Liana Demers: Early College Provided Freedom to Dance
When Liana Demers celebrated graduation last year, relatives had to shop for both a high school and college graduation card. She received her high school diploma and her associate degree in Business Studies from Manchester Community College (MCC) in the same month. Through the Early College program offered by the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), Liana simultaneously earned her high school diploma and college degree, while also dancing five nights a week and working as both a part-time cashier and marketing intern.
The Early College program offers three modalities for high school students: to enroll in 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.
Liana started taking online Criminal Justice courses at NHTI-Concord’s Community College when she was a high school sophomore attending part-time classes at a local school, homeschooling and devoting countless hours to dance. One year later, she began attending classes in person at MCC as a fully enrolled Early College student.
Liana first learned about Early College from a family friend, but she said her mother had a huge role in helping her figure out the details. She enjoyed taking a broad range of MCC classes to determine her interests before deciding to focus on the Business Studies program. “Advisors at MCC were incredible mentors to help me figure out what I wanted to do. The whole community helped me all along the way,” Liana commented.
By fast-tracking her academic programs, Liana cleared the way to pursue her passion for dance. She intends to attend the Boston Dance Theater Trainee program this fall to lay the groundwork for a career as a professional dancer. “Because of my schooling and how ahead I am, I can take time to explore dance opportunities,” she explained.
Always the multi-tasker, Liana plans to take online courses at the University of New Hampshire while dancing. She set her sights on earning her bachelor of science in Business with a possible minor in criminal justice in just two years – a goal made possible by earning 84 transferrable credits from MCC while she completed high school.
“It is amazing what a head start you get through Early College,” said Liana.