Another View; NH's future success requires more college-bound students
By Stephen Reno and Rene A. Drouin
Union Leader Guest Commentary
November 7, 2005
NEVER IN OUR history has there been such an urgent need to encourage people of all ages to continue their education, hone their skills and prepare for careers that may not have existed 50 years ago. While the "global economy" may sound cliche, its reality is apparent when many customer service calls are being answered halfway around the world and our tax returns are being analyzed in different continents
In New Hampshire, our projected population growth might outpace the region, though it still lies below the national rate of growth. Our large employers are concerned with where future employees are going to come from, and new or rapidly growing industries will need college-educated individuals to fill a myriad of positions, many of which require technical expertise.
While New Hampshire is now tied for the top position nation ally in terms of per capita in come, nearly four out of every 10 residents today have not earned a high school diploma or a college degree. We cannot rely on importing people to meet employment demands, nor do we want to see jobs ex ported elsewhere. We need to do what we can to "grow our own" future employees
These are some of the reasons why the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) launched its Get Ready for College initiative, and why the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network Organizations provided support for the first phase of the effort.
Get Ready for College is a collaborative effort to reach out 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 complements the College Is Possible campaign and free college planning resources offered through the Center for College Planning at the NHEAF Net work Organizations.
A few weeks ago, we launched the first phase of this initiative — colorful posters aimed at 6th through 12th graders that explain why it's never too late to prepare for college and what they can do to "get ready." The posters were sent to every guidance office in the state and will be followed by brochures geared for students and families, a Web component with sources for additional in formation (www.yourusnh.com) and a "School is Cool" video.
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 must do all we can to encourage our young people to gain the skills to meet these demands.
Get Ready for College is a long-term initiative and we plan to work with the education and business communities in New Hampshire as we take the steps necessary to encourage our children to stay in school, at tend college, and explore the opportunities that await them.
Stephen Reno is chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire. Rene A. Drouin is president and CEO of the NHHEAF Network Organizations.
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