Often the headlines lead with stories about ways in which the Granite State falls short.
“Kindergarten in New Hampshire isn’t Elementary” – USA Today
“New Hampshire Tops List for Highest Average Student Loan Debt in Country” – N.H. Journal
“N.H. Gives Least to Higher Education of any State in the U.S.” – Telegraph
These reports are all true, and we need to address each of these issues, dedicating the resources necessary to provide access and affordability, however, it is not all grim and disheartening.
Why don’t we hear about New Hampshire’s lowest in the nation student loan default rates? And while we certainly read about student conduct issues at our colleges, seldom do we celebrate the number of volunteer hours students perform or the extraordinary number of patents coming out of our institutions of higher education.
In my job as the director of college counseling at the Derryfield School, I have the good fortune of traveling throughout the nation visiting colleges and universities. I also regularly collaborate with colleagues in high schools countrywide.
What I have learned is that the Granite State may be small, but when it comes to dedication to education we are mighty. State representative and education champion Mary Stuart Gile recently reminded me of this – when it comes to education, New Hampshire has much to be proud about. As we begin the year with a new administration and proposed changes to educational funding and implementation, here are some programs that deserve to be celebrated:
“A non-profit consortium of 21, public and private institutions of higher education in the state of New Hampshire. These institutions are recognized and highly regarded for their outstanding teaching, research, and community service activities. They serve as major centers of activity that are vital to the economic development of the community and the state.”
It is rare for a state to have such collaboration and coordination among its colleges and universities. For 50 years, the NHCUC has promoted New Hampshire’s institutions of higher education both within the state and throughout the country. It also provides professional development and other opportunities for cooperation and partnership among member schools.
“A community-based program that encourages students to take a more rigorous Core Course of Study in high school. It is based on a partnership between a community’s local business leaders and its school district. New Hampshire Scholars was originally funded through a federal grant, and for the last two years has been supported by one-time funds from the New Hampshire Department of Education and coordinated through the New Hampshire College and University Council and Campus Compact for New Hampshire.”
Since 2007, more than 25,000 New Hampshire high school students have graduated as N.H. Scholars. With over 90 percent of public schools in the state participating, close to 40 percent of all graduating seniors are recognized as N.H. Scholars, meaning they enrolled in a rigorous program of core courses that prepared them for college. Scholars engage in different academic pathways with the ability to concentrate on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields or the arts. Furthermore, local businesses have partnered with public schools to provide mentoring, and colleges and universities in the state have dedicated scholarships to graduating scholars.
“A multi-year, tuition-free, summer-intensive academic program, Breakthrough Manchester is based upon a dual mission. First, Breakthrough helps promising Manchester middle school students, particularly those with limited opportunities, build the skills and confidence to enter and succeed in college preparatory high school programs. Second, through its “students teaching students” model, the program inspires talented high school and college students to pursue careers in education. Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,000 Manchester youth get on the college track and mentored 860 young teachers.”
Founded at the Derryfield School 25 years ago, Breakthrough Manchester not only supports underserved middle school students to aspire towards college, but also inspires young adults to pursue careers in education. Last year the program partnered with Southern New Hampshire University to create a College Bound High School Program. The devotion to access and affordability fostered by the program is inspiring.
Leadership Program
“Encourages students to become active, effective participants and leaders in their schools and community.”
A program run through the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, CASL encourages sophomores in area high schools to develop leadership potential and engage in their community. Almost 500 students have participated in the program, which exposes young people to Concord area business leaders, politicians and public servants. The Greater Concord Chamber is also establishing an internship database for students in local high schools to be able to connect with companies and organizations as they explore future careers.
“The NHHEAF Network Organizations has over 50 years of experience in helping families plan and pay for higher education. The Organizations are comprised of three independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies: New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, Granite State Management & Resources and New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation. The interconnectedness of these organizations provides students and schools with expertise in all aspects of the student loan industry. The NHHEAF Network Organizations aspires to be recognized as one of the Nation’s most capable, trusted, and innovative leaders in educational loan services that enhance the promotion, advancement, and support of higher education for our state and our region.”
NHHEAF is a one-stop shop for all things college. Not only do they provide group and individual financial aid counseling and loan servicing, but the organization also runs a center for college planning to promote college access.
They offer group workshops, individual guidance and support for students, parents and educators in the college search and application process. Their big event is the Destination College program every spring (March 18 this year) for high school juniors and their families.
“The New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education is a non-partisan organization composed of business, education, philanthropic and public policy leaders committed to improving the quality, access, and relevance of education for New Hampshire citizens of all ages.”
Now in its fourth year the NHCBE is a collaborative effort among leaders in the state to coordinate and advocate for innovation and to support education in New Hampshire. The group’s goals range from greater access to early childhood education, to promoting STEM disciplines, to furthering the 65 X 25 initiative of improving New Hampshire’s economic outlook by having 65 percent of the workforce obtaining high-quality postsecondary credentials by the year 2025.
“We manage a growing collection of more than 1,700 funds created by generous individuals, families and businesses, and award more than $30 million in grants and scholarships every year. We work with generous and visionary citizens to maximize the power of their giving, support great work happening in our communities and lead and collaborate on high-impact initiatives. We envision strong, just and resilient communities where students of all ages improve their lives through appropriate education and job training opportunities.”
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is often the quiet partner to the exceptional educational programs and opportunities in the state. Not only does the foundation manage and award scholarships for students to pursue education, but it also actively advances statewide initiatives for innovation and accessibility in education and other sectors.
“A public education policy resource for New Hampshire parents, educators and elected officials.”
Ever wonder who is looking out for public schools in New Hampshire? Look no further. Reaching Higher N.H. advocates for the support and delivery of quality education in the Granite State, seeking to diminish dropout rates and reduce reliance on high stakes testing, while ensuring that our young people are ready to compete and contribute as active workers and citizens. They are the voice for our students at the State House.
When it comes to education funding and opportunity, New Hampshire has work to do. As we launch into a new year with new leaders, however, my hope is that we will keep reinforcing and encouraging the organizations and individuals who are committed to bright educational futures for our young people. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” While we must acknowledge what is not working, let us revel in these marquee programs and other inspiring initiatives that do not receive the praise they deserve, but that can offer “infinite hope.”