New Hampshire Next 2021-2022

2021-22

NEW HAMPSHIRE

COMPLIMENTARY

Your guide to life after high school

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At UNH Manchester, affordability is our priority.

Affordability and accessibility built into our mission, offering scholarships, grants and financial aid initiatives like the tuition-free Granite Guarantee to help make college possible for students. Here, you’ll earn your UNH degree surrounded by businesses who hire our graduates—which is why more than 93% of UNH Manchester alumni are employed or in further education within six months of graduation.

Degree Programs BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICE

EDUCATION

LIFE SCIENCES & PUBLIC HEALTH

Business, B.A. • Accounting Business Administration, MBA* Public Service and Nonprofit Leadership, B.S.

Education is offered as a minor and/or an accelerated master’s program in tandem with an undergraduate major in any field.

English Teaching, B.A. Educational Administration and Supervision, Ed.S. Elementary Education, M.Ed. Secondary Education, M.A.T. and M.Ed.**

Biological Sciences, B.A. Biotechnology, B.S. Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.** Health Professions, Continuing Education Program Neuropsychology, B.S. Psychology, B.A. Public Health, M.P.H. and Certificate Social Work, M.S.W.*

COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

Analytics and Data Science, B.S. Computer Information Systems, B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Cybersecurity Engineering, M.S.** Data Science, Certificate* Engineering Technology • Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. • Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. Information Technology, M.S.**

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LIBERAL ARTS

ASL/English Interpreting, B.S. Communication Arts, B.A. • Advertising and Public Relations • Cinema and Media Arts • Digital Media • Human Relations English Studies • Literary Studies, B.A. • Professional and Technical Communications, B.A. Humanities, B.A.

SECURITY STUDIES

Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.* Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.* Homeland Security, B.S. National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.* * Available online ** Accelerated master’s programs, which allow you to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as few as five years

Learn more at manchester.unh.edu

inside:

SPECIAL SECTION

23 The New Hampshire Army National Guard

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So many reasons to serve — education, adventure, leadership and more

Planning for College

Start your search early to find the best fit

14 Paying for College Set yourself up for financial success

18

30 GEAR-UP How to be college and career ready in the 603

Be the Ultimate Internet Explorer

Choose Community College

Consider a paralegal degree from NHTI Concord’s Community College

Affordable, high quality and close to home

NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION’S

for NEW HAMPSHIRE residents

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COSMETOLOGY & ESTHETICS PROGRAMS SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY!

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Visit nebhe.org/tuitionbreak tuitionbreak@nebhe.org

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NH NEXT: Your Guide to Life After High School offers information to high school students on applying to college, financial aid, employment

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COMPLIM

Your gu ide to high sc life after hool

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ENTARY

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Welcome to New Hampshire Next

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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 2021-2022 edition of NH Next, or on the NH Next website, nhnext.com, call (603) 624-1442, x5154. ©2021 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.

I

started this note by typing, “The transition from high school to” and by reflex almost added the word “college” because that seemed to flow naturally into the sentence. But I paused, just as I paused back when I was about to graduate high school. Is “college” the correct word to finish that sentence? Sometimes. For some people. And it depends what you mean by college; two years, four years, commuting, living on campus? How about trade school, an apprenticeship or the military?

It’s a big question. For kids and parents alike, it comes with a lot of stress. That decision, made at 17 or 18, on what to do “next” may seem like the rest of your life hinges on it. It doesn’t. It’s important, yes. But many great people have started out thinking they were on one path and then — to repurpose an overused word from the last year or two — pivoted. Take a breath. You’ll get this right. And the timing is good.

In the broader working world right now, we’re seeing a great many people reconsidering how they want to spend their lives. In a phenomenon called the Great Resignation, we saw four million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021. According to Harvard Business Review, there were 10.9 million open jobs at the end of that month.

What’s driving this Great Resignation? The pandemic put a strain on many workers. For others it revealed, through things like remote working, a balance in life they hadn’t realized they were missing. For some, it simply underscored that life is unpredictable and finite, and they decided they wanted to be doing something they loved, not just something that pays the bills.

I’m pleased to present a magazine that can help you with this decision. The advice in it can help you think through the big questions you should be asking to find the right career — a career that pays the bills and provides a standard of living you’d like to see, but also provides a sense of satisfaction, of purpose and meaning in your life. It’s possible to have both, regardless of your current means and situation. All it requires is a sense of the possibilities. The following pages should provide you a good start as you consider what’s next.

— ERNESTO BURDEN VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS

NH NEXT 2021-2022

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FROM OUR PARTNER

The Next Greatest Generation Is Now

F

orged by conditions of the Spanish Flu, Great Depression and Word War II, the generation of our grandparents led the world from hardship to prosperity through resilience, innovation and leadership.

Today, with an ongoing global pandemic, unstable job market, rising costs and an uncertain world, New Hampshire calls upon the Next Greatest Generation to shape the future.

In the New Hampshire Army National Guard, you will use adaptive technologies to rescue those left behind, serve as a member of a team to build hospitals for the sick, and lead those with shared interests to make our community and the world a safer place to live.

SEE OUR SPECIAL SECTION ON PAGE 23

To take the next step in realizing your destiny for greatness, visit, https://nharmyguardrecruiting.com.

PLEASE CONTACT STAFF SERGEANT ZERKELI MANNER NEW HAMPSHIRE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (603) 715-3309 HTTPS://NHARMYGUARDRECRUITING.COM

MEET THE NEXT GREATEST GENERATION

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FROM OUR SPONSOR

New Hampshire Colleges and Universities: Collaborating for Student Success

W

A message from NHCUC President Debby Scire

ith more than 220,000 students attending New Hampshire’s colleges and universities, tomorrow’s skilled workers and community leaders are being educated right here in the Granite State. One of the things that makes going to college in New Hampshire so appealing is the way the state’s higher education institutions collaborate to make the student experience as rich and rewarding as possible.

Recognizing the benefits of working together to support student learning, higher education leaders from across the state partner through the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC). Founded in 1966, NHCUC is a coalition of 21 public, private, two-year, and four-year colleges and universities.

Highly regarded for their outstanding teaching and research, these institutions also serve as vital centers of activity that benefit students and the state.

NHCUC’s colleges and universities are united in their commitment to serving students by providing a pathway to success from secondary school to higher education to careers in New Hampshire. NHCUC connects its member campuses through a variety of innovative programs to support this goal. We collaborate to expand access to higher education and improve student success in school and in college. We also team up to attract and retain talented students to study and work in New Hampshire.

In addition to collaborating across member higher education institutions, we partner with secondary schools, employers, and state and national agencies to make college a reality for students from all walks of life. As the modern workforce continues to demand higher levels of education, these collaborative efforts are more important than ever.

Here are just a few examples of how NHCUC’s unique collaboration benefits students in New Hampshire: • Through tutoring and support, NHCUC’s innovative NH GEAR UP Alliance initiative helps middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in college.

• The New Hampshire Scholars Program encourages students to prepare for college-level courses by

taking rigorous academic classes in high school.

• Study NH and other programs showcase New Hampshire as a higher education destination for talented students from in state and across the globe.

• Our professional communities connect leaders across campuses to share information, increase efficiency and stay ahead of emerging challenges in meeting students’ needs.

• Our student exchange program opens access to courses across institutions, giving New Hampshire’s college students more choices in academics and other areas.

• NHCUC’s state and national advocacy highlight the importance of education to community health and promote funding for higher education in New Hampshire.

These are just some of the ways NHCUC brings campuses together to serve New Hampshire’s students.

NHCUC also collaborates to share resources, provide professional development for faculty and student service staff, and develop collaborative programs such as statewide career fairs for students.

New Hampshire’s higher education institutions confer more than 16,000 degrees annually. These degrees prepare our students to contribute not only to the workforce but also to their communities and to the state. NHCUC is proud to support students through this journey.

Under the leadership of the presidents from each of NHCUC’s member institutions, NHCUC serves as an important advocate for New Hampshire’s students and the education institutions that serve them. We look forward to supporting high school students in the coming year and to the new connections we are able to create.

— DEBBY SCIRE PRESIDENT & CEO NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY COUNCIL WWW.NHCUC.ORG NH NEXT 2021-2022

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FROM OUR SPONSOR

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. NH’s community colleges provide a high-quality education that will take you places.

The programs offered at NH’s community colleges are designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and career pathways. They 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 also earn college credits 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.

— THE TEAM AT NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGES WWW.CCSNH.EDU

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FROM OUR SPONSOR

Join our Ranks and Join our Family

N

HTI — Concord’s Community College, is a gem within the community.

I joined the institution a year ago and have seen the impact of our many dedicated team members on student success. From both a personal and professional vantage point, I see their powerful influence on our community. In New England, there are quite a few colleges and universities to choose from, so students can carefully plan their pathways forward. When a student joins our ranks, they become part of our family. We make it a priority to learn about each student, find out what their career aspirations are, and help link their desires to outcomes and employment.

NHTI boasts a wide range of program offerings, from dental degrees to engineering pathways and paralegal studies. Each of our programs is built around professionals in the field who teach for us and sit on our advisory boards. In this way, you can be sure the education you get is relevant to employment needs and that you are being taught by highly qualified faculty members with access to top-notch educational resources. Additionally, many programs have internship opportunities where you will put the theories of the classroom into practice in real-world situations.

Take, for example, our Paralegal Studies program.

This associate degree program will provide you with the education and training to successfully work as a paralegal in any legal environment — as soon as you achieve your diploma. You’ll participate in an internship to gain real-world experience in the field and the confidence you need to succeed. Your opportunities for employment range from working for private organizations (such as a law firm or title company) to federal or state government. See page 35 for more information.

Beyond practical applications and institutional support, NHTI continues to keep our tuition rate low. We are efficient with your tuition dollars, which allows us to expand offerings and maintain low student-to-faculty ratios. The effect is a more personalized education and the opportunity for stronger relationships with faculty members.

As a residential college, we offer programming that supports a traditional college environment, including athletics, dining halls, student clubs,

activities, computer labs and learning commons.

And the great thing is, because we have these resources already in place, students who do not live on campus can also take advantage of them.

Our facilities have state-of-the-art resources, too.

When you come to campus, you’ll see the high-tech learning environment that our robotics students enjoy. You will also see computer engineering labs and open Cisco server rooms dotted across campus. And you do not have to go far to find one of our many hyflex classrooms. These are technologyenhanced and digitally connected learning spaces that allow you to learn face to face and online from home or work. In these classrooms, faculty members can simultaneously teach and collaborate with students across multiple environments.

But the reach and ease of access does not end with hyflex and adaptive classrooms! We have many programs available online — not just part of a program of study, or a few classes, but entire degree offerings.

This allows you to take classes at times that fit into your busy schedule. If 16-week semesters do not work, you can complete classes in 8 weeks, or even consider certificate options and microcredentials that run on a more condensed schedule. These are badged with digital credentials that can be shared online and through your favorite social media platform.

Bottom line, NHTI is a gem. A rare find. We are truly dedicated to student success and hope you will join us as we continue to make Concord and the state of New Hampshire a wonderful place to live.

— DR. ANDREW FISHER VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS NHTI WWW.NHTI.EDU

NH NEXT 2021-2022

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FROM OUR SPONSOR

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

C

ollege offers a pathway to personal, professional and financial growth. Today, a post-secondary education is more important than ever. Research from The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us bachelor’s degree holders earn more compared to their peers who have completed their high school education.

A college degree also offers more than financial security: It enhances self-esteem, leading to greater independence. I am the first in my family to graduate from college, and earning my degree has made a meaningful difference in my life, opening doors and creating experiences that have shaped who I am personally and professionally. As the parent of two young children, I am eager to help students across the state of New Hampshire achieve

their post-secondary goals and dreams.

The NHHEAF Network’s Center for College Planning (CCP) is New Hampshire’s largest source of free college planning resources.

Our team of expert college counselors are ready to help you realize your college dreams. Call us today at (888) 747-2382 ext. 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, a nonprofit organization that exists to empower students of all ages and backgrounds to discover and achieve their education and career goals.

WWW.NHHEAF.ORG

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SPONSORED CONTENT

The electrical trade:

position yourself for the future

W

hen you hear the words “desk job,” do you wince? Does the

thought of sitting in front of a computer all day get you down? Does the prospect of taking on thousands of dollars in college debt keep you up at night? Are you interested in a career that pays well, with no debt, where you solve interesting new problems without having to sit at a desk all day?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider a career as a licensed commercial electrician. It is a profession that is safe, less physically demanding than in the past, and offers a variety of stimulating career paths — including estimating and project management — depending on your interests. Instead of taking on debt, you get paid to learn, and young people of all backgrounds can excel and get excited about their futures.

THE APPRENTICESHIP: LEARN WHILE YOU EARN

From day one, apprentices are on the job, getting paid for their field hours while they complete their classroom training. The average apprentice program — with mandatory classroom and work hours — takes four years to complete. The education is rigorous and includes math, electrical theory, and hands-on application, followed by a comprehensive test to become a licensed journeyman. The cost of schooling for an electrical apprentice is typically a fraction of the cost of a secondary school, even a community college. Some companies, like Interstate, will pay for your education, meaning that you can get all the training you need for your license at no cost. This includes private, one-on-one tutoring and test prep.

YOUR ELECTRICIAN’S LICENSE IS YOURS TO KEEP

And it doesn’t stop there. Journeymen in the electrical trade have lifetime earning potential. Electrical services are something every business and household needs. Whether they choose to work in the trade or not, licensed electricians can always do electrical work — and there is no shortage of demand for good electricians. Your electrician’s license is yours, as long as you keep up-to-date on training. Journeymen, like lawyers, CPA’s and other licensed professionals, have mandatory classes they must complete to maintain their licenses.

The electrical industry is multifaceted, and there are always new opportunities for career growth and enhancement. Career path options include becoming a job foreman, an estimator or a project manager. At Interstate, there are also opportunities in our engineering team as designers and CAD technicians. Because of advancements in safety and productivity, work on a construction site is far from what it was even 10 years ago. Lean means and methods and prefabrication strategies implemented by subcontractors like Interstate make the day-to-day job safer, less onerous and less strenuous. It’s still hard work, but the emphasis is on getting the job done efficiently, with most of the heavy lifting done off-site. Brain power and problem solving are more important than brute strength.

CHANGING ATTITUDES ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

Like many adults, your parents may have preconceptions about trade jobs. But once they learn about the advantages a career as an electrician offers, they will get as excited about the opportunities as you are. The electrical trade isn’t for everyone. It requires both brain power and the ability to work with your hands. But for men and women with the right skill set, it offers a golden opportunity for a bright future.

— LUIZA MILLS VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES INTERSTATE ELECTRICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

After you complete the paid apprenticeship program, you can expect a solid salary to start, with no student debt to pay off.

NH NEXT 2021-2022

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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hat do you want to be in the future? Whether or not you have a career in mind, high school is the perfect time to research and explore.

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EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

Spend time reflecting on what you enjoy: personally, academically and professionally. How might those interests translate into a career?

UTILIZE AN APTITUDE

ian, research, salary, notoriety? What is their work environment like? Is there travel involved? Also consider if this field is growing — will there be demand for this career when I graduate? These are great questions to think about while researching the best career for you. It’s not just about the work itself!

ASSESSMENT

Aptitude assessments can help you identify your natural strengths and what careers might bring you success. Book a free Career and Aptitude Exploration appointment with the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network to conduct your assessment. Trained professionals will guide you through your results, explain what they mean and help plan your next step on your path to success (https:// calendly.com/nhheaf_ccp).

RESEARCH

There are hundreds of jobs in countless different industries. Using your aptitude assessment results, look into jobs and industries that fit your personality, values and motivations. Do research on your own to answer some of these questions: What kind of lifestyle do people in these careers have? What hours do they work?

What is their primary motivation: humanitar-

DO A JOB SHADOW, EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY (ELO) OR INTERNSHIP

Taking the time to learn about a career can both inspire you and let you know if you are on the right path. Getting to know professionals in your desired field allows you to ask questions and identify if the career may or may not be a good fit.

CREATE A PLAN

What will you need to do to achieve your career goals? Many industries require some type of job training or higher education.

Think: apprenticeships, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees. Identify what your chosen career requires of entry-level workers and use these prerequisites to create a plan.

Knowing what education you will need to achieve your career goals can help ensure you choose a program that is worth your time and money.

BE FLEXIBLE

Each student has their own path and there isn’t only one way to achieve a goal. If you decide on a career in high school and change your mind later, that is okay! If you find yourself reevaluating your path, return to the first step of exploring your interests and strengths with questions like, “What am I good at?” or “What do I enjoy?”

CHOOSING A COLLEGE MAJOR

With over 1,800 college majors to choose from, choosing one can seem daunting.

While many college students change their major, it is still important to have an idea of how your interests and talents translate into various programs of study.

Examine and compare course requirements for different majors from different colleges. Most college websites include detailed information about programs of study. Many include curriculum and course requirements, career outcomes and statistics, and possible internship opportunities.

This information might make a possible major or college stand out.

Try a free college search engine.

Starting your search

FINDING YOUR IDEAL CAMPUS

• TYPE OF INSTITUTION Is the school a college or a university, public or private, two-year, four-year, religious, military or technical? Does the campus focus on pre-professional programs, cooperatives or liberal arts?

• SIZE How many students are full time?

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

Are there more classes in lecture halls to accommodate large attendance, or more small, intimate seminars? How many commute? Are there resident graduate students? What is the average undergraduate class size?

• DEMOGRAPHICS What percentage of students are from New England? Is diversity embraced on the campus? What is the gender ratio?

• LOCATION Think about how access to a city could impact your experience. Is the campus urban, rural or somewhere in between with access to both? How far is the nearest internship, clinical affiliation or volunteer site for your major?

• CURRICULUM What are the academic requirements to graduate? Will there be an opportunity to experience different types of elective courses?

Big Future (https://bigfuture.org) lets you search for colleges by program or degree, location, size and more.

• PROXIMITY TO HOME Do you want to stay close to your family and friends, or would you be comfortable coming home only twice a year? How will the distance impact the cost of attendance?

• ACTIVITIES Does the campus offer sports, fine arts or other extracurricular activities that are important to you? Is there easy access to off-campus programs?

• OUTCOMES What is the graduation rate? How many students with your intended major are employed within six months of graduation? What percentage of students successfully repay NH NEXT 2021-2022

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student loans? Visit nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator for answers to some of these questions.

• COSTS What are the billable costs (tuition, fees, room and board) as well as the indirect costs (books, transportation, supplies, etc.)? How could financial aid help you manage these costs?

• ADMISSIONS POLICY Is the school “need-blind” or “need-sensitive?” If a school is “need-blind,” then it will make an admissions decision without regard to your family’s ability to pay. If the school is “need-sensitive,” your family’s ability to pay is taken into consideration as part of the admissions process.

GETTING TO KNOW THE COLLEGE Creating a college list is intimidating. When you begin research on sites like bigfuture.org and petersons.org, or speak to family and friends, your list can grow quickly. It is typical to begin the process of applying to college with a very large list of schools. Visiting a campus, either virtually or in-person, gives students the opportunity to narrow their lists and find schools that fit them socially, professionally and academically.

Can’t visit all your campuses before you apply or are admitted? No problem! Many colleges offer Admitted Student Days in the spring so accepted students can visit before making their final decision. Book an Exploring Options appointment with NHHEAF to get one-on-one counseling to build your college list.

Questions to ask student tour guides and other current students: Do many students go home on the weekend? What did you do last weekend on campus? What types of activities are you involved in on campus? How accessible are professors outside of class? What type of tutoring or support services are available on campus?

TAKING THE TOUR & VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES • TAKE A CAMPUS TOUR Pick a time when there will be someone available to meet with you and give you a tour. Many colleges post tour times and availabilities on their websites.

Make the most of your visit, try the food and check out a residence hall. Remember, whether or not you live on campus, it will be your second home; you’ll want to make sure it’s a good fit. While you’re there, collect newspapers or activity calendars to get a sense of campus life.

• TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR Virtual tours allow families to save money and visit schools near and far. This is a great way to get a sense of the campus layout and “visit” a few buildings — like the dining hall, the library and residence halls.

Use websites like campustours.com, youvisit.com or a college’s website to begin a campus tour from the comfort of your couch.

College timeline FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORE YEARS • Begin exploring career and major options. Try job shadows, volunteer opportunities, informational interviews and aptitude assessments.

• Talk with your school counselor. Share your postsecondary goals to ensure you are on the correct academic path and meeting all college prep requirements.

• Begin your college resume. Create a format that you can update as you engage in new activities.

• Want to play an NCAA sport in college? Start researching NCAA guidelines and high school academic requirements to ensure your eligibility by visiting eligibilitycenter.org.

• Begin preparing and studying for the PSAT or PreACT. The summer between 10th and 11th grade is a perfect time to start using free tools to prep for the practice versions of the SAT and ACT.

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JUNIOR YEAR FALL • Attend a college fair. For a list of local and regional college fairs go to neacac.org.

• Take the PSAT or PreACT. These are practice versions of the college entrance exams.

• Continue studying for the spring SAT or ACT. Just 30 minutes of prep, twice a week, will help prepare you for the test this spring.

WINTER • Register for senior year courses. Remember, colleges will see your senior year classes and grades.

• Consider special academic programs to earn college credit while still in high school: Advanced Placement (AP), Running Start or eStart, SNHU in the High School, etc.

SPRING • Attend Destination College. For details about this free Center for College Planning event, be sure to go to www.nhheaf.org/destination-college.asp.

• Take the SAT or ACT. NH high school juniors take the SAT during the school day for free.

• Begin researching and developing a list of colleges you are interested in. You can utilize college search engines,

visit campus websites or take campus tours. Make sure each school on your list has a program or major that will help you achieve your career goals! This will help you narrow your search.

• Interested in architecture, art, dance, theater or music?

Ask each college about portfolio or audition requirments. The more time you have to prepare, the better.

SUMMER • Visit college campuses. View different types of campuses: rural and urban, small, medium and large. Get a feel for what you like.

• Talk to your familty about a college budget to determine what help your family can afford to offer. Build your list of schools to ensure you have financial options that will work for you.

• Begin your college essay. Use the summer to organize your thoughts so you won’t have to “cram” it all in next fall.

• Attend a College Boot Camp. Your high school may offer one in the summer to launch the college application process and admissions essay. If not, attend one hosted by the Center for College Planning. Go to www.nhheaf. org

ABOUT NHHEAF’S CENTER FOR COLLEGE PLANNING • ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION Many campuses now offer virtual information sessions and have playlists of videos from the admissions office in which they describe their campus. Information sessions and pre-recorded videos are a great way to hear about majors, special programs, admission requirements, and updates or changes to their admissions process.

• PARTICIPATE IN A STUDENT PANEL These events can help prospective students learn about a campus and its culture, from a student lens. Panels may focus on specific college departments, for example, “meet the school of engineering faculty and students” or be broader like, “ask a student” panels. Both are great opportunities to hear directly from current students.

Each year, the Center for College Planning (CCP) at The NHHEAF Network is dedicated to providing students and families with free, valuable information about the college planning process. Through virtual and in-person programming, counselors serve students and families across the state, including 100% of public high schools. Learn more at www.nhheaf.org. Book a free, one-on-one appointment with a counselor at https://calendly.com/nhheaf_ccp.

• FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA Nearly every college has an account on social media. Often student-run, these accounts show happenings on campus and feature different information than what you might read on the college website.

Courtesy of NHHEAF Network’s “Admissions Insider” — available at www.nhheaf.org

SENIOR YEAR FALL • Narrow down your list of colleges.

• Retake the SAT or ACT: You are responsible for sending your scores to ALL schools that require them. Go to www.collegeboard.org or https://act.org to learn how.

• Create a list that includes important information for your colleges of choice. Include deadlines, financial aid requirements and the different forms needed.

• File your FAFSA. This form is an essential part of college applications and financial aid. It is available on October 1st and the sooner you file, the better! Book an appointment with NHHEAF’s CCP and we’ll walk you through it, step by step. To book an appointment go to calendly. com/nhheaf_ccp.

• CSS Profile. This financial aid form is also available on October 1st. It is required by many private colleges.

Check with the colleges on your list for their requirements and deadlines.

• Start your college applications. Colleges use many different online applications, so check to determine which they utilize and if supplemental essays are required.

WINTER • Submit completed college applications. Deadlines vary, but January 1st is a common date. Try to finish your applications before your winter break so you don’t have to worry about them during your time off.

• Apply for scholarships. There are scholarships from national, regional and local sources, but to receive a scholarship, you need to apply!

• College decision letters will arrive soon. Every college has their own “turn-around” time from when you apply to when their decision is sent, but a realistic time frame is four to eight weeks.

For a list of colleges and universities in New Hampshire, scan this code:

SPRING • Once you have been accepted, colleges will send their financial aid offers. For help interpreting your offer, attend a Paying for College 101 program at your high school or go to https://nhheaf.org and book a Reviewing Financial Aid Offer Letters appointment.

• Compare financial aid offers and calculate your estimated loan debt. Go to the “Student Loan Calculator” at https://nhheaf.org for help estimating your future loan payments.

• Visit your school of choice before sending your deposit.

Many colleges offer “admitted student days” where accepted students can visit the campus, meet faculty and sample campus life one more time. If you can‘t visit, revisit the website and call admissions with any last-minute questions.

• MAY 1st – National Candidate Reply Day! Accepted students must send in their admission deposit by this deadline in order to secure their spot in the upcoming freshman class. Planning to live on campus? A housing deposit may also be due at this time.

Courtesy of NHHEAF Network’s “Admissions Insider” — available at www.nhheaf.org

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Paying for

College

TAX INCENTIVES

F

or most students, cost is a primary factor in the college decision process. Yet, many wait to begin considering college costs until after financial aid offers are received, limiting their ultimate choices. Students often reject one or more of their top colleges due to finances. Taking some simple steps earlier in the application process may help avoid this situation. Early conversations about finances are more important than ever. Setting expectations around money before starting the college search will go a long way toward making sound decisions.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY DISCUSSION

1. Is there a particular amount you are able to contribute toward your education (from savings, summer jobs, graduation money)?

2. Is there a particular amount your family is able to contribute toward college costs?

3. How did the pandemic impact family finances? Will this impact paying for college?

4. Are there other costs which should be included in the budget (books, travel, cellphone, entertainment, computer, etc.)?

5. Do you or your family have any money set aside for college?

6. Who will take out loans if they are needed?

7. What happens if one (or more) of the schools on your list does not offer enough financial aid for you to comfortably attend?

Will you begin at a community college? Take a few online classes?

Take a gap year?

CONSIDER NET PRICE, NOT STICKER PRICE

Many students and parents make the mistake of using a college’s sticker price — the price published on their website — as a determining factor in evaluating potential colleges. The truth is, most students will pay less than the sticker price because of financial aid.

College may be more affordable than you think. So instead of focusing on sticker price, concentrate on the actual price you will pay after 14 |

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EARLY COLLEGE CREDITS

subtracting any scholarships or grants you might receive. This is called the net price.

NET PRICE CALCULATORS

Net price calculators are available on each college or university’s website and allow you to enter information about you and your family to get an estimate of your net cost to attend the institution.

Each estimate is specific to you because it is based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Net price calculators offer a more informed method of deciding which colleges are affordable. Remember that these are estimates — the actual price you pay may be higher or lower than the college’s net price calculator indicates.

TIPS FOR USING NET PRICE CALCULATORS

• Use net price calculators before finalizing your college list if cost will be a factor in your decision.

• Use these calculators strategically. See how your GPA and/or test scores could help you receive merit awards.

• Ask a school how accurate its calculator is — some schools may offer merit aid that is not accounted for in their net price calculator (but would significantly reduce your cost).

• Note the year for which costs are being calculated; some schools may not have the current/future cost of attendance posted.

PERSONAL SAVINGS

2-YEAR COLLEGE

WORK STUDY JOB

SCHOLARSHIPS STUDENT LOANS

FINANCIAL GIFTS

$

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

TEXTBOOK DEALS

7 WAYS TO REDUCE COLLEGE COSTS Beginning your college education at one of the seven Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) schools can significantly reduce college costs. Or perhaps you can get a head start on your college coursework while you are still in high school. You may also take advantage of the discounted out-of-state tuition if your intended major is not offered at one of our state colleges or universities.

1. Beginning your college education at one of the seven Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) schools can significantly reduce college costs. Or perhaps you can get a head start on your college coursework while you are still in high school; talk with your school counselor about taking Running Start, Early College, and/or eStart courses. See page 19 to learn more.

NH Transfer: Check out nhtransfer.org for information about transferring college credits earned in the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) to participating colleges and universities in New Hampshire. Use the database to determine if and how your credits will transfer.

2. You may also take advantage of the discounted out-ofstate tuition if your intended major is not offered at one of our state colleges or universities.

Tuition Break For New Hampshire Residents: The New England Board of Higher Education’s (NEBHE) Tuition Break program — the New England Regional Student Program (RSP) — provides a discount on out-of-state tuition to New Hampshire residents when they enroll in approved degree programs at specific state colleges and universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. New Hampshire residents are eligible for these degree programs if they are not offered by any of the New Hampshire state colleges or universities. Visit https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak for more information.

3. Take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school and receive a score of 3 or more on the AP exam to possibly test out of a college class.

4. Rent textbooks or borrow textbooks from the library.

5. Leave the car at home. Parking permits, gas and car maintenance quickly add up. Need to get somewhere?

Explore campus and public transportation options.

6. Use an existing health insurance plan instead of paying for the college’s plan.

7. Utilize student discounts offered by local merchants, banks, etc.

Courtesy of NHHEAF Network’s “Financial Aid Insider” — available at www.nhheaf.org

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Scholarships

It is estimated that $7.4 billion in scholarships are available each year. Remember, every scholarship dollar awarded is money you do not have to borrow!

LOCAL AND REGIONAL SOURCES. These scholarships often have local and regional residency requirements making a student’s “pool of competition” smaller and chances of winning higher.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (NHCF.ORG) is the largest source of private scholarship aid in New Hampshire. They award over $6 million in scholarships to New Hampshire students annually. The student does not need to attend a college in New Hampshire to receive a scholarship, but they do have to be a New Hampshire resident to apply. Each year approximately one in five applicants receive a scholarship. NHCF has two scholarship programs: the Statewide Student Aid Program for students enrolling in a four-year degree program and Career Aid to Technical Students Program for students enrolling in a two-year or trade program. Check out their website for application deadlines.

NATIONAL SOURCES. These scholarships are available to students from all over the country, making a student’s “pool of competition” very large.

FASTWEB.COM is a free matching service for scholarships, with a database of over $3 billion in national scholarships.

COLLEGEBOARD.ORG is a national scholarship search engine to help you find scholarships and other financial aid from more than 2,200 programs.

SCHOLARSHIPS.COM is a database of over 3.5 million national scholarships and provides nearly $19 billion to help students pay for college. Download their app to track scholarships!

SCHOLARSHIPOWL.COM streamlines the application process by having students complete one application.

Once complete, the matching begins.

SCHOLARSHIPS360.ORG selects quality scholarship opportunities and profiles a select number of reputable scholarships.

MALDEF.ORG offers scholarships for Latinx students and students with varying documentation status.

IEFA.ORG offers scholarship opportunities for international students.

A NATURAL PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS

981 Second St Manchester, NH 03102 (603) 625-6100 www.myaahb.com

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The American Academy of Health & Beauty (AAHB) is the premier school in NH for Esthetics, Spa Nails, and Massage Therapy.

AAHB has been helping students like you fast track successful careers into the evergrowing industry for over 20 years!

WHEN FINANCIAL AID ISN’T ENOUGH While financial aid can certainly help cover some of the cost of college, there is usually a gap between what is offered and the total cost that the family must cover. Families have options to meet the balance, and many choose to use a combination of funding types to do so. Families should research and understand their options fully before committing to a payment plan or loan program.

TYPES OF FUNDING OPTIONS

Tuition Payment Plans. Many colleges provide tuition payment plans which help limit the need for borrowing by allowing families to pay college costs from current income or savings. The plans offer no-interest payments which are divided over 8 to 12 months. There may be a small enrollment fee.

Contact the financial aid office at your college for more information.

Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loan. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a government loan for parents. While parents can certainly ask their child to help with payments, ultimately the parent is responsible for repayment until the loan is satisfied. This loan has a fixed interest rate as well as a loan origination fee. The PLUS loan has a typical repayment term of 10 years, but options are available to defer payments while the student is enrolled at least half-time. A parent interested in this loan must complete a credit preapproval process and the annual maximum he or she can borrow is determined by the cost of education less any other aid you have received. Visit studentaid. ed.gov/plus-app for more information.

Private Student Loan. Private student loans are available through lenders such as banks and financial organizations. These loans are usually in the student’s name with a credit-worthy co-signer.

Payments are often deferred while you are in school. The NHHEAF Network has our own private loan program offering discounted rates and exceptional service to NH families. Visit https://edvestinu. com to learn more.

WILL I NEED A CO-SIGNER?

Many students do not have the necessary credit history, earnings or other criteria to qualify for a private student loan without a co-signer.

Co-signers agree to take responsibility for loan payments in the event

a borrower does not meet their obligation. Lenders have particular criteria co-signers must meet regarding earnings, credit score, credit history, etc.

Each lender could have different criteria, so it’s important for you and your co-signer to compare student loan options before committing.

PRIVATE LOANS: THINGS TO CONSIDER

Fees. Are there origination or repayment fees?

Interest Rate. Is the rate fixed or variable? If variable, how high can the rate go?

Repayment Options. When does repayment begin? Are in-school payments required?

Co-signer. Is one required? How is the co-signer evaluated?

Can they be released after a certain number of payments?

Repayment Benefits. Are there interest rate reductions for autopay or having an existing account? Are deferment options available?

Forgiveness. Is the loan forgivable in the case of death or disability?

Courtesy of NHHEAF Network’s “Financial Aid Insider” — available at www.nhheaf.org

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Choose Community:

SPONSORED CONTENT

NH community colleges offer affordable, quality higher education close to home

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C

ommunity colleges are a smart choice for today’s students. This is true if you want to begin a degree pathway at a more affordable cost, or if your goal is to learn

the skills for a profession. With seven

colleges throughout the state, NH

community college degree and certificate

programs are a great option for any student.

BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY OR PREPARE FOR A CAREER

Community college graduates who earn a two-year associate degree typically enjoy some of the highest employment rates in the state and nation, because programs are aligned with opportunities in today’s economy. Many students also start at a community college and transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, building a strong foundation and saving thousands of dollars in the process.

AN AFFORDABLE CHOICE

How would you like to graduate from college with a great educational experience, exciting opportunities for your future, without student loan debt? Community colleges are among the most affordable options for students — in-state tuition for a full-time New Hampshire student is about $6,500 per year, well under what most colleges charge, plus financial aid can offset that cost.

RETURN TO COLLEGE OR UPDATE YOUR SKILLS

New Hampshire community colleges aren’t just for recent high school grads — we have many older learners who come back to college or start college for the first time in order to achieve important professional goals.

FLEXIBILITY IN COURSE FORMAT

New Hampshire community colleges are experienced at blending online and in-person learning, and are well positioned to maximize your educational experience.

The colleges offer a close-to-home community option for students.

You can enroll in certificate or degree programs, or simply register for a few classes to get general education credits that can transfer to four-year colleges and universities. NH community colleges offer programs that produce graduates who are in high demand.

Begin Your College Education in High School High school students enrolled in NH Community College Running Start classes earn both high school AND college credit. Taught at local high schools by teachers who have college-level teaching credentials, the courses use a college syllabus and course materials and are taken as part of the daily class schedule.

Running Start tuition is only $150 per course and the credits transfer to two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States.

High school students may also earn both high school AND college credit through eStart. Courses are 100% online and, like Running Start, tuition is just $150 per course.

Early College options are also available for high school students who can take courses directly at their local community college at half of the regular tuition cost.

Scholarships are available for many of these dual-credit courses. Contact your high school’s Running Start coordinator or guidance counselor for more information. You can also learn more at www. ccsnh.edu. (Look under “Programs for High School Students.”)

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T

here are seven community colleges throughout the Granite State, offering courses on campus and online.

ARTS, HUMANITIES, COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN

Gain focused skills and a strong foundation for transfer 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 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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LEARN MORE AT WWW.CCSNH.EDU

The Top 10 Reasons to ”Choose Community” #1

QUALITY EDUCATION

Berlin

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.

NEW H A M PS H I R E

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

North Conway

community college.

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

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

#2

#3

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.

#4

Lebanon I-93

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 colleges. Traditional liberal arts-inspired associate degrees parallel the first two years of general education at a four-year college, making it easy to transfer.

Laconia

I-89 Claremont

Concord

Rochester

Manchester

FLEXIBILITY

Daytime, evening and online classes provide flexible scheduling opportunities for students of all ages, 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!

Rte. 16

Littleton

I-95 Portsmouth

Keene Rte. 101 Nashua

#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.

#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

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.

Tuition at community colleges is lower than at other colleges and universities. In addition, financial aid is available to eligible students, many in the form of grants. The Federal Pell Grant, for example, is open to students attending any accredited postsecondary 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.

#6

#10

#5

CAREER-READY GRADS

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.

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.

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So

many reasons to serve SPECIAL SECTION

SPONSORED CONTENT

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Help From Above: NH National Guard Search in the White Mountains

F

or three days, NH Fish and Game Department combed the White Mountains National Forest near Mount Lincoln for a missing hiker, Randy Willet, who’d set out for a planned four-day hike the Friday before. He’d called for help, off the trail and lost in deep snow, on Tuesday. Since then, a few cell phone calls confirmed he was alive, but dropped too quickly for him to share his location. Rain was forecasted to move in on Friday. Time was running out.

FOR MORE INFO

SCAN QR CODE ON PAGE 29

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The NH Army National Guard, which supports Fish and Game in mountain search and rescue operations, had been combing the slopes from the vantage of a Blackhawk helicopter, but to no avail.

“Everyone thought it was the end for this guy,” recalls Aviation Flight Operations Officer Captain Braden Hunter of C Company, 3-238th, MEDEVAC, based out of Concord.

“Every day that passed, the odds were getting smaller. We were just about to turn back ... we had a little gas left, and we told Fish and Game after this tank, we’d have to call it a day.”

Shortly thereafter, around 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2021, one of the crew saw something.

“Right at the last minute, on the ridge, one of our crew members ended up spotting a small red light from this guy’s headlamp,” Hunter says.

The Blackhawk hovered in the darkness and the team lowered a medic using the helicop-

ter’s hoist. The medic found Willet tucked into the rocks, hypothermic, Hunter recalls. The medic secured Willet and both were hoisted into the Blackhawk.

It could not have been a closer call. “Our flight medics are paramedics,” Hunter says.

“Highly trained medical personnel. They said if we hadn’t found him that night, he wouldn’t have made it through the night.”

Those are the kind of life-or-death situations the NH Army National Guard aviation teams are faced with 10 to 15 times a year.

Sgt. Josh Stone, who joined the Marine Corps right out of high school, then later continued on with the NH Army National Guard and has been deployed three times to Iraq, works in flight operations and recruiting. He’s seen the impact the mountain rescue operations have on the soldiers who carry them out; those in the helicopter and the whole team that supports the mission.

“Each person plays such an important role

and Rescue Missions

that I think it’s really powerful; a lot of times the soldiers will talk with you after and want to meet some of the people that had an impact on them,” he says. “It’s different from a typical Army job in that way. Every time we go out on a mission, we have a debrief. We come in and talk about what went right and what went wrong to be able to get better for next time. We bring in everybody for those debriefs: people who flew on the mission, the guy that fueled the aircraft. It’s quite a team — and very rewarding.”

Hunter echoes the sentiment. “Here in NH we’re fortunate that we have the mountains, and the assistance we give Fish and Game gives us opportunities to conduct missions on a regular basis and really help people.” In addition to search and rescue, they also work on fire suppression, dropping huge buckets of water loaded beneath the helicopter.

CHALLENGING — AND REWARDING

The aviation path is a rewarding one — but more demanding time-wise than other roles in NH Army National Guard.

Stone says the kind of person who will enjoy taking a role in the air will be “passionate about service, passionate about serving people here in NH, and they will understand their role requires more than one weekend a month and two weeks in summer.” Additional special training is required to develop and maintain skills.

And the missions aren’t all local to New Hampshire.

“We’ve done a lot of really cool missions,” Hunter says. “There are the federal deployments. We’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan.

(Combat deployments are about nine months long.) We try to keep our training meaningful and exciting. We’ve provided aviation support for humanitarian missions in Guatemala, supporting a battalion of engineers building clinics and schools. We get to go to different countries, operate in different countries, doing something meaningful.”

Various career paths include pilot, which is a warrant or commissioned officer, and includes flight school, or crew member. Stone says someone who wants to be crew chief or a medic can join when in high school, go to basic training between junior and senior year, and after finishing senior year, can go to heli-

copter crew chief school or flight medic school, which could be from two to six months, and then come back and participate with the unit at regularly scheduled drills.

He says anyone interested in learning more should talk with a recruiter. “I’m happy to bring anybody to Concord to the NH Army National Guard Flight Facility any time. Take a tour, meet people doing the job, get a firsthand account of what it’s like.”

Hunter says the hard work, heavier schedule, and sometimes nerve-wracking experiences in the air during bad weather, are worth it. “It feels good,” he says. “It’s exciting.

Knowing you helped save somebody or get off the mountain — it makes you feel good.”

To learn more about aviation career oportunities or the NH Army National Guard visit www.nharmynationalguardrecruiting.com.

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How to Graduate from College

Debt Free (And Become a Leader in Your Community)

S

tudent loan debt has become an economic crisis — not just for individual students and families but for the entire economy.

In 2021, average total student debt was just around $30,000, according to U.S. News & World Report. And with tuition and fees rising nationally by 2-3% in 2021-2022, the challenge of getting a good education while minimizing personal debt continues to grow.

Fortunately, there are avenues students can take to meet that challenge. One such opportunity is the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

According to Warrant Officer Sukari Statton-Bill, education services officer, “Our goal is to help you get a degree with the least expense at the end.”

FULL TUITION WAIVER FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGES

FOR MORE INFO

SCAN QR CODE ON PAGE 29

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In 2020, Statton-Bill says, New Hampshire state law was changed to allow for tuition and fees to be waived at state-funded colleges and technical colleges even before Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training are completed, as was the case in the past.

This has become a big draw for potential recruits, says Master Sgt. Erik Hansen, who

oversees recruiting. “The day you raise your right hand and swear in you can start using the tuition waiver to any of the state schools.” He adds, “A lot of applicants do join the New Hampshire Guard because of the benefits.”

That ability to start using the tuition waiver immediately gives recruits the opportunity for a true head start, Statton-Bill says.

Statton-Bill points to the experience of Staff Sergeant Courtney Rorick as an example of someone who made the most of the benefits the Guard offers. Rorick, who, along with her husband, is a full-time employee with the New Hampshire National Guard, will graduate in December from Granite State College with a bachelor’s degree in professional communication and associate degree in business.

She appreciates that an education like

hers comes at no cost to Guard members.

“When you have a family and the costs associated with that, nothing beats getting a degree at little to no cost,” Rorick says. She adds that she only paid for her textbooks and about $45 in fees.

MULTIPLE PATHS TO SUCCESS

In addition to tuition waivers to state schools, the New Hampshire National Guard offers a variety of other education benefits, including federal tuition assistance, a student loan repayment program, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Minuteman Scholarship, which provides tuition and fees at colleges served by an Army Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC).

This, says Staff Sgt. Derek Kirlis, a recruiting team leader with the New Hampshire National Guard, “jumpstarts your life as an adult.” As opposed to leaving college with a host of unfamiliar living expenses along with student loan repayments, the student graduates debtfree with strong career opportunities, leadership skills and the rank of second lieutenant.

“One thing they learn in ROTC is leadership — how to get people to work together to get common goals done.

This is valuable if they want to get into management,” Kirlis says. This can also put someone “leaps and bounds” ahead of others with the same four-year degree, he adds.

Not everyone’s goals include two- or four-year college, however, and the Guard has alternative opportunities for crafting a successful future, including professional credential and apprenticeship programs.

Statton-Bill says some of the most popular credential programs include personal trainer, welder, commercial driver’s license, pilot, emergency medical technician, and associate or senior professional in human resources. But if one of those doesn’t catch your eye, not to worry. The Army’s Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program lists more than 1,500 different programs.

EDUCATION IN THE GUARD — AND BEYOND

Hansen feels it’s important to note that soldiers in the Guard who are taking advantage of the education benefits are really receiving two tracks of education simultaneously: one via school and the other via their job in the Guard and the overall military training they receive.

He says that being strategic about aligning those two factors can really pay off in future career opportunities.

His team sees their role not only as recruiters but also as career counselors.

“A lot of them take it to heart,” he says.

“They want to lead, guide and mentor these young kids coming in.”

That guidance can help provide

important insights. For example, Hansen says, field artillery jobs are important in the New Hampshire National Guard. They also provide both technical training and a secret security clearance, which can be a tremendous advantage when applying for federal contractor jobs in the civilian world.

“If you’re going to join,” Hansen says, “understand you’re not just getting the benefits, you’re getting a whole bunch of other stuff out of it too.”

For more information about the education benefits provided by the New Hampshire National Guard, contact Warrant Officer 1 Sukari Statton-Bill at (603) 225-1207 or sukari.d.stattonbill. mil@mail.mil.

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The NH Army National Guard’s New Fitness Test Will Help You

U

Achieve Your Fitness Potential

nless you’re already in great shape (and maybe even if you are), the idea of passing a fitness test can feel like a barrier to joining the New Hampshire Army National Guard. But it isn’t.

It’s a challenge, but one that’s designed to help you succeed — and you might even enjoy it along the way. So, if you’re looking to achieve a high level of fitness — and a high level of performance in your personal life — the New Hampshire Army National Guard, and its new cutting-edge training programs and fitness test, can help you achieve fitness goals while learning new skills, having fun and serving your country.

“The updated field manual breaks down the best strength training and workouts. A rigorous training program starts from day one, and it includes multiple phases through the training cycle of a soldier — from their initial time with their units all the way through possible deployment, and it even incorporates recovery post-deployment,” he says.

While physical fitness is serious business in the New Hampshire Army National Guard, many consider the newly rolled-out Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) a dramatic upgrade from a fitness perspective, and a good deal more fun to take than the decades-old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

According to Sgt. First Class Robin Rojek, a recruiter and drill sergeant at the NH Army National Guard’s Recruit Training Company (RTC) in Center Strafford, NH, taking the sixevent ACFT becomes a fun, competitive event for recruits.

“Overall, it’s been a huge motivator in the sense that it’s a lot more fun to conduct. You have different events. It’s not geared to just strength or overall endurance. This new PT test has a little bit of everything.”

The old APFT had only three requirements: pushups, situps and a two-mile run, with standards for each based on age and gender.

The new ACTF features six events that tie more closely to actual tasks and situations soldiers will encounter in the field, and to connect physical fitness to combat readiness. Mastery of the test elements will also reduce preventable injuries and increase mental toughness and muscular endurance. The events include:

Eventually, Rojek says, passing the ACFT will be required to begin Basic Combat Training.

However, because of COVID-19, recruits have multiple chances to take the test at the RTC and again in Basic.

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• Deadlift • Standing power throw • Hand-release pushups • Sprint-drag-carry • Leg-tuck pullups or, alternately, planks • Two-mile run for time The focus on functional exercises may feel reminiscent of a certain popular fitness trend.

But it’s not quite the same thing.

Master Sgt. Kenneth Boff, Section Chief for Southern New Hampshire Recruiting and Retention, says, “There are a lot of similarities to CrossFit, but it’s definitely not CrossFit. The focus is a lot on core combat critical needs: what a solider needs to physically accomplish his or her mission during combat. So you’re not just physically fit, but you can move under the most challenging, engaging moments in your life — when it actually matters.”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE?

Once someone has joined the NH Army National Guard, they may have four to six months before they begin basic training. During that period of time, they prepare for the ACFT, and for basic training and military life in general, at the Recruit Training Company.

“The new program is definitely a lot better,” says Boff. “The science behind it and workouts make a lot more sense.”

WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE ACFT?

IS THE ACFT HARDER TO PASS?

“I would love for people to understand it is not hard to pass if you put the work into it,” Rojek says.

He recommends that people planning to join the Guard start preparing with full-body workouts, lifting weights and endurance running, while incorporating short sprints or high-intensity interval training.

“And,” he points out, “each phase of the physical readiness training at the RTC prepares you for the ACFT.” In fact, he says the ACFT is actually easier for many to pass than the old test because it’s more holistic.

“It’s more of a full-body, full-functioning PT test instead of a strict muscle endurance test,” he says. “Based on initial assessments, it’s easier to pass but harder to max out (the highest scores).”

To learn more about the ACFT or the NH Army National Guard, visit www.nharmynationalguard recruiting.com.

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College &Career Ready in the 603 SPONSORED CONTENT

G

EAR UP is enthusiasm” is how a current New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance student views his experience in the program. He notes that before participating in GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), his classmates were not interested in thinking about life after high school. After attending GEAR UP events and programs, they became excited about what comes next.

They believe they can achieve their goals.

The NH GEAR UP Alliance is a federally funded program that works to create a college-going culture throughout the state.

Administered by the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC), GEAR UP supports a range of programs to help students prepare for college and careers.

Students gain academic support, social skill building, tools to find financial aid and college counseling. The result? Students from all walks of life feel confident about life after high school. As one school counselor observes, “GEAR UP allows all students, not just a handful, hope they can go off to college and be successful.”

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New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance staff and students partnered with Manchester School District and Manchester Community College for a six-week summer program providing opportunities for GEAR UP students to earn credit in English 1 and/or Algebra while exploring college and career pathways they may take. Indeed, students did “GEAR UP for Success,” as 93% of students received credit and more than 15 college and career pathways were explored.

CREATING PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

New Hampshire’s colleges and universities are committed to providing students with a variety of pathways for success after high school. That’s why they have banded together through NHCUC, a unique coalition of 21 colleges and universities from across the state. NHCUC partners with schools, state and federal agencies, and business leaders to advance education and its benefits for students.

From manufacturing to healthcare, science fields to business and the arts, New Hampshire offers a huge range of career opportunities. With the workforce demanding ever-higher levels of training, education is essential for taking advantage of these opportunities. NHCUC is there to help students get the education they need to fill great jobs and build a strong economy for New Hampshire’s future.

Another NHCUC program, New Hampshire Scholars, focuses on helping high school students achieve academically. The idea behind NH Scholars is simple: Take the classes that will best prepare you for college and career success. The program engages business and school volunteers to help high school students complete a defined, rigorous core course of study.

Coursework is designed to support transition to the college or vocational training necessary to enter today’s competitive job market.

FOR INFORMATION ON:

VISIT:

The New Hampshire College & University Council, including Student Exchange and other programs

NHCUC.org

The New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance

NHgearupalliance.com

New Hampshire Scholars

NHscholars.org

Courtesy Photo

Participation in the NH Scholars program enhances students’ academic skills and reduces the need for remedial coursework. Students gain a host of advantages: preparation for success in college, critical thinking and decision-making skills, improved candidacy for scholarships and financial aid, and enhanced opportunities for job placement and advancement.

NH Scholars operates in more than 80 school districts across the state.

While expanding, the program has instituted ongoing updates to meet students’ evolving needs. “Recent changes have sharpened our focus on equity and helped expand opportunities for students to challenge themselves and get ready to begin their college journey,” notes NH Scholars Director Ciaran Farley.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Over the past year, NHCUC has transformed many of its core outreach programs — such as college access conventions, career mini-fairs and professional development for student services staff — to work in a virtual space. Through this effort we have been able to expand our reach and create more opportunities for students.

“It is essential that we use the tools at our disposal to support students across the state, as we have always done,” explains Stephanie Lesperance, director of the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance. “I am proud of the incredible work NHCUC and GEAR UP staff have done throughout the pandemic to make sure students didn’t fall behind.”

The overarching purpose of NHCUC is to ensure that students are

ready to achieve their postsecondary goals. Whether the plan is to go to college, attend trade school, enlist in the armed forces or move directly into the workforce, New Hampshire higher-education institutions are working hard to ensure that students are prepared to meet the demands of the future.

For those seeking a great college education, everything you need is here in-state. With support from the NHCUC and other partner organizations, our higher-education institutions are at the forefront of helping New Hampshire students prepare for, gain admission to and succeed in college. NHCUC even offers a student exchange program that lets students take courses not offered at their own institution from a different member college or university.

As NHCUC President and CEO Debby Scire remarks, “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.”

NHCUC is excited for the coming year as both colleges and K–12 schools come back from a year and a half of unprecedented and difficult learning situations. These schools have all overcome a great deal of adversity, as have their students. There is renewed optimism and excitement, as well as a press for educators, businesses, communities and institutions to make this year count. We are proud to stand with our partners in this effort and support them in any way we can.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

New Hampshire State Police: be a part

of something greater than yourself

S

tate Troopers are dedicated to providing the highest degree of law enforcement service throughout the State

of New Hampshire while maintaining the traditions of fairness, professionalism and integrity. Does this mission appeal to you?

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A NH STATE TROOPER

To join our ranks you must: • Be 21 years old • Have 60 college credit hours No college credits? No problem. Applicants with a high school degree (or GED) and two years of full-time law enforcement experience can apply.

If you are a military applicant, a high school diploma (or GED) and two years of full-time honorable military service can apply.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE PROCESS

The New Hampshire State Police was established in 1937. Throughout the Granite State, there are approximately 350 Troopers. The State Police is broken down into seven different Troop Stations.

New Hampshire State Troopers go through a four- to five-month hiring process. The NH State Police administers three tests per year.

The hiring process includes a physical agility test (situps, pushups, and a 1.5-mile run), written exam, oral board, polygraph evaluation, background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical examination and an interview with the Colonel.

Once an applicant is hired, he or she will become a Probationary Trooper for one year. A Probationary Trooper will experience a onemonth Pre-Academy at NH State Police headquarters, a 16-week full-time Academy at Police Standards and Training in Concord, and a two-week Post-Academy program at NH State Police Headquarters.

Once a Probationary Trooper completes all of the Academy requirements, he or she will complete 65 shifts with their field training officers in their assigned Troops.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you have any questions about the NH State Police, please reach out to the Recruitment and Training Unit at (603) 223-3866 or email us at recruitment@dos.nh.gov. You can also visit us online at www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov.

Please follow us on

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Be the Ultimate Internet Explorer with a Paralegal Degree from NHTI

D

o you like solving puzzles? What about investigating legal matters using social media, search engines and legal databases?

As a paralegal, you will do this and more — you are the ultimate internet explorer and detective! You use software and deduction

skills to gather information as a critical part of the legal team. And at NHTI — Concord’s Community College, we’ll give you all the preparation and education you need to get started immediately after graduation. Your career as a paralegal is only two years away. Are you ready to get started?

BY STACEY PETERS

I am a paralegal and professor at NHTI. I became a paralegal because of my interest in the law and my desire to help people with complicated legal matters. My work includes online research using social media sites and search engines to find names, places and public records. In my research, I locate the most current information on any given subject. This can vary from learning how to convert a waste facility’s methane gas into a renewable energy source to the definition of second-degree murder.

Paralegals are critical members of the legal team and work under the supervision of an attorney. Our investigative work has us sniffing out leads and digging for information to aid attorneys in presenting and ultimately getting a favorable outcome for our clients. Our research can include everything from examining medical records to tracing property ownership and more. I once worked on a case involving illegal wiretapping where people’s conversations were being recorded without their knowledge. The key is your curiosity: You use expert computer and deduction skills to explore, locate and secure information.

As a paralegal, the majority of my work is done using word processing NH NEXT 2021-2022

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tools and database management software applications. I conduct legal research on platforms like Lexis Nexis and West Law to access cases and legal authority to find what the law says on a client’s legal matter. By far, my favorite parts of working as a paralegal are the various legal matters which we investigate. We work in many areas of law such as criminal, litigation, real estate, family law, probate law and corporate law.

We also provide necessary support during trials, depositions, arbitrations, mediations and other legal tribunals, like administrative boards. We assist in preparing witnesses and in the selection of juries, and we are an integral part of helping the formation of corporations and drafting contracts.

The work of a paralegal requires discretion and independent judgment. Even though a paralegal can perform many of the tasks otherwise performed by attorneys, they may not give legal advice, represent a client in court, or otherwise engage in the practice of law.

At NHTI, our associate degree in Paralegal Studies will provide you with the education and training to successfully work as a paralegal in any legal environment. You’ll even participate in an internship to gain real-world experience and the confidence you need to succeed. Your opportunities for employment include working for private organizations (such as a law firm or title company) and for federal or state governments.

The career prospects for a paralegal are only getting better.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics, the employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 10% through 2029. Now is the time to get your Paralegal Studies degree from NHTI and begin your career. Embrace your investigative instincts and curiosity: Get started today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

NHTI’s Paralegal Studies program, contact Stacey Peters at speters@ccsnh.edu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

NHTI’s many other programs, visit www.nhti.edu.

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