Career Academy: Dual High School Diploma and Associate’s Degree Awaits Students!

New Hampshire’s Innovative Career Academy: A Pathway to Dual Achievement

In a groundbreaking initiative, students in New Hampshire now have the chance to earn both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree during their senior year. This unique opportunity is made possible through the New Hampshire Career Academy, a newly established dual-enrollment public charter school in collaboration with the state’s community college system. This program is designed to provide students with advantageous academic pathways at no cost.

Overview of the Program

Participating in the New Hampshire Career Academy allows students to obtain not only their high school diploma but also an associate’s degree, vocational certificate, or college credits that can be transferred towards a four-year degree at a state university. This program aims to alleviate financial barriers and help students who may be uncertain about their educational futures.

Three community colleges are currently involved in this initiative:
* Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth
* Manchester Community College
* NHTI, Concord’s Community College

Each institution offers a variety of programs tailored to different career interests. For instance, NHTI provides courses in dental assisting, sports management, and hospitality management, while Manchester offers a focus on health information, education, business, and cybersecurity. Great Bay specializes in veterinary technology, homeland security, and digital media communication.

The Vision Behind the Academy

The concept of the career academy was first proposed in 2017 by Frank Edelblut, then Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education. Since its inception, the program has evolved and expanded, driven by the efforts of Patrick O’Mara, the executive director. O’Mara, who has a rich background in nonprofit management and education, has focused on creating brand awareness and facilitating admissions as the academy prepares for its inaugural year.

O’Mara explained that the academy aims to carve out a distinct niche in the educational landscape by addressing the needs of students who may have limited access to higher education opportunities. “We’re seeing a growing interest,” he noted, emphasizing the academy’s ability to attract students who might otherwise feel disengaged in traditional educational settings.

Enrollment and Student Support

For the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, the school has approximately 80 to 100 slots available for interested students. Since the program’s announcement, numerous students have already applied, and information sessions have been conducted across the state. O’Mara emphasized the importance of ensuring that potential students and their families fully understand the program’s requirements and opportunities.

Key to the success of the academy is the in-person support provided to students. Unlike remote programs, students will have access to designated staff members at each community college who can offer guidance and assistance. This setup allows students to remain connected to their home schools while benefiting from the resources of the community colleges.

Flexible Learning Opportunities

The flexibility of the program is one of its standout features. Students who participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, will still be able to compete with their home school teams thanks to a memorandum of understanding with school administrative units. This arrangement enables students to maintain a sense of belonging to their home high school while pursuing their academic goals at the career academy.

O’Mara pointed out that the academy is designed as a “school within a school.” The on-site staff act as academic advisors, offering essential support for students transitioning from high school to a college environment. This dual support system is crucial for helping students navigate their educational journeys.

Future Aspirations and Community Impact

Looking ahead, the career academy has ambitious goals. By 2030, it aims to be operational in every community college across New Hampshire, with an enrollment of approximately 600 students. The program not only benefits students but also addresses workforce needs in the state by preparing young adults with relevant skills at a crucial time.

The partnership with community colleges is designed to enhance classroom dynamics and contribute to the state’s broader educational goals. The initiative supports New Hampshire’s objective to have 65% of adults aged 25 and older hold some form of post-secondary education by the end of the year.

How to Get Involved

For families and students interested in learning more about the New Hampshire Career Academy, the program offers various resources. Individuals can visit the academy’s website to sign up for virtual information sessions or complete enrollment forms. This proactive approach ensures that students and parents can engage directly with academy representatives to discuss available programs and opportunities.

In summary, the New Hampshire Career Academy represents a significant step forward in providing students with dual educational opportunities that empower them to succeed in their future careers. By fostering partnerships with community colleges and emphasizing personalized support, the academy is set to make a lasting impact on students’ lives and the workforce in New Hampshire.