NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOLARS

NH Coalition for Business and Education

NH Charitable FoundationJuly 15, 2013

NH Scholars

• Promotes partnerships between community leaders and schools

• High school students are encouraged to complete a rigorous core course of study

• Students graduate better prepared to enter college and the workplace

• Business leaders champion the project by mentoring students

• Higher education incentives include application fee waivers and scholarships

History

• National initiative in 25 states• Launched in New Hampshire in 2007• Funding via the U.S. Department of

Education College Access Challenge Grant (CACG)

Due to state budget cuts, continued federal funding is in jeopardy

Core Course of Study

Patterned after the National Commission on Excellence in EducationAt a minimum, students must successfully

complete the following courses.

• English (4)• Math (3) – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II• Lab-Science (3) – Biology, Chemistry, Physics• Social Studies (3.5)• Foreign Language (2)

By The Numbers…

• Growth of NH Scholars graduates 72 (2007) to 3,600 (2013)

• Number of high schools participating 6 (2007) to 64 (2013)

• Grade point average of NH Scholars graduates 3.36 (on 4.0 scale)

• Percentage of senior class graduating as NH Scholars 21.44% in 2012

• College-going rates 86% compared to 65% state average (National Student

Clearinghouse)

• Business and community partners More than 300 across the state

Highlights for 2012-2013

• Business/Education Breakfast of Champions

Recognition of schools and businesses

• College Access Conventions College preparatory workshops

• Guidance Counselor Regional Workshops Best practice model

• Senior Award Nights Higher education reps present medallions

• NH Scholars Day – Recognition Celebration

More than 2,000 high schools seniors at the Statehouse

3,600 NH Scholars in 2013

“I hope every student will consider becoming a NH Scholar. A rigorous course of study is critically important in educating our future leaders.”

~ Senator Nancy Stiles, R-District 24

Advocacy for NH Scholars

• Endorse the sustainability of NH Scholars with financial support from the NH Department of Education

• Advocate that the legislature enact legislation making NH Scholars a State Program

Questions?

Manchester Scholars 8th Grade Career Day

2013

Spaulding Scholars Class of 2013

“Colleges are looking for the most well-rounded students they can find, and that’s exactly what NH Scholars did for me.”

~ Destiney Davis, Nashua Grad ‘12