NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOLARSSCHOLARS

College Ready,

Work Ready,

Ready for Life.

NHCUC Collaborative Projects

• VisitNHcolleges.org

• Admission Committee

• Counselor Tours

• College mini-fairs

• College Access Conventions

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 8th 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 FuturePreparing for the Future…in middle 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

Preparing for the FuturePreparing for the Future…in high school

What is NH Scholars?

• Nationally funded program using business leaders to motivate students, beginning in 8th grade, to complete a rigorous course of study in high school

• Helps students attain skills they need in work & life

Challenging Students

Over 70% of recent high school grads wish they had

taken more rigorous courses in high school.

Source: Achieve 2005

Relationships

Relevance

Rigor

ObjectiveObjective

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

To challenge students

Higher Ed

• Commune admission requirements

• Partner with K-12 to reduce remediation

• Acknowledge and reward

• Less confusion with ACG

• Prepare the unprepared

The Four Key StakeholdersK-12

• Re-evaluate curriculum

• Align with Higher Ed and business expec-tations

• Increase expec-tations

• Challenge students

Business

• Reinforce 21st century needs

• Mentor students

• Share expertise and time

• Strengthen school partnerships

Public Policy

• Advocate for rigorous standards

• Potential funding source

• Visible and vocal leaders

New Hampshire Scholars Core Course of Study

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

English I English II English III English IV

Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Upper Level Math

Physical Science Biology Chemistry Physics

World History U.S. History U.S. Govt. Economics

2 years of the same Foreign Language

4-Year College4-Year College

Community College

Community College

WorkforceWorkforce

Encourages students to go above and beyond high school graduation requirements

Who can be a NH Scholar?

• Generally, 25% of students already motivated

• Middle 50% heaviest focus; greatest opportunity

• Lower 25% involves unique challenges

Program targets all students

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 MomentumOur 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 – 1,3772011 – 2,0062012 – 3,0652013 – 4,0012014 – 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

• 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

Why Physics?

Physics develops these skills and habits of mind

• 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

Why Foreign Languages?

New Hampshire Scholars New Hampshire Scholars Key ComponentsKey Components

““88thth grade grade presentation” - presentation” -

delivered by delivered by business repsbusiness reps

““88thth grade grade presentation” - presentation” -

delivered by delivered by business repsbusiness reps

Incentives to stayIncentives to stayon trackon track

Incentives to stayIncentives to stayon trackon track

Senior Senior recognition recognition

event(s)event(s)

Senior Senior recognition recognition

event(s)event(s)

8888 9 10 119 10 119 10 119 10 11 12121212

GRADES

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

• 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 21st century skills that today’s employers require

Critical Component

When business & community

leaders talk… students listen!

Business “Champions” help students understand that

the choices they make today have a direct impact

on their career and business success tomorrow.

Ways Businesses Get Can Involved

Member of local partnership advisory team

8th Grade kick-off presentation speaker

Guest speaker for classroom activities in grades 9-12 Reinforcing the importance of high school Inspiring students to challenge themselves What are today’s employers looking for

Host of company / job site tours

Provider of internship or job shadow opportunities

Sponsoring a luncheon or activity for NH Scholars

Become a Champion Today!

www.nhscholars.org/NHScholarsChampions.cfm

Commitment

Seamless Integration

• Assign school coordinator

• Ensure core courses are offered

• Strengthen/develop business partnerships

• Provide yearly kick-off presentations to 8th graders

• Provide ongoing outreach for grades 9-12

• Recognize seniors at graduation events

Implementation

f

School counselors will work with students to develop a 4-year educational plan designed at

providing incentives and motivation to students

Expectations

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

Goals and Objectives

f

Increase public perception while marketing/promoting the school’s

success and advancement

Questions?

Scott Power, DirectorNew Hampshire Scholars Initiative

603.225.4199 x300spower@nhcuc.org

www.NHscholars.org