ā€œIā€™m proud that New Hampshireā€™s community colleges are once again the best in New England and top ten in the nation,ā€ said Governor Ayotte. ā€œOur CCSNH students, faculty, and staff are talented, hardworking, and dedicated to building a stronger future for our state. We will continue to ensure our community colleges are affordable, innovative, and responsive to the needs of growing businesses in New Hampshire.ā€

ā€œCCSNH is proud to be recognized as one of our nationā€™s best community college systems,ā€ said Dr. Chuck Lloyd, CCSNH chancellor-elect. ā€œThese rankings are based on quality, outcomes, and affordability. That is what we strive to provide for New Hampshire students and the stateā€™s skilled workforce and economy. Time after time we hear from graduates who praise the quality education they received at our colleges, the doors that were opened thanks to their experiences with us, and the positive impact it has made on their lives. New Hampshire is our mission, and we are committed to doing our best for the Granite State.ā€

About CCSNH:

The Community College System of NH consists of seven colleges offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees and dual-credit partnerships with NH high schools. Colleges include ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI ā€“ Concordā€™s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont, Lebanon and Keene; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin and Littleton. CCSNH serves more than 25,000 students statewide, providing affordable access to a high-quality education. For more information, visit .

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The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) has been selected for a $25,000 grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) Ā to enhance the Culinary Arts & Sustainable Foodways program at ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× (ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×). CCSNH has received $150,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative’s existence, and for the third year in a row, CCSNH is recognized as the only institution in the Granite State to receive funding that will expand access to skilled trade programs.

Through the Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges (The Foundation), the grant will award financial assistance to students to offset the cost of attendance and provide a local pathway to meet the demand of the well-established restaurant industry in the seacoast and beyond.

Tim Allison, executive director of The Foundation said, ā€œThe generosity of Metallica and their philanthropic organization will help fuel the ambition of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× students who wish to cultivate their culinary careers, gaining the training and hands-on experience needed to truly thrive in a highly in-demand industry.ā€

The Culinary Arts and Sustainable Foodways program was co-created by James Beard Award-nominated chef instructors and ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×. The 12-week certificate program includes 10 hours of classroom instruction and five hours of on-the-job training per week through externships at local establishments. The program incorporates a wide range of guest speakers and trips to local farms and purveyors to provide first-hand insights about preparing and serving food in a sustainable manner. According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 7% from 2025-2033.

Since securing its first round of funding from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, CCSNH has supported students in programs that include welding, aviation technology, massage therapy and culinary arts.

All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, proudly announces the eighth year of its MSI with its largest grant to date: over $3.3 million. Eighteen new US schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.

Since launching in 2019, AWMH has worked closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), helping to support approximately 13,000 community college students learn the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages.

Metallicaā€™s James Hetfield said, ā€œThis thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. Weā€™re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. Itā€™s humbling to know weā€™ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.ā€

About CCSNH
The Community College System of NH consists of seven colleges, offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees, and dual-credit partnerships with NH high schools. The Systemā€™s colleges are ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI ā€“ Concordā€™s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont, Lebanon and Keene; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin and Littleton. CCSNH serves more than 25,000 students across the state providing affordable access to a high-quality education and economic opportunity.Ā For more information, visit .

About All Within My Hands

Established in 2017, All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Metallica covers all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go directly to the organizations supported by the Foundation. To date, All Within My Hands has provided grants of $19 million to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8 million to combat food insecurity, and $6.2 million to disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Visit to learn more. And follow us on , , , and .

About American Association of Community Colleges

As the voice of the nationā€™s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACCā€™s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.

Media Contacts:

CCSNH & The Foundation

Kristen Lestock

Vice President of Communications and Client Engagement

Kristen@cookson.agency

All Within My Hands Foundation

Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy

renee@allwithinmyhands.org

(415) 458-1532 x10

American Association of Community Colleges

Dr. Martha M. Parham, Sr. Vice President, Public Relations

mparham@aacc.nche.edu

(202) 728-0200

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ā€œThis event is for prospective students in any phase of the application process, including those who have not applied or those who have been accepted and are ready for advising and registration. The goal is for you to leave this event registered for fall Classesā€ said Steve Gorman, Director of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Admissions.

Fall courses, starting August 31^st, Ā September 28th, and October 26^th are available in a range of formats, including in-person on campus, online, and hybrid, as well as a hyflex approach that allows students to self-design their attendance preferences.

Express Admissions is also a great opportunity to get information and support on financing options for a debt-free college education. will hold a FAFSA Open House from 11 a.m. ā€“ 3 p.m. during the Collegeā€™s Express Admissions Day event. Ā In-person support will be available to help answer questions about the FAFSA form and assist in filling it out.

“Many students make their college decision in the weeks leading up to the start of the semesterā€, said Gorman. ā€œAt the same time, growing numbers of students are prioritizing affordable education, flexible schedules, and programs that lead directly to employment or seamless transfer to a four-year university. Express Admissions helps students quickly complete the process so they can secure the courses they want and begin the semester ready to succeed.”

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McCluskey enrolled in the tuition-free professional development and workforce training program through ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× 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.

ā€œI thought I was a good communicator and listener, because that is the role I played for more than 20 years,ā€ he said. ā€œBut I realized I had some things I need to work on, and this program gave me the opportunity to do it.ā€

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.

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

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.

ā€œDoing 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,ā€ he said.

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Panciuc is an intern in the title department at Service Credit Union, where she has learned to process titles for automobiles, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other items during a 10-week internship arranged through Great Bay.

ā€œItā€™s been an amazing summer and an amazing experience,ā€ she said. ā€œI have learned so much, and Service Credit Union is a great place to work. Everyone has been so helpful.ā€

Panciuc enrolled at Great Bay in fall 2024 based on the positive reviews she had read about the college. As a European student, she worked closely with the admissions team at Great Bay to ensure her academic transcripts were in order and that she was eligible for enrollment.

ā€œGreat Bay was very, very helpful in my path to enroll in classes. There were some complications with the documents, and Great Bay was extremely helpful and patient, and very responsive.ā€

Soon after enrolling, she declared Business Administration as her major and committed to completing the degree as quickly as possible, which meant taking summer classes last year. She will continue her education at UNH this fall, pursuing a bachelorā€™s degree in accounting.

ā€œMy career goal is to get another internship next summer in accounting, and then start my career after I graduate,ā€ she said.

Panciuc expressed gratitude to Lynda Bonneau, Business Administration Department Chair and Associate Professor, who helped guide her. ā€œProfessor Bonneau made the experience in accounting so interesting and so much fun,ā€ she said. ā€œThat is why I chose accounting as my major at UNH. Great Bay was an absolutely amazing experience.ā€

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Proclaims May ā€œEarly College Monthā€ in NH

Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifyingĀ May as Early College MonthĀ in New Hampshire.Ā Through itsĀ , the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at low or no cost to New Hampshire families.Ā At a State House event,Ā CCSNHĀ andĀ theĀ Governor recognized sevenĀ high school partners asĀ ā€œEarly College Advocatesā€ for promoting the program to students.

Jaclyn Chisholm, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Portsmouth High School, was recognized for her efforts to grow the Early College program and broaden access for Portsmouth students. She was named the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Early College Advocate for her advocacy, innovation and commitment to the program.

“Early college programs at New Hampshireā€™s community colleges enable thousands of high school students each year to earn college credit, save on college costs, and gain the confidence to thrive in postsecondary education and in careers,ā€ said Governor Ayotte.

CCSNH’s Early College programs help students get ahead academically by earning dual high school and college credit while reducing college costs and debt. This year, 11,100 students from 125 high schools enrolled in Early College and earned 18,552 college credits. Through recent investments by the governor and state Legislature, students and families are expected to save at least $15 million in future college costs through CCSNHā€™s Early College program.

ā€œEarly College enables motivated students to pursue academically challenging courses and lessen the barrier of cost and the burden of debt that might otherwise inhibit them from pursuing postsecondary education that is critical to their futures and to New Hampshireā€™s,ā€ said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. ā€œThis is only possible through a partnership with these talented educators and with the strong support CCSNH receives from the State of New Hampshire.ā€

At the May 20 proclamation ceremony,Ā CCSNHĀ andĀ Governor Ayotte recognizedĀ Chisholm as the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Early College Advocate, as well as the following Early College Advocates from across the state:

• Lakes Region Community College:Ā Cheryl Dore-Chapman, School Counselor, Franklin High School
• Manchester Community College:James Choquette, Social Studies Teacher, Londonderry High School
• Nashua Community College:Ā Stacey Kallelis, Career-Connected Learning Coordinator, Salem High School
• NHTI – Concordā€™s Community College:Jessamyn Rockwell, Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, Concord High School
• River Valley Community College:Kim Gogan, Flexible Pathways Coordinator, Windsor High School
• White Mountains Community College:Ā Michelle Larcomb, Math Teacher, Groveton High School

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At the Chamberā€™s Annual Awards Celebration, ā€œA Night To Shine,ā€ held on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026, at The Oaks Grandview, the Chamber proudly presented the 8^th Annual Nonprofit of the Year award to ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×.

Since 1945, ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has served as a vital educational and workforce development institution across Strafford and Rockingham counties. With nearly 90,000 students educated over its history, the college has maintained a longstanding commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality education.

ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× is the largest public provider of affordable workforce training in the region and plays a critical role in preparing individuals for in-demand careers. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, the college provides accessible, personalized instruction that supports student success and workforce readiness.

The college offers diverse academic and career pathways, including culinary arts, medical assisting, phlebotomy, analytics, and data-focused programs. These offerings are designed to meet evolving workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunity for students across the region.

ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has also strengthened its community impact through partnerships including the Judy Mettee Institute and the Housing Authority Education Partnership. These collaborations reflect a commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to education for all learners.

At the core of its mission, ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× believes in each studentā€™s potential. That belief continues to guide its work in education, workforce development, and community advancement.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×ā€™s impact and present it with the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year award.

Representatives from New Hampshire Farm Museum, the 2025 recipient, presented the award.
Dr. Cheryl Lesser, President, accepted on behalf of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×.

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Accounting A.S. Degree- Brady Cox

Analytics A.S. Degree- Aidan Kearney

Biological Science A.S. Degree- Amiah Duddy

Biotechnology A.S. Degree- Brandon Smith

Business Administration A.S. Degree-Ā  Meghan Wentworth

Chemistry A.A. Degree- Miguel Teixeira

Computer Technologies A.S. Degree- Daniel Esmonde

Criminal Justice A.S. Degree- Anna Scruton

Cyber Security Infrastructure A.S. Degree- Donald Coates

Digital Media Communications A.S. Degree- Isabel Alvarez

Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree- Isabella Raiti

Educator Preparation A.S. Degree- Liam Charte

Engineering A.S. Degree- Osiris Willow

English A.A. Degree- Kathryn Klemarczyk

Environmental Science A.S. Degree- Autumn Anderson

Fine Arts A.A. Degree- Jasmin Fuller

Homeland Security & Emergency Management A.S. Degree- Edward Priestley

Information Systems Technology A.S. Degree- Finnian Allen

Liberal Arts A.A. Degree- Erin Boylan

Nursing A.S. Degree- Emily Lewis

Psychology A.A. Degree- Elliott Lane

Surgical Technology A.S. Degree- Amy Lunt

Technical Studies A.S. Degree- Khali Heath

Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree- Hailee Moore

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ā€œWith the liberal arts path at Great Bay, I was able to explore everything I wanted to explore,ā€ he said. ā€œThe 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.ā€

Other graduates are making plans to continue their studies or begin their careers in New Hampshire, across New England, and across the country.

Criminal Justice graduate Anna Scruton is transferring to Southern New Hampshire University to pursue a bachelorā€™s degree. ā€œThe criminal justice degree program at Great Bay allowed me the opportunity to gain real-world experience,ā€ she said. ā€œThe professors are passionate about their subject and willing to help students succeed.ā€

Isabella Raiti, who earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, will transfer to UNH to pursue a bachelorā€™s degree in education. ā€œI came to Great Bay because I wanted a school where I could continue sports and start my education in a financially reasonable way.Ā  The professors are amazing, and at the same time, understanding.ā€

Early Childhood Education graduate Hanna Andersonā€™s next step is to work full-time at her current daycare job. ā€œMy education at Great Bay has prepared me for this,ā€ she said. ā€œI would tell someone who is considering applying to Great Bay that they should absolutely do it. It is an amazing experience, and there are many resources, and support available. I have also met some of my best friends along my journey, and for that, I am forever grateful.ā€

Veterinary Technology graduate Erin Cogan is also fully employed in her field. ā€œThe vet tech program has prepared me for my future, and I would not be where I am today without this program,ā€ she said. ā€œGreat Bay changed my life for the better.ā€

Surgical technology graduate Naveah Acevedo is moving to Boston to start a new career as a Certified Surgical Technologist at Brigham and Womenā€™s Hospital. ā€œI feel more than prepared for whatā€™s next,ā€ Acevedo said. ā€œMy teachers and instructors gave me the tools, knowledge, and support I need to succeed in my career.ā€

Surgical technology student Jacob Sansoucie was hired during the final semester of his clinical rotation and balanced working full time in the Operating Room while also doing his required clinical hours. He dedicated 5 years, to starting and then completing the Surgical Technology program after a short break and feels ready for his career. ā€œŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has become a large part of my life.ā€

Kathryn Klemarczyk is moving to New Mexico to continue her studies at the University of New Mexico, where she will pursue a B.A. in English studies. She credits her education at Great Bay for expanding her opportunities.

ā€œThrough Great Bay, I have been introduced to many different possibilities of what I can do with my degree, and by extension, myself,ā€ she said. ā€œGreat Bay was an excellent choice for my associateā€™s degree. While I was attending school, I was simultaneously working almost full-time. While this was challenging, my professors were all wonderful in helping to make this experience work for me.ā€

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Great Bay opened its doors in 1945 as the State Trade School Portsmouth at the Morley Button Factory to teach new skills to veterans and adults returning to the workforce after World War II. Today, the College plays a vital role in workforce development and community engagement across the Seacoast.

Associate degrees and certificates were awarded to graduates of the Accounting, Analytics, Automotive Technology, Biological Science, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Leadership & Management, Sales and Digital Marketing, Chemistry,Ā  Computer Technologies, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security Infrastructure, Digital Media Communications, Early Childhood Education, Educator Preparation, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, History, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Hospitality, Event & Meeting Planning, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Spa Wellness Management, Information Systems Technology, Liberal Arts, Massage Therapy, Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Technology, Nursing, Psychology, Surgical Technology, Technical Studies, Veterinary Technology and Welding Technologies programs.

The nursing, psychology, and business administration programs had the highest number of graduates.

Distinguished members of the College community and honored guests included Great Bay President Dr. Cheryl Lesser; student speaker Nicole McFarlane; Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) Board Trustee Alison Stebbins; CCSNH Chancellor Dr. Mark Rubinstein; Great Bay Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Altobello; Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management Robert McGann; Vice President of Academic Affairs Lisa McCurley; CCSNH Board of Trustee Chair, Donnalee Lozeau; CCSNH Board Members, Sharon Harris and Nick Toumpas as well as ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Advisory Board Chair Casey Snyder and ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Board Members, Michelle Halligan-Foley, Ben VanCamp and Sean Clancy.

Dr. Lesser welcomed graduates, families, and friends. She congratulated the students on their accomplishments and thanked families and friends for their encouragement and support.

ā€œThis has been a very special year for ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× as we celebrated our 80th anniversary,ā€ Lesser said. ā€œā€¦and today we get to top off the year by celebrating with you, the graduating class of 2026.ā€

ā€œThis milestone of being part of the community for the past 80 years,ā€ she continued, ā€œis a testament to the generations of students, educators, and community members who believe in the transformative power of education. For eight decades, this college has opened doors, created opportunities, and helped individuals build better futures for themselves, their families, and our region.ā€

Dr. Lesser then urged the students to ā€œuse your voice with confidenceā€ and ā€œstay true to your values, discover your purpose, and let it guide you throughout your life.ā€

During the ceremony, Assistant Registrar Sara Lang was recognized for receiving the Chancellorā€™s Award for Service Excellence, in addition to Dr. Kim Williams, professor of biology and Chair of the Life and Physical Sciences Department, who received the Chancellorā€™s Award for Teaching Excellence. Both awards were presented at an earlier event by CCSNH, Mark Rubinstein.

Adjunct Faculty member James Taylor was recognized for receiving the Presidentā€™s Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, and graduate Raven Burwell, who majored in studio art, received the Presidentā€™s Award for Outstanding Student. Both awards were presented by Dr. Lesser at an earlier event.

This yearā€™s award recipients of the Presidentā€™s Award for Special Contributions were James Carroll, Accounting Technician Purchasing, Stock Clerk and the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× facilities team: Christopher Cummings, Dylan Follansbee, Scott Stadig, and John Vermette.

Student speaker and 2026 nursing program graduate Nicole McFarlane told the gathering that Great Bay prepared her for a fulfilling, rewarding career, providing a solid foundation of skills and a supportive community.

She moved to New Hampshire with her two children after living in Alaska. She put herself through school to become a Licensed Nursing Assistant and started working full-time at Portsmouth Hospital.

She was motivated to become a nurse by her children and her desire to help her patients. Ā ā€œEvery day I worked at the hospital, I found myself wishing I could do more to help people,ā€Ā Ā  Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā said McFarlane.

ā€œWhile attending Great Bay, I learned how to be a student as a 35-year-old, single mother, adjusting to a new life. I was welcomed into a community of staff and fellow nursing students who reminded me, on a daily basis, that I have what it takes to make it to this podium,ā€

said McFarlane, who plans to attend the Nurse Residency program at Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts. ā€œI learned nursing skills that I will use for the rest of my career.

But most importantly, I learned that I am capable of doing more than I ever thought possible.ā€

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