable: Master’s, DPT and PharmD

www.greatbay.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Michael’s School of Hair Design

Franklin Pierce University Continental Academie of Hair Design

www.continentalacademie.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

www.franklinpierce.edu Highest degree obtainable: DPT

www.paulmitchell.edu/bedford/ Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Keene Beauty Academy

www.keenebeautyacademy.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

College timeline GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE TAKES A LOT OF PREPARATION. USE THIS COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED ON THE PROCESS.

JUNIOR YEAR

TEST

FALL — AUGUST THROUGH DECEMBER • Take the PSAT in October to practice taking entrance exams and to establish eligibility for some scholarships.

• Attend sessions with college representatives who visit your high school. Visit local college fairs.

• Develop a list of possible schools. Your counseling office and school library may have materials to help you. Visit the websites of the schools on your list.

• Talk with admissions representatives to determine if there are any institutional scholarships for which you could apply.

• Research private sources of financial aid and scholarships, and review applications. Request financial aid bulletins or emails from all potential schools. Estimate the costs for each school and begin identifying ways to meet them.

TEST

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SPRING — JANUARY THROUGH MAY • Take the SAT/ACT for the first time. Check with college(s) about what test they prefer. Begin narrowing your choices for post-secondary schools.

TEST • Schedule campus visits. Consider an overnight trip that would allow you to get a feel for what life is like on that TEST particular campus.

• Check with your counselor, libraries and community organizations for possible scholarship sources. Gather applications and review online applications as soon as possible. Keep records of anyone you speak with concerning grants or TEST scholarships.

• Start developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing TEST samples, or other evidence of talents required for college admission and/or for scholarships.

• Contact college coaches at your target schools if you plan to play sports in college. Give them a schedule of your athletic events for the upcoming year. Register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Develop a resume of TEST your sports accomplishments including a highlight tape and relevant articles about your successes.

TEST

SUMMER • Practice writing online applications, filling out rough drafts without submitting them.

• Review applications, especially the essays. Ask others to proof the essay for any grammar, content or punctuation errors.

• Read all college mail and send reply cards back to schools of interest.

• Apply for those scholarships whose deadlines are in the fall. You may be too busy once school starts.

Hampshire Nashua Community College

Northeast Catholic College

www.nashuacc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

www.northeastcatholic.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

New England College

Paul Mitchell, The School — Portsmouth

www.nec.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ed. D New England School of Hair Design

www.neschoolofhairdesign.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate NH Institute of Art

www.nhia.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s NHTI — Concord’s Community College

www.nhti.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s NH Institute for Therapeutic Arts

www.nhita.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

www.paulmitchell.edu/portsmouth Highest degree obtainable: Certificate Plymouth State University

www.plymouth.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ed.D, DPT River Valley Community College

www.rivervalley.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

University of New Hampshire Manchester

Saint Anselm College

www.anselm.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

www.manchester.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Southern New Hampshire University

www.snhu.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph.D, Ed.D The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute

www.dhwri.org A licensed career school with the NH Department of Education Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

Rivier University

www.thomasmorecollege.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

www.rivier.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ed.D, Psy.D, DNP

University of New Hampshire

St. Joseph School of Nursing

www.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph.D, DNP

www.sjson.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law

www.law.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: J.D. Upper Valley Graduate School of Education

www.uvgse.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s Upper Valley Educators Institute

www.uvei.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate White Mountains Community College

www.wmcc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

SENIOR YEAR

TEST

FALL — AUGUST THROUGH DECEMBER • Continue to meet high school graduation and college admission requirements.

• Organize and record relevant dates on a calendar.

• Register for Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if needed.

TEST • Print copies of your admissions and financial aid forms.

PracTEST tice filling them out before submitting the final one.

• Meet TESTwith visiting admissions representatives from the schools that interest you.

• Visit schools you are considering and schedule admissions interviews if required.

• Take or retake the ACT or SAT. • Make the final preparation of your portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent required for admission and/or for scholarships. Finalize your high school resume.

• Identify at least two sources for recommendation letters: a teacher, an extracurricular advisor, a counselor, a principal or an employer. Hand out recommendation forms at least one TEST month before they are due. Follow up on their progress.

• Submit college admissions applications.

• Keep records of everything you submit.

• Contact coaches from the schools you are considering and include a resume of your accomplishments if seeking athletic scholarships.

TEST

SPRING — JANUARY THROUGH MAY • Apply for financial aid by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.

• Call the school of your choice and confirm they have received your admissions materials, including letters of recommendation and housing applications.

TEST • Ask your high school to send a copy of your transcript to the schools where you have applied.

Make sure your first semester senior year grades are include.

• Make any needed corrections to your Student Aid Report (SAR) as soon as it is available.

• Submit additional financial aid forms and documentation required by the school of your choice.

• Review your financial aid award notification with your parents and make sure you understand the terms and conditions for each type of aid.

• Notify school(s) by the proper deadline as to whether you are accepting or declining admission.

• Notify the financial aid office of any outside scholarships or grants you have accepted.

• Be aware of due dates for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Find out how your financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer payments until the funds are available.

TEST • Respond immediately to all correspondence regarding school, scholarships and financial aid.

• Participate in summer orientation programs for incoming freshman after graduation.

• Meet all class registration deadlines.

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com — a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1,300 campuses nationwide.

TEST Sponsored by Edsouth. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

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College and career ready

in the 603 N

ew Hampshire’s colleges and universities are committed to providing New Hampshire students with a variety of pathways for success after high school. From manufacturing to health care, science fields to business and the arts, opportunities are everywhere. We want to encourage our young people to stay in New Hampshire, attend local colleges and universities, and help fill the many available jobs in our state.

The New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC) is a non-profit consortium of 21, public and private, two-year and four-year, institutions of higher education in the state of New Hampshire. Our campuses offer flexible, affordable paths to success in countless fields of study, from community college to advanced degree programs. Students at NHCUC schools acquire real-world and marketable work skills. They also participate in important research and integrate into dynamic community-service activities.

The business and higher education community in New Hampshire have come to understand that to develop our workforce and build a strong economy into the future, young people must see the opportunities that come from remaining in the state. This investment now starts early — such as with NH Scholars. The New Hampshire Scholars program encourages high school students

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SPONSORED CONTENT

“

It’s essential for us to demonstrate exactly what options are available for young people who might not understand that college is within reach.

— STEPHANIE LESPERANCE, STATE DIRECTOR OF THE NH GEAR UP ALLIANCE

NH high school seniors attending the NH Scholars Day event at the Fisher Cats Stadium in Manchester.

Courtesy Photo

28 | www.nhnext.com

” to pursue a rigorous academic schedule to prepare for college success.

The idea behind State Scholars is simple: take the classes that best prepare you for college and career. Thousands of students have left high school with a NH Scholars diploma; 98 percent of these graduates immediately go on to college. The program has grown steadily and become a trusted resource for colleges seeking students ready to take the next step in education. The NH Scholars program offers a variety of pathways, which include a focus on arts or science and other STEM-related skills. Adopting this approach instills students who take the core curriculum with academic discipline and techniques that will not only benefit them during college, but also equip them with specific techniques for success in the business community after graduation.

“By bringing high schools, colleges and businesses together, we establish a teamwork approach to make sure students know they can do whatever they set their minds to. We simply provide a roadmap to that destination,” explains Scott Power, Director, New Hampshire Scholars Program.

For information about NH Scholars and aligning classes with higher education expectations, visit www.NHscholars.org.

In addition, the New Hampshire College & University Council is connecting with local families who may have never considered a higher education path of any kind. A new statewide program called GEAR UP is designed to provide access to college for underrepresented students. GEAR UP promotes opportunities by engaging and empowering middle and high school students to consider higher education pathways to reach specific career

Left and Below: GEAR UP New Hampshire Students celebrating National GEAR UP Week.

Courtesy Photos

goals. “It’s essential for us to demonstrate exactly what options are available for young people who might not understand that college is within reach,” explains Stephanie Lesperance, State Director of the NH GEAR UP Alliance. “Our job is to connect the dots and help them achieve their dreams.”

GEAR UP introduces students and their families to the variety of jobs available in our state and begins the process of educating families about how to afford college, access programs, and build the skills they need to succeed. “There are still many families who have no experience with going to college,” says Lesperance.

“Once we remove the mystery around the application and financial aid process, we can see the light in the eyes of young people who suddenly realize they can go to college and reach their dreams.” Through practical advice and real examples of what’s available in New Hampshire’s workforce, the NHCUC believes this effort will ensure a strong economy for many years to come.

“The New Hampshire College and University Council and our member schools are committed to supporting New Hampshire students of all backgrounds prepare for college and careers in New Hampshire,” explains Debby Scire, president of the New Hampshire College & University Council. “If you seek it, we have it right here in the Granite State. Affordable, accessible, careerbuilding programs are waiting for you. The diversity of our institutions, range of programs, picturesque locations, and easy access make New Hampshire one of the most exciting, attractive and invigorating educational destinations in the country. And with the strength of New Hampshire’s economy, there’s an employer ready to hire you right away for the job you have always wanted.”

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Five secrets of the most successful students

W

hen you think of ways to achieve academic success, what comes to mind?

Studying your notes?

Staying organized?

Completing assignments?

All of these are critical to maintaining academic achievement, but what sets the most successful students apart from the others? To flourish inside the classroom and beyond, the most successful students make a point to do the following: STAY MOTIVATED

ASK QUESTIONS

Successful students know that staying motivated is a key element to achieving aspirations during school and during any future careers. Staying inspired to study, complete homework, attend classes, etc. comes easy for some students, while others may need to practice certain methods to stay academically driven. If you are apathetic toward school and your studies, use these techniques to increase your academic motivation.

The most successful students in school – and in life – are the ones who ask questions. These students are always learning, growing, and pushing for more information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need clarification. The fear of looking ignorant will only prevent you from becoming the knowledgeable student that you want to be. Remember that there is never a foolish question, only foolish silence.

PURSUE PASSION

THINK CRITICALLY

Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Good advice, but amid all the general education requirements and prerequisites that are mandatory during high school and college, you can easily forget where your intellectual interests and passions lie. The most successful students make a point to pursue their passions inside the classroom whenever possible. Each semester, if feasible, try to take a course that is somehow related to your interests, and hopefully, your future career.

Critical thinking is a skill that successful students have mastered. When you are thinking critically, you are not just thinking passively and accepting everything you see and hear. Instead, you are thinking actively by investigating, analyzing, and evaluating information. Hone your critical thinking skills inside and outside of the classroom by asking questions, debating with knowledgeable people, engaging with those who see the world differently, etc.

Above all else, keep in mind that success is a choice. It’s up to you whether you want to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

DO ALL THE EXTRAS

Successful students understand the importance of going the extra mile. Going that extra mile will make you a better student in the classroom and, in the future, a more valuable employee 30 |

in the workplace. Treat any extra-credit assignments as mandatory. Think outside the box when you are assigned papers and projects. What can you do to make your work stand out?

WWW.NHNEXT.COM

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com — a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses nationwide. Sponsored by Edsouth. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

Launch your career with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute A licensed career school with the NH Department of Education

WORK ■ LEARN ■ GROW

The Dartmouth-HitchcockWorkforce Readiness Institute (D-H WRI) offers a number of programs to help you launch or advance your career in healthcare.

Our programs provide: ■

Full-time employment with benefits

■

Technical and professional skill development

■

Access to college credit

■

National certifications

Employees also have access to tuition reimbursement benefits to help them continue working towards their college goals.

PAID TRAINING Training through the D-H WRI allows you to earn while you learn. Most programs offer training wages and employee benefits. Start your career in months, not years!

D-H WRI has training programs for:

✔ Medical Assistants ✔ Pharmacy Technicians ✔ Licensed Nurse Assistants ✔ Ophthalmic Assistants ✔ Surgical Technologists ✔ High school and College Internships For more information and to apply, visit www.DHWRI.org.

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Always Moving

FORWARD

Discover | Create | Compete | Engage Achieve | Play | Experience | Dream

Whatever you dream for your college experience, you can make a reality at New England College.

• Two campuses—Manchester and Henniker • Apply at nec.edu/apply or on the Common Application.

• More than 50 programs, on campus or fully online.

Register undeclared or choose from five academic divisions: Art and Design | Education | Humanities Management and Business | Natural and Social Sciences

• It’s personal here. Our student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1.

• Hands-on learning for the real world • Highly affordable with merit-based scholarships available • Free winter sports at nearby Pats Peak • Study Away at no extra cost • 19 Athletic teams to join or cheer on • Cutting-edge esports team • And so much more CLASS START SOON. CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE. New England College is an accredited, private, non-profit institution that has been helping students achieve their full potential for more than 70 years.

New England College is thriving, and you can thrive here, too.

Contact us today at 603.428.2223 to learn more about New England College and how you can find your place here.

nec.edu/visit