NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOLARS College Ready Work Ready Ready

NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOLARS College Ready, Work Ready, Ready for Life.

NHCUC Collaborative Projects • Visit. NHcolleges. org • Admission Committee • Counselor Tours • College mini-fairs • College Access Conventions

Preparing for the Future …in middle school Students who take challenging courses and meet high standards in middle school are much more likely to enter high school ready to succeed. Algebra I is recognized as the “gateway course” – students who take it by the end of 8 th grade are much more likely to take rigorous courses in high school that lead to a college degree. Source: Achieve, American Diploma Project

Preparing for the Future …in high school Research has shown that a powerful predictor of whether high school students will graduate and earn a college degree is the rigor of the high school curriculum they complete. Source: Achieve, American Diploma Project

What is NH Scholars? Challenging Students • Nationally funded program using business leaders to motivate students, beginning in 8 th grade, to complete a rigorous course of study in high school • Helps students attain skills they need in work & life Relevance Rigor Relationships Over 70% of recent high school grads wish they had taken more rigorous courses in high school. Source: Achieve 2005

Objective To challenge students To encourage ALL high school students to complete a defined, rigorous academic course of study that prepares them for a successful transition to college or university coursework or vocational/technical training necessary to enter today’s competitive job market

The Four Key Stakeholders K-12 Business • Reevaluate curriculum • Reinforce 21 st century needs • Align with Higher Ed and business expectations • Mentor students • Increase expectations • Strengthen school partnerships • Challenge students • Share expertise and time Higher Ed • • Commune admission requirements Partner with K-12 to reduce remediation • Acknowledge and reward • Less confusion with ACG • Prepare the unprepared Public Policy • Advocate for rigorous standards • Potential funding source • Visible and vocal leaders

Encourages students to go above and beyond high school graduation requirements 4 -Year College Workforce Community College New Hampshire Scholars Core Course of Study 9 th Grade 10 th Grade 11 th Grade 12 th Grade English III English IV Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Upper Level Math Physical Science Biology Chemistry Physics World History U. S. Govt. Economics 2 years of the same Foreign Language

Who can be a NH Scholar? Program targets all students • Generally, 25% of students already motivated • Middle 50% heaviest focus; greatest opportunity • Lower 25% involves unique challenges What does a NH Scholar receive? • Gold medallion at graduation • NH Scholars foil seal on diploma • Electronic indication on transcript • Increased academic and financial rewards

New Hampshire’s Momentum Our Accomplishments The immediate impact is seen in course enrollments. Example: Winnisquam Regional High School • Doubled enrollment in chemistry • Tripled enrollment in college prep physics • Increased enrollment in foreign language by 25% 87% of NH Scholars’ graduates enroll in college immediately Compared to the state average of 59% NH Scholar Graduates Thru the Years 2007 – 72 2008 – 143 2009 – 443 2010 – 1, 377 2011 – 2, 006 2012 – 3, 065 2013 – 4, 001 2014 – 4, 600

Active NH Scholars Districts As of July 1, 2014 Seventy-three high schools actively participate in NH Scholars. _____ High School is one of those 73 high schools

Why Physics? • Strong correlation among students completing 3 years in core lab sciences with baccalaureate attainment • Students taking physics have higher science proficiency than those only taking bio and chem • Only 35% of HS graduates enroll in physics • 70% of employers said applicants were “deficient” in critical thinking and problem solving Physics develops these skills and habits of mind

Why Foreign Languages? • Higher Academic Performance – Higher ACT scores (reading and math) – Higher verbal SAT scores; more years = higher scores – Correlation of higher performance in college • U. S. Economic Competitiveness – One in five U. S. jobs tied to international trade and overseas markets – U. S. companies say international sales is growing more rapidly than domestic and this trend will increase • U. S. National Security – U. S. Dept of State & Defense urge proficiency – SMART Grants reward students who major in Foreign Language

New Hampshire Scholars Key Components “ 8 th grade presentation” delivered by business reps Incentives to stay on track Senior recognition event(s) GRADES 8 9 10 11 12

Show Students the Money to help pay for college New Hampshire colleges and universities are supporting the initiative by representing the program at high school award nights, offering free course vouchers, providing application fee waivers, offering merit awards and serving on local school advisory committees for NH Scholars high schools. New England College offers a $12, 000 renewable merit award for accepted NH Scholars UNH-Manchester offers a $1, 000 renewable merit award for accepted NH Scholars Each community college campus offers twelve (12) $500 merit awards to accepted NH Scholars

Business Partnerships Critical Component • Leaders in the business community deliver the message directly to students about the importance of high school coursework and its impact on their future success. • Business leaders provide workshops, activities and mentoring opportunities • Students learn the 21 st century skills that today’s employers require Business “Champions” help students understand that the choices they make today have a direct impact on their career and business success tomorrow. When business & community leaders talk… students listen!

Ways Businesses Get Can Involved Become a Champion Today! q Member of local partnership advisory team q 8 th Grade kick-off presentation speaker q Guest speaker for classroom activities in grades 9 -12 Ø Reinforcing the importance of high school Ø Inspiring students to challenge themselves Ø What are today’s employers looking for q Host of company / job site tours q Provider of internship or job shadow opportunities q Sponsoring a luncheon or activity for NH Scholars www. nhscholars. org/NHScholars. Champions. cfm

Commitment Implementation Seamless Integration • Assign school coordinator • Ensure courses are offered • Strengthen/develop business partnerships • Provide yearly kick-off presentations to 8 th graders • Provide ongoing outreach for grades 9 -12 • Recognize seniors at graduation events School counselors will work with students to develop a 4 -year educational plan designed at providing incentives and motivation to students f

Expectations Goals and Objectives To better prepare students for college & career • Increase number of students taking rigorous courses • Begin trend of students taking core courses earlier • Prepare high school students for standardized tests, including NECAP, PSAT, SAT and ACT • Increase postsecondary attendance rates • Provide additional financial aid resources • Decrease the need for college remediation courses f Increase public perception while marketing/promoting the school’s success and advancement

Questions? Scott Power, Director New Hampshire Scholars Initiative 603. 225. 4199 x 300 spower@nhcuc. org www. NHscholars. org