McCluskey enrolled in the tuition-free professional development and workforce training program through 海角乱伦 in Portsmouth, and before the two-week intensive ended, he had already interviewed for his next career opportunity.

WorkReadyNH is designed to boost the career skills and confidence of New Hampshire residents. Offered through the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnered with NH Employment Security, it targets unemployed, underemployed, and career-transitioning individuals to help them stand out to local employers.

The curriculum uses a blend of live, interactive group classes and independent online work focusing on professional soft skills, essential workplace skills, and career preparation.

After owning and operating his own business for several years, McCluskey realized he needed to refresh his soft skills in order to rejoin the workforce. Specifically, he needed to learn how to be a better listener.

鈥淚 thought I was a good communicator and listener, because that is the role I played for more than 20 years,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I realized I had some things I need to work on, and this program gave me the opportunity to do it.鈥�

McCluskey participated in a cohort of about 18 students. Over the course of their two weeks together, they engaged in a variety of group activities and role-playing, based on common work scenarios. One of those involved preparing for a job interview and perfecting the art of the 60-second opening pitch.

鈥淚 had conducted thousands of interviews as a business owner, but I had only been interviewed maybe four times,鈥� McCluskey said. 鈥淚 had never even really thought about a pitch speech or worked on any exercise like that.鈥�

His efforts paid off. On the day he was scheduled to make his pitch before his classmates, he got to practice it for an actual job interview. The interview went well, and McCluskey came away from it confident he had found his next work opportunity.

鈥淒oing that exercise made me so much calmer. I knew my story, and I knew how I wanted to tell it. It brought structure to the process, and it gave me confidence,鈥� he said.

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Elizabeth followed the same path, enrolling as a nursing student at Great Bay the year her mother graduated. She will graduate with her nursing degree this spring.

鈥淚 have wanted to be a nurse since I was 11 years old, when I was present for the birth of my younger brother,鈥� she said. 鈥淗igh school was very challenging for me, and I never truly believed college was an option鈥攍et alone nursing school.鈥�

Gardner started by taking a few classes 鈥渢o test the waters鈥� and quickly realized that she was more than capable. She was accepted into the nursing program and deferred enrollment for one year due to the birth of her first child.

鈥淣avigating nursing school as a young single parent while working multiple jobs has not been easy, but the faculty at Great Bay and the support they showed me every step of the way is a huge part of why I am graduating,鈥� she said.

Gardner said her mother鈥檚 experience at Great Bay directly influenced her decision to pursue a nursing degree. Great Bay was part of her childhood, she said. She remembers attending a Polar Express movie night in the gymnasium, playing pool with her younger sister in the student center while her mother studied for exams, and other campus activities.

鈥淭hose experiences helped me see from a young age how welcoming and supportive the campus community was,鈥� Gardner said. 鈥淪eeing my mom work so hard to build a better future for herself and for us showed me that nursing school was possible, even when life felt overwhelming. Great Bay has been such an important part of both of our journeys, and I鈥檓 grateful to be able to share that.鈥�

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First exam: 96; mid-term: 100; second exam: 102.

For a student who struggled with her grades during her early days at Great Bay, Vatcher鈥檚 good grades 鈥渇eel amazing. I went from getting Cs and Ds and barely passing, or not passing, to maintaining a 98 average,鈥� said Vatcher, who is majoring in Veterinary Technology. 鈥淚t was a big struggle for me at first, but eventually something clicked. It鈥檚 a surreal experience going from a C or D average to As.鈥�

That 鈥渟omething鈥� was taking advantage of the academic support offered by Great Bay鈥檚 Center for Academic Planning and Support, or CAPS. CAPS offers one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and study space, among other services.

鈥淭his year, I just started putting in more effort, I started going to CAPS and I began asking for help. My professors have been super understanding, and they have all been there for me. I appreciate Great Bay because the professors really do care about their students and they want to see us succeed.鈥�

She singled out Deborah Discher, who serves as the director and chair of the Veterinary Technology Department and has taught at Great Bay for 15 years. 鈥淒eb has seen me struggle, and she has stayed with me since year one.鈥�

Vatcher also attributed her turnaround to spending more time on campus, which has immersed her in an academic environment and helped her develop better study habits. 鈥淚 never expected I would say something like this, but I like studying and I like learning. Before, studying felt like a tiring activity, like it was work. But now, with my improved study habits, I actually enjoy it. I put on my headphones and just go for it.鈥�

Vatcher, 22, expects to graduate from Great Bay in three years. During that time, she hopes to build her experience at a vet clinic and is especially interested in emergency veterinary medicine. Long term, she imagines going back to school to study zoology. 鈥淢y final goal is work in a zoo as a vet tech or an animal handler. I have always been passionate about animals, and I am glad I am on track with my goals and dreams.鈥�

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The best part about it: She鈥檒l get her college degree for free.

鈥淪omething that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it鈥檚 literally free schooling, and one less year of high school,鈥� said Hardy, who enrolled through a partnership between the Community College System of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Career Academy.

NHCA is a chartered public school that integrates high school, college, and career preparation. Through a collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with local employers, students learn on college campuses, earn two degrees, and build the skills that open doors to higher education and meaningful careers.

Hardy is studying business administration because of her interest in the hospitality industry, and she hopes to be part of the event industry or continue her career working with luxury hotels.

Through a close collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with employers across the state, NHCA aligns education with opportunity. Students complete high school requirements while earning college degrees or industry credentials. They gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional confidence, preparing them to thrive in whatever comes next.

Hardy values her education and experience. The role of community at Great Bay has made a positive impression and impact on her life.

鈥淭he most useful 鈥榬eal-world鈥� skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really felt 鈥榬ooted鈥� for by a professor when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.鈥�

Why did you choose Great Bay? When do you anticipate graduating?

I chose to continue my schooling at Great Bay because it offered early college and free tuition through the NHCA. I plan to graduate Spring 2026!

Specifically, what attracted you to Great Bay? Did you know what you wanted to do and decided it was your best option compared to other schools?

Great Bay has a beautiful campus and was the closest community college to me that offered the program I was interested in. I didn鈥檛 even need to look at other schools, this automatically made sense for my situation.

Did you apply and enroll right out of high school? If so, what year did you graduate high school?

I enrolled my junior year of high school and started my freshman year of college early through the New Hampshire Career Academy my senior year. Through this program I graduate this year from high school and college!

What educational pathway are you pursuing at 海角乱伦 and why did you choose that path? In other words, what is your major and why?

I鈥檓 studying Business Administration with a big interest in the hospitality industry. I鈥檝e taken many Hospitality courses as well as business courses. I hope to be a part of the event industry or continue working at luxury hotels.

What is something that surprised you about the program?

Something that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it鈥檚 literally free schooling, and one less year of high school.

What advice do you have for other students considering it?

Some advice I have for other students considering this program is to at least check it out. Everyone鈥檚 situation is different, but if you are willing to give up your senior year to get a kickstart on a career path, this is definitely a great option for you.

What is the most useful ‘real-world’ skill you鈥檝e learned that you didn’t expect to get in a classroom?

The most useful 鈥渞eal world鈥� skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education.

Can you tell us about a time you felt like a professor or staff member was truly ‘rooting’ for your success?

A time I really felt 鈥渞ooted鈥� for by a professor was when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.

Are there any other opportunities at 海角乱伦 that have been especially helpful to you?

The fitness center has been super nice to have as an option if you like to workout!

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鈥淲ith the liberal arts path, I was able to explore everything I wanted to explore, and I explored psychology, social work, and the arts,鈥� they said.

And when it came time to focus on career choices, Burwell met with an advisor in the college鈥檚 Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS), a multi-service center that supports students with their academic needs. Burwell took a career interest assessment, and through discussions with the career coach confirmed their true passion was art, and specifically illustration.

The career coach suggested getting involved in the local art community, and through connections in the art community, the support of art professors at Great Bay, and the opportunities provided by a work-study job at the Heron鈥檚 Nest, Burwell now believes combining art and the desire to give back to the community will lead to a satisfying career.

鈥淭hey helped me realize that what I want to do is something I actually can do,鈥� said Burwell, who is on track to graduate in May with an associate degree and intends to enroll in a four-year school to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree. At this time, Burwell is considering continuing their education at either the University of New Hampshire or Maine College of Art & Design in Portland with a focus on illustration.

鈥淚 have always loved art, and thanks to Great Bay my love for art is as strong as it has ever been. It has given me a real, true passion for art.鈥�

Burwell鈥檚 career options are numerous. Professional opportunities include roles in publishing as a book illustrator, in the entertainment industry as a storyboard artist, animator, or conceptual artist, and in advertising and marketing to help a company or organization with visual storytelling. They could design graphics for products and packaging, work as a medical illustrator, a technical illustrator, a courtroom sketch artist, an art director, or in many other capacities.

鈥淭he career center at Great Bay helped me realize just how many options I actually have with my degree,鈥� said Burwell, adding that Fine Arts and Digital Media Professor Thomas Devaney also has been supportive and encouraging.

鈥淗e is an amazing teacher, and he is good at helping people with their pieces and figuring out what is missing or what I need to do next,鈥� they said. 鈥淲hen I told him I was worried about completing my portfolio, his response was, 鈥淲e will work on it together and we will get it done.鈥欌��

In addition to professors and the Great Bay support staff, Burwell received inspiration from another source: Their mother.

鈥淚 actually learned about Great Bay from my mother,鈥� Burwell said. 鈥淪he graduated from the nursing program right before I enrolled, and she said it was the most supportive environment she had ever experienced. She said it was amazing, and she really loved her experience here.鈥�

Both agree, their Great Bay experiences have been life changing. 鈥淭his school is the only reason I can attend college at all. The affordability of a Great Bay education makes all the difference in the world. It allowed me to explore my interests and figure out what I want to do.鈥�

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Now at age 22, he鈥檚 on the cusp of making that happen thanks to 海角乱伦. After transferring to Great Bay two years ago, Blood graduates this month with an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a certificate in Homeland Security.

鈥淢y goal is to work in a local police department or sheriff鈥檚 office. Working as a fish-and-game officer would be great, too,鈥� said Blood, who lives in Stratham and completed an internship with the Somersworth Police Department.

Blood鈥檚 success story is a testament to the benefits of a community college education. He was drawn to Great Bay鈥檚 affordability, flexibility, and its promise of small class sizes. He thrived once he arrived.

But it wasn鈥檛 his first choice. After graduating from high school, he started his college experience at a small four-year college in the Adirondack Mountains region of New York. He enjoyed the one year he spent there, but it was too far from home鈥攁nd expensive. He returned to New Hampshire and enrolled in a large state university. That didn鈥檛 work out, either. After one semester, he transferred to Great Bay.

鈥淚t was too big and too expensive. I had to take out a massive loan, and it just wasn鈥檛 right for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople told me about Great Bay, and when I looked into it, I saw they offered a degree in Criminal Justice. That really interested me.鈥�

He began taking classes in 2023. His advisor arranged for the transfer of his transcripts from high school and both colleges and helped him pick his classes. 鈥淭here was no stress at all,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was so easy.鈥�

Unlike at the other schools, at Great Bay he didn鈥檛 have any loans to pay back. 鈥淚 was able to pay as I go, semester by semester,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd unlike any other courses I have taken in college, at Great Bay nearly all my classes allowed me to attend either in person, remotely, or 100-percent online. It was very flexible, which allowed me to work full time while I was going to school.鈥�

The best part, all his professors had real-world experience, and nearly all of them were working in the field while teaching at Great Bay. 鈥淚t was very nice to know they are coming directly from their work in law enforcement to teach you what they just saw that day. They鈥檙e not just reading from a slideshow, they are sharing their own stories and experiences and discussing the topics based on their experiences. It鈥檚 nice to know that you are not learning from a textbook, but from their actual experiences in the field.鈥�

Blood especially appreciated the one-on-one attention offered by professor聽Eric Kulberg, Chair of the Criminal Justice Department. 鈥淗e鈥檚 thorough and fair, and he treats you like a friend. He guides you through the classes, helps with internships, and is always available to answer questions. He is one of the top professors I have ever had,鈥� he said.

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This fall, Pilot followed her own advice and in her son鈥檚 footsteps when she enrolled in the Accounting program at Great Bay. Four decades after first enrolling in college in her home country of Indonesia, she decided it was time to get her degree.

Completing her college education has been a longtime dream that Pilot, 59, put on hold many years ago. She finished two college semesters when she settled in California after arriving in the United States, but she had other priorities.

鈥淚 got married, had kids,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had to sacrifice. I let my kids go to school first.鈥�

She remembers the pride and joy she felt when her son enrolled at Great Bay. 鈥淚 was so happy, just overwhelmed.鈥�

As a student working toward the completion of her degree, she feels similar elation.

鈥淚 am very excited to go to school. It is a lot of homework, but I am determined. My goal is set鈥揑 am determined to get my degree, and it will take me a few years to do it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t first, it scared me. I had been out of school for 40 years. It was not easy at the beginning. But so far, so good. I am going in the right direction.

Pilot is accustomed to working hard. Her husband is disabled, and she has juggled several jobs for many years, working as a tax preparer and in the hospitality industry. After years of sacrificing for others, she is thrilled to be able to focus on herself and pursue the college degree she put on hold for so long.

鈥淚 feel honored. I want to go to school,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is my dream. Other people my age, they can achieve their dreams, too. It鈥檚 not a matter of age. It鈥檚 a matter of desire.鈥�

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Gardner enrolled at Great Bay in fall 2024 for prerequisite courses needed to qualify for the nursing program, she took the spring semester off, and she then signed up for an eight-week course in phlebotomy during the summer. In that class, coursework is split between classroom instruction and clinical practice.

鈥淚 took the summer class as a way to put myself in a healthcare setting before becoming a nurse,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 wanted to get some experience and get some patient care under my belt.鈥�

The course was taught by Dr. Tarry Attallah, a physician with a certification in phlebotomy and extensive teaching experience. Dr. Attallah began teaching the Medical Assistant program at Great Bay in 2023 and spearheaded the development of the phlebotomy technician program.

鈥淒r. Tarry was one of the best professors that I have had throughout my college experience, and that鈥檚 saying a lot,鈥� said Gardner, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from the University of New Hampshire before focusing her education on nursing. 鈥淪he is incredibly kind, very passionate, and she wants you to truly understand the material. She is also very knowledgeable.鈥�

After completing the summer course, Gardner passed a certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association, becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician. In addition to the coursework and experience, Gardner appreciated Great Bay鈥檚 Career Center, which helped her prepare a better resume and feel more confident in her interview skills.

She now works as a phlebotomist one day a week with Core Physicians at Exeter Hospital. 鈥淟earning phlebotomy and getting my job with Core Physicians will give me more direct patient care experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his will help prepare me to eventually become a better nurse.鈥�

Ultimately, Gardner enrolled in the nursing program at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. But she credits her time during the phlebotomy course at Great Bay for reigniting her passion for healthcare, further solidifying her choice to pursue a nursing degree.

鈥淎t Great Bay, I was able to practice actual physical skills instead of sitting in classes and listening to lectures. Most importantly, it got me excited about where I am headed.鈥�

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He and a friend, also 16, enrolled in a criminal justice course together.

鈥淲e wondered if we were in over our heads, but we both pulled straight As,鈥� said Priestley, now 19. 鈥淚 am set to graduate this semester with a 3.97 GPA. I definitely got out of it what I came for, and in some cases, even more. When I started, I thought I had no business being at a college. But I did. I just didn鈥檛 know it at the time.鈥�

Priestley鈥檚 success highlights the opportunity of Early College. Available to high school juniors and seniors, Early College offers a large selection of courses during the day and evening, all taught by college professors. In addition to earning credits toward high school graduation, Early College students earn credits that can be used at Great Bay and colleges and universities nationwide.

The ability to transfer credits is important to Priestley, who is using the credits he earns at Great Bay as the foundation for additional educational experiences and a career in the military and homeland security.

Priestley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in spring 2024, pausing his Great Bay education after earning 30 credits toward his degree to prepare for basic training and his six-year military commitment. He resumed his education this past summer as an active member of the Air National Guard.

An Airman First Class who specializes in security, he views his Early College experience at Great Bay as integral to his military success, and he credits Eric Kulberg, department chair and professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, for helping him choose his path.

鈥淓ric was fantastic working with me and helping make all of this happen. I took my first class at Great Bay with him and he has kept his eye on me, which I appreciate,鈥� said Priestley, who came to Great Bay as a homeschool student. 鈥淭he actual experience of being 16 or 17 in a class with people in their 20s or older was interesting and challenging. But it was a welcoming environment, and I made a few good friends in the programs and classes. I was in classes with veterans, who knew what I was getting into. It was helpful to talk with them.鈥�

Among the skills he has acquired at Great Bay were efficient study habits, effective communication techniques, and the ability to process knowledge critically and apply it to present-day situations, he said.

After graduating this fall with an associate degree in Homeland Security, Priestley plans to pursue a second associate degree in criminal justice from the Community College of the Air Force. From there, he intends to transfer his combined community college credits to the University of New Hampshire for a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Homeland Security.

By the time his military commitment is up four-plus years from now, he expects to have earned two two-year degrees and a four-year degree while attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. All of that will prepare him for a career with the U.S. Marshal Service or another law enforcement agency, such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, or Secret Service.

When he pauses to reflect, Priestley is astounded how much his life has changed since his mother encouraged him to contact Great Bay to ask about Early College.

鈥淚 wanted none of that, but I wound up finally saying, 鈥榃hy not?鈥� That turned out to be a great decision.鈥�

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鈥淚 needed to switch careers, so I went to a job fair at Great Bay. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I needed to find something stable,鈥� said Lavigne, 53, who has spent much of her life helping people in need. 鈥淚 looked at accounting, I talked about nursing, and then someone suggested I talk to Professor Kulberg. So I did.鈥�

Eric Kulberg is the department chair and professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. Lavigne was intrigued.

鈥淚 asked him, 鈥楥an I do this?鈥� And he said, 鈥楢bsolutely.鈥� And so here I am in my third semester of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.鈥�

She is thriving at Great Bay while maintaining full-time work as a home-care companion. 鈥淚 am doing really well. I鈥檓 in the honor society,鈥� she said proudly. 鈥淚 have enjoyed all my Homeland Security classes. I find them interesting鈥攃hallenging, but interesting鈥攁nd I am excited to see where this goes.鈥�

Great Bay was the first community college in New Hampshire to offer a two-year degree to provide emergency response professionals with the skills and expertise needed to effectively plan for and respond to natural or man-made disasters and emergencies. The program prepares students for careers in homeland security, emergency management, terrorism, crisis planning, and national incident management systems.

Lavigne began working in a nursing home at age 15, and providing care for aging and vulnerable populations became the focus of her career. While living in North Carolina, where her sons were stationed in the US. Marine Corps, she lost her townhouse to a hurricane, giving her first-hand exposure to a coordinated emergency response. As part of her own recovery from the devastation, she moved to Kentucky and then to Tennessee.

Just before Covid, a massive tornado hit the Nashville area. Continuing her instinct to help people during times of crisis and need, she volunteered through her church in recovery efforts. 鈥淚 spent a lot of time walking through the woods picking up debris鈥攚edding photos, baby clothes, tax information, any personal items that might be important to people.鈥�

She returned home to New Hampshire to care for her ailing father, and then turned to Great Bay in search of a new career鈥攐r what actually turned out to be a new direction in her career. In hindsight, Homeland Security and Emergency Management was an obvious choice.

鈥淚 am a caregiver and always have been,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have to help people. I am focusing on the emergency management aspect to help people who are in the situation I was in and still be able to be a caregiver and provide help and comfort when needed.鈥�

Her academic success has been the result of hard work and learning to adapt as a non-traditional student, both in terms of inherent generational differences in the classroom as well as new ways of learning. 鈥淚 am always one of the oldest in my class,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here have been a couple of classes that were online only that I struggled with. I do much better in the classroom.鈥�

She is grateful for the camaraderie she shares with other students and the support of her professors. As for her career options, a lot can change between now and when she graduates, which she expects will be two years from now.

One thing that won鈥檛 change will be the need for emergency responders. Whether it鈥檚 for a government agency or for another entity, Lavigne will be working to help people when they need it most.

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