CCSNH-Berlin Pilots North Country Early College Program
High school seniors, take notice. The New Hampshire Community College in Berlin will pilot a new program called North Country Early College. The program allows select high school seniors across the North Country to enroll in courses at CCSNH-Berlin and earn credits that will also count toward their high school graduation requirements.
According to College President Katharine Eneguess, "the intent of the early college program is to give motivated high school seniors an opportunity to enroll in a college course and earn credits while they are still in high school. Upon completion, the students will have credits toward a college degree, as well as credits required for their high school diploma. For some, it will be an opportunity to test a specific career field. For others, it will provide the chance to enroll in a liberal arts course, which will be applied toward their degree requirements," says Eneguess. In addition, this program provides high school seniors with the opportunity to get a taste of what college is all about. Continues Eneguess, "Students sit in classes taught by professors, surrounded by college students. They can experience first-hand what is involved with a college course, rather than just wondering about it."
The North Country Early College Pilot program is different from the College's Running Start Initiative. Running Start allows high school students to earn credits for a college course which they take in high school. High schools teachers work in conjunction with NHCTC faculty to align their courses and make sure course objectives are identical.
Fifteen students will be selected from throughout the North Country to participate in the North Country Early College program. The final selection of students will be made by the admissions staff at the college. According to Martha Laflamme, Vice President of Student Affairs, the selection process will include the following criteria. "Interested students must be high school seniors. They need to provide a high school transcript and must have attained a B average or higher in their coursework. SAT scores will also be reviewed. If students have not taken the SAT exam, they will be required to take the College's placement exam, Accuplacer. Students need to submit a 500 word maximum essay stating their future educational goals and why this program would be of benefit to them. The final piece involves a signature form with approval from a parent/guardian, guidance counselor, and principal," says Laflamme.
North Country Early College courses are available for one-half the cost of the course, plus the cost of the book. Courses available for the fall 2007 semester are Accounting I, Introduction to Business Administration, Foundations of Early Childhood Education, Web Design I, Foundations of Education, College Composition, Algebra and Trigonometry, Statistics, Biology, and Chemistry. Early College students can enroll in these courses at the Berlin campus, and at academic centers in Littleton, Woodsville, and Conway, provided the courses are offered at those locations.
Fall classes begin the week of September 4, so high school students who are interested in the Early College program should be meeting with their guidance counselor now to begin the process. Eligible North Country high schools: Kennett High School, Berlin High School, Gorham High School, Woodsville High School, Lisbon High School, White Mountain Regional High School, Profile High School, Groveton High School, Strafford High School, Colebrook High School, Pittsburg High School, and Littleton High School.
Additional information on the program may be obtained by contacting Martha Laflamme at 752-1113 or 800-445-4525.
5/10/2007Back to News List
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