Check out the podcast broadcast on 610 AM. Jennifer Wells interviews Scott Power regarding the success of the project. Click on the icon to listen to the podcast.
The 2,000 seniors in last year's class of NH Scholars graduated with an average GPA of 3.32 on a 4.0 scale. This while taking the most challenging courses at their high school.
The New Hampshire Scholars Initiative builds the capacity of school districts to enhance personalized learning, individualized progress and encourages students to take more rigorous course work. This happens through various strategies, but most specifically by strengthening school/community partnerships. All students will graduate better prepared for college and career by exceeding high school graduation requirements and understanding the growing importance to attain high level skills.
The State Scholars Initiative continues to build momentum in the state. What started as six pilot school districts in 2007, has grown to fifty (50). The Salem School District (SAU 57) is the 50th high school to join. We have added 44 districts since 2009, with more schools joining this spring. ConVal, Souhegan, Winnacunnet, Londonderry, Lisbon and Profile are the most recent high schools to join the initiative. Click for press release
To become a NH Scholar school, contact Scott Power
In 2010, 87% of all graduating New Hampshire Scholars seniors immediately enrolled in postsecondary education. Only 52% however, attended college in-state. While this matches the state average, many colleges and universities would like to recognize NH Scholars students for challenging themselves by providing application fee waivers. We encourage students to use these fee waivers responsibly, thus researching the college to ensure proper fit. As always, students should be applying to colleges that are a good fit - not solely because it's free. Click here for flyer
Concord, NH - On May 25, 2011, more than 1,500 high school seniors were recognized in Concord at a special ceremony for New Hampshire Scholars. Thirty-seven of the forty high schools recognizing NH Scholars this year were in attendance.
Among the dignitaries offering congratulatory remarks were Governor John Lynch, Commissioner of Education Virginia Barry, Chancellor of CCSNH Dick Gustafson, NHCUC President Tom Horgan, and NH Scholars Director Scott Power. Manchester School Superintendent Tom Brennan read congratulatory letters written by Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Kelly Ayotte. View photos on the NH Scholars flickr album and view the WMUR news story in the right sidebar.
As evidence of higher education's commitment to the NH Scholars program, several NHCUC-member institutions will award merit-based aid to verified graduates of the New Hampshire Scholars Program who are accepted and enroll full-time.
Students should contact admission and financial aid offices at
colleges they have applied to for details.
* UNH Manchester: $1,000 merit-based grant (click for app)
* New England College: at least $12,000 merit-based grant
* Community College campuses: $500 merit-based grant
(guidance should contact CCSNH admission offices for availability)
Manchester high schools team up with area colleges to better prepare students for higher education. Manchester School Superintendent Tom Brennan says, "This project will increase access to college planning and college readiness programs for students in the Manchester School District." This unique higher education partnership engages the three public high schools (Central, Memorial and West) and Manchester-area colleges including Southern NH University, Saint Anselm College, Manchester Community College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, NH Institute of Art and UNH-Manchester.
View the Manchester City Hall press conference here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mioiPyNqds
Partnerships between businesses and schools are growing in numbers and importance, often determining the success of schools and the health of the community. Nationwide, there are an estimated 400,000 partnerships involving more than 7 million volunteers in our nation's schools. The effort to establish high standards and work ready skills continues to be a priority of the business and education community. Today's education that results in student success, inside and outside the classroom, does not occur by accident. It happens through planning by everyone to develop shared visions and strategies to carry the collaboration.
NH Scholars has more than 300 business and community leaders volunteering in our schools. But our schools need more support. If you are interested in sharing your time and expertise, please visit http://www.nhscholars.org/Champions/SignUp.cfm to sign up. When business leaders reinforce this message, students listen.
Business volunteers help students understand the career options and monetary benefits of taking rigorous courses. 70% of the 30 fastest-growing jobs will require an education beyond high school. 40% of all new jobs will require at least an associate's degree.
Total college-level job openings between 1990-2008 nearly equaled the number of college educated entrants to the workforce.
Check out the streaming video on the WMUR Money segment with Fred Kocher and Scott Power on the importance of school/business partnerships.
The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) is proud to partner with the New Hampshire Forum on the Future (NHFOF) and the
New Hampshire College and University Council (NHCUC) to administer the New Hampshire Scholars Program. This Program encourages students to take a rigorous curriculum to prepare them for a future that will demand strong and flexible thinking skills - whether they decide to start their careers after they graduate or continue their education beyond high school. For those who are thinking about going to college, solid preparation is essential.
