Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifying May as Early College Month (PDF) in New Hampshire. Through its Early College program, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at low or no cost to New Hampshire families. At a State House event, CCSNH and the Governor recognized seven high school partners as “Early College Advocates” for promoting the program to students. 

“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 and earned 18,552 college credits. 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.

“Early College enables motivated students to pursue academically challenging courses and lessen the barrier of cost and the burden of debt that might otherwise inhibit them from pursuing postsecondary education that is critical to their futures and to New Hampshire’s,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. “This is only possible through a partnership with these talented educators and with the strong support CCSNH receives from the State of New Hampshire.”

At the May 20 proclamation ceremony, CCSNH and Governor Ayotte recognized the following seven Early College Advocates from across the state: 

• Great Bay Community College: Jaclyn Chisholm, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth High School
• Lakes Region Community College: Cheryl Dore-Chapman, School Counselor, Franklin High School
• Manchester Community College: James Choquette, Social Studies Teacher, Londonderry High School
• Nashua Community College: Stacey Kallelis, Career-Connected Learning Coordinator, Salem High School
• NHTI – Concord’s Community College: Jessamyn Rockwell, Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, Concord High School
• River Valley Community College: Kim Gogan, Flexible Pathways Coordinator, Windsor High School
• White Mountains Community College: Michelle Larcomb, Math Teacher, Groveton High School