Governor Recognizes “Early College Advocate” from Manchester School of Technology
Proclaims May “Early College Month” in NH
Concord, NH (May 7, 2025) – Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifying May as Early College Month in New Hampshire. Through its Early College program, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit and explore diverse subject areas at low or no cost to New Hampshire families. At a State House event, CCSNH and the Governor also recognized seven educators as “Early College Advocates” for the work they do to promote these opportunities to students.
Michelle McGee, an instructor in the business program at Manchester School of Technology, was named Manchester Community College (MCC) Early College Advocate in recognition of her commitment to help students find a pathway to the future using the Early College at MCC program.
Through the Early College program, high school students can enroll in college courses at their high school, on a community college campus, or 100% online. Courses enable students to get a jump start on their future by earning high school and college credit that is transferable to most colleges and universities or will help them accelerate their career by entering the workforce with an advantage. Eligible New Hampshire students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade get two free courses per year through the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship program and a discounted rate for additional courses through the Early College program.
“Early College helps students earn credit toward a degree and gain experience in a variety of fields before they even graduate high school. This not only saves families thousands of dollars in tuition, it also gives our young people the educational foundation and skills to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow. Thank you to our community colleges for your commitment to this exceptional program,” said Governor Ayotte.
From 2022 to 2025, CCSNH Early College enrollment increased 25% to a total of 10,863 students in the 2024-2025 academic year. The number of credits earned by Early College students increased 28% between 2022 to 2025, with a record 59,840 posted for 2025.
According to Shawna Young, director of secondary education partnerships for CCSNH, 90% of students taking college courses through the CCSNH Early College program do so by attending courses at their high school, using a college syllabus with courses taught by educators credentialled for college teaching. More than 100 New Hampshire high schools participate in the programs.
“Teachers and school counselors have played a key role in the success and steadily growing popularity of the Early College program. We are honored to recognize seven Early College Advocates who have been outstanding partners this year in our work to ensure that students across New Hampshire have access to high quality, diverse academic opportunities that fast track their time to a college degree or a rewarding career,” said Young.
As part of Early College Month events, in-person and virtual Early College information sessions will be held May 19 – 22 at New Hampshire’s community colleges. Manchester will host its session on Wednesday, May 21st from 5pm to 6pm on campus.
