For Immediate Release
Contact: Matt Cookson, 603-862-0904 or Matt.cookson@usnh.edu
University System of NH Launches Get Ready for College Initiative
Effort encourages 6-12 graders to think about and prepare for college
October 14, 2005 – Manchester, NH – Colorful posters aimed at 6th through12th graders encouraging them to continue their education after high school were unveiled today and will be arriving at schools across the state in the next few weeks. These posters are the first phase of the “Get Ready for College” initiative that was announced today at the Middle School at Parkside in Manchester.
Get Ready for College is a collaborative effort to reach out in a coordinated way to New Hampshire students in grades 6-12 and their families on what can be done to increase student interest in and preparation for college. The effort is being led by the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and supported by numerous educational organizations in the state.
At the event, USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno displayed the set of colorful and informative posters – one for 6th-8th graders and one for 9th-12th graders. The double-sided posters feature an English version on one side and a Spanish version on the other and are being distributed to school counselors in New Hampshire’s middle and high schools. Chancellor Reno was joined at the event by Manchester Mayor Robert Baines, Manchester Superintendent Mike Ludwell, Rene Drouin, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network Organizations, Esteban Lopez from the New Hampshire College and University Council, and staff and students from the Middle School at Parkside.
“There are tremendous employment opportunities in New Hampshire today, and even more professional opportunities projected for the future that will require a college degree. We cannot count on importing people from out of state to fill these jobs and must do all we can to encourage our young people to gain the skills to meet these needs,” Chancellor Reno said. “This initiative is geared to inform students that college opportunities exist for everyone and that it’s never too late to take steps to prepare for college.”
The initiative includes the posters, and complementary web content. Brochures geared for students and families will be distributed this winter, and a “School is Cool” video is being planned. The effort mirrors similar ones led by the public higher education systems in California and North Carolina. The posters were underwritten by NHHEAF and developed in consultation with the New Hampshire School Counselor Association and the admissions offices at the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College.
"The value of higher education is clear," said René A. Drouin, president and CEO of the NHHEAF Network Organizations. "The NHHEAF Network Organizations are pleased to partner with the University System to remind students and families that college is possible for everyone."
Nearly four out of every 10 individuals in New Hampshire today have not earned a high school diploma or a college degree. While New Hampshire is the only state in New England that is projected to grow in terms of population in the next decade, that rate of growth lags behind much of the country.
“Today’s global economy requires us to make sure that people are aware of the educational opportunities that exist in New Hampshire, and the college is possible,” Chancellor Reno added. “This is a long-term initiative and we plan on working with the education and business communities in New Hampshire as we explore ways to encourage our children to stay in school, attend college, and explore the opportunities that await them.”
About the University System of New Hampshire: The mission of the University System of New Hampshire is to serve the higher educational needs of the people of New Hampshire. Through its sister institutions ( University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, and College for Lifelong Learning), USNH presently enrolls about 30,000 students.
About the NHHEAF Network Organizations: The NHHEAF Network Organizations are the largest source for student loans and financial aid within New Hampshire. Collectively, the Organizations’ have over a 40-year history of helping families plan for and fund their higher education. The NHHEAF Network Organizations are comprised of three independent, nonprofit organizations: New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, Granite State Management & Resources, and New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation.
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