After graduating from high school near Seattle, he came to New Hampshire for a summer visit with family friends. He intended to return to the West Coast and enroll at a community college there. But his New Hampshire friends introduced him to 天美传媒 Bay, and once he learned about its programs, affordability, and convenience, he decided to begin his college education in the Granite State.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I would stay in New Hampshire. All my stuff was in Seattle,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut it was a no-brainer to go to 天美传媒 Bay. It was affordable, but in addition to saving a lot of money, the quality of education surpassed my expectations. And that education is the foundation for what I am doing now.鈥�

Warokka graduated from 天美传媒 Bay with an Associate in Science in Business Administration a year ago and is now pursuing his Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and Business at George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C., with a regional focus on Southeast Asia. Born and raised in Manado, Indonesia, his focus on Southeast Asia stems from a deep-rooted desire to contribute to his home country鈥檚 development through diplomatic channels 鈥� a passion nurtured during his time at 天美传媒 Bay.

As part of his studies, Warokka recently received an internship in the trade division at the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington.

鈥淚 chose to study international affairs because of my experience at 天美传媒 Bay. My experience there shaped my mind-set of wanting to do something at an international scale, either through business, international relations, or international governmental affairs,鈥� he said.

The course Principles of Global Business, which is part of 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 transfer pathway curriculum for business majors to four-year institutions, prepares students for careers in multinational organizations. It provides a practical foundation in international business topics, including trade and the complexities of global supply chains, as well the international monetary system and cultural and legal factors affecting international product development, distribution channels, sales, and promotion.

At 天美传媒 Bay, Warokka also volunteered for the International Club, serving as vice president and managing the club鈥檚 social media channels, and for the Student Government Association. He has continued his extra-curricular activities at George Washington, serving as publicity director for the International Students Association at GWU. He also co-founded the Southeast Asia Student Network at GWU, where he serves as the president.

The parallels continue in other areas. At 天美传媒 Bay, he founded the Badminton Club. He is on the executive board and serves as vice president of the GWU Badminton Club and helped organize the club鈥檚 first intercollegiate tournament since the pandemic.

At 天美传媒 Bay, he also served as a student tutor and worked as a front-desk assistant, welcoming people to campus and directing their phone inquiries. 鈥淢y work at 天美传媒 Bay prepared for what I am doing now,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am doing the same thing, except it鈥檚 bigger and more complex. But 天美传媒 Bay prepared me for this. I honed my leadership, my teamwork, and my organizational skills at 天美传媒 Bay and it has prepared me for professional settings.鈥�

He urged students to take advantage of all opportunities at 天美传媒 Bay. 鈥淲e are students, so we need to understand that our first priority is academics. But I believe to be a well-rounded individual, you have to be involved in student life outside of academics,鈥� he said. 鈥淏oth the academics and the extra-curricular activities from 天美传媒 Bay were instrumental in shaping my development.鈥�

鈥淣ewburyport Bank is proud to support the Annual Awards Gala for the 天美传媒er Dover Chamber of Commerce,鈥� says Newburyport Bank Business Development Officer Alan Brown, 鈥渁s this is where we join together to celebrate the success of our fellow business and community leaders. These are the folks that keep our community thriving, and it is our pleasure to journey alongside them.鈥�

Business of the Year is Jewelry Creations, which first opened its doors in Dover in 1981. Current owners Doug and Kelly Glennon purchased the business seven years ago, but their involvement in the greater Dover community began more than 20 years ago. In addition to serving on boards such as Seacoast Educational Endowment Dover, Profile Bank, Dover Children鈥檚 Home, and Saint Mary Academy, the Glennons donate regularly to local organizations and encourage each of their staff members to select a local charity for a donation during New Hampshire Gives week.

Nonprofit of the Year is Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST), which connects people and communities through its fixed-route buses and on-demand paratransit services. Since 1982, COAST has provided more than 16 million rides to workers, older adults, students, and others in the greater Seacoast region, linking them to work, school, medical appointments, shopping, social events, and support services. COAST prides itself on providing customer-focused public transportation with a commitment to safety and service.

This year鈥檚 Community Arts Champion is Cliff Blake, who has served as vice chair of the Dover Arts Commission for the past four years. Blake was instrumental in bringing about the installation of a commemorative manhole cover to celebrate the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creation in Dover and was a key driver for the implementation of Dover鈥檚 recent Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey. He serves as a Dover Public Library trustee, is a member of the Cochecho Arts Festival Committee, and is an enthusiastic participant with Dover Doers and Don鈥檛 Trash Dover.

Sean O鈥機onnell, a partner with Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., Attorneys at Law, is the 2024 Citizen of the Year. A former GDCC board chair, O鈥機onnell is also a past chair of the Children鈥檚 Museum of New Hampshire and was instrumental in bringing about the museum鈥檚 move to Dover. He currently serves on the Dover Children鈥檚 Home Board of Directors, is a founder and board member for 天美传媒 Bay Rowing, a member of the University of New Hampshire Alumni Awards Committee, and a former president of the Strafford County Bar Association.

The David K. Bamford Educator of the Year is Beverly Hodsdon, who is an adjunct professor in the Digital Media Communications Program at 天美传媒 Bay Community College. As a graphic designer with more than 30 years鈥� experience, Hodsdon brings real-life projects to the classroom for her students to work on. In 2022 Hodsdon received the 天美传媒 Bay Community College President鈥檚 Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member. In addition to running her business, Joyce Design Solutions, Hodsdon served as a board member for the Richie McFarland Childrens鈥� Center for 16 years.

The 2024 Annual Awards Gala will be held at a GDCC member business, The Red Barn at Outlook Farm in South Berwick, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $90 each and include a networking reception and full dinner.

Other sponsors include Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A.; First Seacoast Bank; D.F. Richard Energy; Profile Bank; Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.; Wentworth-Douglass Hospital; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A.; SERVPRO of The Seacoast; and HRCU. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dovernh.org/awards or call the 天美传媒er Dover Chamber of Commerce at 603-742-2218.

The presidents of Campus Compact for New Hampshire鈥檚 member colleges and universities nominate and award each of the candidates. This year鈥檚 awardees for 天美传媒 Bay Community College included the following:

PRESIDENTS鈥� LEADERSHIP AWARD

天美传媒 Bay Community College鈥檚 Pride Alliance Club

This award, according to CCNH, 鈥渉onors a student or student organization that has made outstanding contributions to community and/or civic engagement efforts on their campus making service an integral part of their college experience in ways that have had a demonstrable impact.鈥�

According to 天美传媒 President, Dr. Cheryl Lesser, 鈥溙烀来解�檚 Pride Alliance Club has had a significant impact on the college community鈥檚 awareness and education of diversity for students, faculty, and staff. The organization鈥檚 contributions to the 天美传媒 Bay community have helped increase the College鈥檚 culture of compassion, support, and tolerance.鈥�

Over the past year, Pride Alliance participated in several events and activities on campus. They worked with 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee to coordinate a LGBTQ+ Cultural Sensitivity Training in collaboration with Seacoast Outright for 天美传媒 Faculty & Staff. They also hosted a student panel on Gender Identity and Experience where trans and intersex 天美传媒 students discussed their relationships with gender, how their identity impacts how they move through the world and are treated. 鈥淭heir honest and personal accounts and answers to audience questions created a wonderful learning environment for all attendees鈥� said Lesser.

A highlight of Pride Alliance鈥檚 work was participating in the Portsmouth Pride Parade & event Spring 2023.

PRESIDENTS鈥� GOOD STEWARD AWARD

WorkReadyNH Program Manager, Dawn Hamdi

According to Campus Compact, The President鈥檚 Good Steward Award is given to a faculty, administration, or staff member who is dedicated to campus-community engagement. Those selected have contributed professional expertise in service to the wider community and have significantly advanced public service on their campus. This year, 天美传媒 selected WorkReadyNH Program Manager, Dawn Hamdi.

As explained in the 天美传媒 nomination letter, the WorkReadyNH Program Manager, Dawn Hamdi, focuses on preparing individuals to be successful in the workforce. She creates programs that mentor and guide adults to instill confidence, uncover hidden potential and allow them to achieve their professional goals. Dawn serves NH residents who are searching for their first job, changing careers, or upskilling, helping them to improve their skills, confidence as well as earn three highly recognized credentials, ultimately increasing their earning power.

This year, Dawn piloted a new cohort of students at Lydia鈥檚 House of Hope, a transitional program for homeless women. This was the first time the program was offered off campus or in a remote or hybrid manner. Four residents graduated from the program, have secured jobs and are using skills they learned through WorkReadyNH. Dawn is now working with Magnolia House (a recovery program for men) to provide an onsite WorkReadyNH program.

PRESIDENTS鈥� COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD

Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA)

According to CCNH, The President鈥檚 Community Partner award honors a nonprofit organization that has partnered with a CCNH member campus to enhance community life in meaningful and measurable ways. Organizations in this role have developed sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university to meet community needs. This year, 天美传媒 selected the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) for the award.

In 2022, Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) approached 天美传媒 Bay Community College (天美传媒) to collaborate on an educational initiative for residents of PHA鈥檚 newest property, Ruth鈥檚 Place, in downtown Portsmouth. The housing authority had received generous funding which would provide rental discounts for Ruth鈥檚 Place residents who enroll in college.

To support the college鈥檚 initiatives with PHA, 天美传媒 was awarded a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, providing funds to hire a College Navigator and supplement the existing Academic and Community Support Coordinator position. Both staff members work collaboratively with Ruth鈥檚 Place and other PHA properties to provide educational resources for existing and potential 天美传媒 students who reside at PHA properties. As a critical first step, the teams have connected individuals to key resources, including scholarships; utility assistance, childcare; unemployment assistance; mental health counselors and more.

Through these collaborative efforts, four residents of Ruth鈥檚 Place have started or completed their higher educational pursuits at 天美传媒 and Portsmouth Housing Authority and 天美传媒 Bay staff have now expanded their collective work to serve the needs at Gosling Meadows, another PHA property. This successful work is only possible through the true collegiality, combined efforts, and complementary missions that exist between these two organizations.

A history major, he enrolled in summer 2022 and is preparing to transfer all the credits he earned at 天美传媒 Bay to Gordon College, a private, four-year Christian school in Wenham, Mass., where he will enroll as a junior and pursue his bachelor鈥檚 degree.

McLaughlin, 21 of Seabrook, took a gap year after graduating from high school and turned to 天美传媒 Bay when he was ready to go to college. 鈥溙烀来� Bay is where it made the most sense for me to start my academic journey 鈥� it was close by, convenient, and cost effective. It was the first and only college I looked at.鈥�

His decision to enroll at 天美传媒 Bay made it practical and possible to pursue his larger goal of attending a four-year school. He chose Gordon College because it鈥檚 a Christian school 鈥渁nd my faith is important to me,鈥� he said, and because it accepted his credits from 天美传媒 Bay. 鈥淢y success at 天美传媒 Bay has given me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� he said.

He learned about 天美传媒 Bay through an open house and enrolled on the spot after talking with counselors and faculty members.

鈥淚 really like talking about the college from the perspective of a current student, to discuss what my journey has been like and answer questions,鈥� he said. 鈥溙烀来� Bay worked out really well for me. I had troubles in high school that were related to attendance, but since I have applied myself, I have done well at 天美传媒 Bay. It鈥檚 the kind of place where you can do well if you make an effort. The professors are there to help you, and there鈥檚 a lot of help if you need it.鈥�

McLaughlin is part of the support team that helps other students succeed. Throughout his time at 天美传媒 Bay, McLaughlin has worked as a tutor in the writing center, helping his peers improve their writing skills. Other than math, he has tutored in the writing center for every class he has taken at 天美传媒 Bay. While he doesn鈥檛 necessarily like to write 鈥� 鈥測ou won鈥檛 catch me writing a novel in my free time,鈥� he said 鈥� he is a proud and capable writer and enjoys sharing his skills and writing tips with other students.

He鈥檚 also active in the Student Government Association and appreciates the social opportunities and extra-curricular activities available at 天美传媒 Bay. 鈥淭here is a surprising number of things you can do,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e made some really good friends and have gotten involved in a couple of clubs.鈥�

In addition to the open house, among other upcoming 天美传媒 Bay-related activities is his participation in the Intercollegiate American Revolution and Constitution History Bowl, a trivia tournament among student teams from New Hampshire community colleges. It will be April 5 in Manchester, and McLaughlin will be one of three members of the 天美传媒 Bay team.

McLaughlin chose history as a major because it鈥檚 his favorite subject. His father majored in history, and it鈥檚 something he has always been passionate about. He hopes to teach history for his career, and he praised Social Sciences Professor Jordan Fansler, Program Coordinator and History Advisor, for his skills as a teacher and his mentorship.

鈥淚 really like Professor Fansler鈥檚 classes, because he lets us engage. We鈥檝e had so many good conversations in his classes. Every single semester I have taken a class with him, and he鈥檚 helped me appreciate history even more.鈥�

When it came time to reinvent her life, Karina Taylor chose 天美传媒 Bay Community College to help her do it.

Taylor, who recently became a United States citizen after moving from her native Costa Rica five years ago, is enrolled in 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 Digital Media Communications associate degree program. Her goal is to write and illustrate children鈥檚 books in the United States, continuing a passion she began in Costa Rica when she published her first children鈥檚 book in 2016.

鈥淏ooks are my passion, and I especially love children鈥檚 picture books,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 already have many stories, many ideas. But I want to be more prepared and learn more illustration techniques on the digital side, to combine it with the other techniques that I already know. I live in Portsmouth now and I heard people were talking very highly about 天美传媒 Bay, so I decided to stop in to see the campus and learn about the program, and here I am.鈥�

She expects to graduate in spring 2025. She is pleased with her decision to enroll at 天美传媒 Bay and learn new skills that will help her advance her career. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a great school. The teachers are smart and helpful, they are so passionate about what they are teaching, and the platforms are easy to use.鈥�

At 天美传媒 Bay, she is learning programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by Adobe, and absorbing as much information as she can so she has the tools necessary to complete all the books that she has begun writing and illustrating in her head. She is about to finish two bilingual books 鈥� one about a sweet sloth named Scott, who lives in the rainforest of Costa Rica and adventures to North America. The book will capture his humorous escapades along the way, including his first encounter with snow. The other is titled Diversity Love and is a book about friendship, teamwork, tolerance, and love. It also talks about immigration and differences.

Taylor, who dedicated to her illustrations, is eager to continue her education at 天美传媒 Bay so she can turn her full attention to continuing creating books. 鈥淭he professors are so kind and patient, so responsible. I am so lucky,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey give us tools that are useful that we can use right away.鈥�

In Costa Rica in 2009, Taylor founded, directed, and taught at a bilingual preschool. Through her work at the school, her passion for books for children grew ever more. She wrote and illustrated her first book, Papercuts, while teaching in Costa Rica. The book focuses on bilingual education through fine motor skills, art, and sensory work.

She studied to be an architect for almost three years after graduating from high school, but switched to education when she discovered her love of working with children. She received a degree in Special Education and worked at the Children鈥檚 Hospital and Rehabilitation School with hospitalized children, people with special needs, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. She earned a degree in English as a Second Language and taught at public and private schools before opening her own school.

In Portsmouth, she teaches preschool at the Seacoast Community School.

Taylor left Costa Rica for the promise of a better life. 鈥淐osta Rica is a very beautiful country. Many people from around the world have visited my country and they really liked it. They love the beaches and nature, food, and people. They fall in love with the country,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut sometimes it鈥檚 very difficult there in certain fields, because it is a very small country, and the economy is not very good. Our education is excellent, but once you are graduated, some of the fields are saturated. There are a lot of professionals in different fields and not a lot of jobs.鈥�

She first moved to London, then to the United States, arriving in New Hampshire just before the pandemic. Her husband, whom she met while he was on vacation in Costa Rica, is from New Hampshire.

Because of the global health crisis, it took more than a year for Taylor to arrange for her daughters, Mia and Claudia, now 15 and 20, to join her in the United States. But they did eventually, and both are now enrolled in school 鈥� one is in college in Tennessee, who is studying to be a nurse and is part of the Honors Society, and the other is an honor roll student at Portsmouth High School.

It has been a whirlwind five years, and Taylor is relieved to feel settled and working toward a degree at 天美传媒 Bay that she knows will make it possible for her to realize the life she has dreamed of living.

鈥淚 am so happy. I feel very fulfilled at this time of my life. I am very grateful,鈥� she said. 鈥淚llustration is my passion. 鈥淚 do it daily, and I feel like every character I draw is alive.鈥�

鈥淚 enrolled at 天美传媒 Bay in 2022 as a part time, non-traditional student. I just finished up and will participate in Commencement in the spring. I am working on my bachelor鈥檚 right now, and I hope to pursue my master鈥檚. Go big or go home,鈥� Knapp, 44, said of her scholarly ambition.

She is working on her bachelor鈥檚 degree at Southern New Hampshire University and hopes to finish up in 2025.

Her academic journey began traditionally. Like many of her peers, she enrolled in college after high school but left as a junior, choosing to travel and 鈥渋mmerse myself in a lot of places in the world and work on a lot of farms.鈥� Along the way, she has also worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specializing in farmer losses, as a midwife, and as a gardener on Nantucket.

鈥淚 have worn many hats, and I feel like I need to be in a constant state of learning. I stagnate very easily,鈥� said Knapp, who lives in Rye. 鈥淎nd in addition to that, I am getting a little older and I cannot garden much longer. It鈥檚 a lot of work, and I needed an exit strategy. 天美传媒 Bay made it very easy.鈥�

Knapp knew about 天美传媒 Bay, because she once worked for an accountant on Pease International Tradeport and often came to the caf茅 on campus to pick up lunch for the office. 鈥淎lways in the back of my mind, I was logging 天美传媒 Bay as a resource for the future when I was ready to resume my education,鈥� she said.

When that time arrived in 2022, Knapp was able to transfer credits from years ago, identify core curriculum courses she needed to fulfill, and quickly begin pursuing her degree. 鈥淲hen I actually looked into it, 天美传媒 Bay checked all the boxes,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a perfect fit.鈥�

Knapp was comfortable as a non-traditional student, and she always felt accepted and welcomed in the classroom by both students and professors. Because of all those hats she wears, she appreciated the flexibility of her class schedule and the convenience of attending remotely when necessary.

As a student, she made professional connections and recently participated in a social work conference at 天美传媒 Bay. She cited her success in the math course Quantitative Reasoning as a personal triumph and appreciated her professor鈥檚 ability to bring humor to the coursework, making it fun, accessible, and practical. 鈥淏elieve me, math being funny was never the way I thought I would feel. Once I understood it, though, I actually enjoyed quadratic equations.鈥�

She also enjoyed taking courses with Psychology Professor and Department Chair Dr. Aimee Huard, describing her as 鈥渁 fantastic and a fascinating teacher. I have always found that people who can tell a delightful story, make their students laugh, and show an enormous capacity for compassion, are the most excellent teachers,鈥� she said.

Most important, Knapp鈥檚 success at 天美传媒 Bay made it possible to transition from her career as a gardener to one as a therapist helping families negotiate pregnancy and birth.

鈥淚 had a great experience at 天美传媒 Bay. I am looking forward to Commencement in the spring and I am excited about my future.鈥�

鈥淏usiness Administration is a versatile degree that can be used in every industry, and the skills are transferrable,鈥� said Van Blake, who graduated last semester and is currently engaged in a job search for a sales representative position.

His field of expertise is to be determined as he gains experience, but he sees his 天美传媒 Bay education as the key to his success. He benefitted from his accounting courses, as well as Microeconomics and Management. 鈥淚 also found the sociology and ethics courses interesting and insightful. The program helped me improve my spreadsheet skills, helped me gain a better grasp on ethically responsible behavior, and fostered an understanding of financial principles. These are all valuable skills that can be utilized in several business-related job positions.鈥�

Van Blake, 21, of Dover also appreciated 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 experienced faculty and the ability to tailor his schedule to meet his needs. He took several Hyflex courses, which enabled him to attend in person or online remotely at the regular class time. 鈥淭his was convenient for me. I prefer taking a course online, but it was a nice option to come in and speak with the teacher if needed,鈥� he said.

天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 Associate of Science degree in Business Administration sets up students for successful careers across a range of industries and fields, including high-tech, manufacturing, banking and finance, health care, communications, service, and nonprofit. It emphasizes finance, marketing, human resources, economics, and computers.

Designed to give students a solid foundation in business fundamentals, the program is suitable for students who want to enter the job market or those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution. Van Blake applied to and was accepted at the University of New Hampshire but hasn鈥檛 committed. He prefers beginning his career. 鈥淚t would be difficult to be a full-time student and work full time. But if my work schedule allows, I would love to continue on,鈥� he said.

Van Blake chose 天美传媒 Bay because it was affordable and because his sister graduated and continued her education at UNH. He recommended the program to anyone who is interested in business. 鈥淢y time at 天美传媒 Bay聽was very comfortable, as everyone from the students to the staff really made the experience a great one.鈥�

The field of early childhood education is in crisis, and the Community College System of NH and 天美传媒 Bay Community College is working to solve it.

In tandem with the DHHS, UNH-College of Professional Studies, Keene State College, and the Community College System of New Hampshire, 天美传媒 Bay Community College students have access to a trio of grants that will offset educational expenses as students complete ECE certificates and degrees.

As a constellation of options, the grants will support and transform the field across the state. Students already working in the field could complete an early childhood education certificate 鈥減retty much for free,鈥� said Jennifer Ganim-Smith, 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program coordinator and professor. 鈥淎nd they could get a significant amount of their associate degree for free as well.鈥�

The grants are designed to support the field during a time of acute need.

鈥淭here is a desperate need for ECE teachers. Covid decimated the field,鈥� Ganim-Smith said. 鈥淧eople do not go into early childhood education to make a lot of money; they pursue this field because they are passionate about working with children and want to make a difference in the lives of young children and families. We want to help support early childhood education students who are entering the field and those that are already part of the workforce to earn certificates or degrees without incurring the cost of going to college or having to go into debt. If anyone feels inhibited about the cost of going to college, this really opens the door. We are hoping this will boost interest and remove barriers for the new generation of educators and the current workforce that wants to further their careers.鈥�

The grants are available now and will be available each academic semester in 2024. They are designed to attract people new to the field and those currently employed who want to improve their skills and bolster their credentials.

The Early Childhood Tuition Assistant Grant offers tuition assistance for one course per term to people working in New Hampshire-licensed child care or New Hampshire licensed out-of-school time programs. Depending on the classes, the grant will pay 100 percent of tuition costs.

Through funding from the Bureau of Childhood Development and Head Start Collaboration, the Granite Steps for Quality grant supports 100 percent of the cost of tuition for up to three courses per term. This grant was developed to support students linked to ECE and out-of-school time as well as paraprofessionals working in NH elementary schools. The GSQ grant provides tuition for ECE, Educator Prep, and Human Services-related course work.

鈥淭his one is game changer,鈥� Ganim-Smith said. 鈥淚t will open so many doors. It pays for three courses at 100 percent of tuition, and it鈥檚 not limited to early childhood but also educator prep, and human services. The Early Childhood Assistance Grant is specific to early-childhood education, but this one opens it up.鈥�

The Community College System of New Hampshire ECE GAP Scholarship complements the other grants by supporting related costs for students living or working in New Hampshire who are connected to one of the system鈥檚 ECE certificate or degree programs. 鈥淭his scholarship pays the fees and the books for the other classes they can get free,鈥� Ganim-Smith said.

Applications and information are , and students can apply for all three grants through a single application. 鈥淐CSNH is making it as streamlined and easy for people as possible,鈥� Ganim-Smith said. 鈥淲e are hoping this attracts people who want to enter the field, and I am also hoping we attract people who are working in the field and want to go back to school to learn more. Now they have opportunity to do that without incurring the costs.鈥�

Funding has been made available by the State of New Hampshire to support the career development, recruitment and retention of emergency response personnel working in the Granite State.

Eligible first responders can take a course at any of New Hampshire鈥檚 community colleges, including courses offered by CCSNH online. The program covers tuition and required fees for one course per semester, subject to eligibility and available funding.聽 Participating employees will be certified as eligible by their employers and will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the course (completing the course with a grade of C or better).聽Find programs and courses offered at each college聽on the聽, or on the college聽.

Note:聽 some courses may have prerequisites or be subject to space limitations. Law Enforcement Officers and current full-time career, part-time, on-call or volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are eligible under this program.

Individuals employed as firefighters in New Hampshire are eligible for the above or for reimbursement of certain approved costs of the New Hampshire Fire Academy.

Law Enforcement and EMT

Download and print the聽聽(to be completed by the Employer and provided to the college).

Fire

This program provides funding for reimbursement of certain costs of the NH Fire Academy.
.

Questions?聽 Please contact:

Keith Wilding, Paramedic Emergency Medicine Program
603-271-6484 x 4213

Mike Raymond, Criminal Justice Program
603-271-6484 x 4284

Nick Mercuri, Fire Science and EMS Program
603-366-5326

Scott Doherty, Fire Standards and Training and EMS, Bureau Chief
603-223-4200

Just a few months later, White has the new career she wanted. She recently completed the 12-week Medical Assistant Training Program and soon will begin her professional journey as a medical assistant with Stratham/Epping Family Practice operated by Core Physicians.

鈥淣ot a lot of people can say they went to school, got certified, and got a new job within four or five months,鈥� White said. 鈥淓ven though it is a short period of time, that does not take away from the amount of information you learn. I recommend this program because in just 12 weeks, you can start a new rewarding career.鈥�

She is not alone. More than 90 percent of 天美传媒 Bay students who complete the program land jobs immediately. It includes eight weeks of classroom instruction and four weeks of clinical training. Medical assistants fill a variety of clinical and administrative roles in medical office and hospital settings, and they are in high demand across New Hampshire and across the country.

The next session begins April 8, which means people who enroll now can have a new career by summer.

In addition to jump-starting her professional life in a short amount of time, White was drawn to 天美传媒 Bay because the MA curriculum is designed in partnership with leading New Hampshire healthcare providers to meet the needs of the field. She knew there would be a job waiting for her if she completed the program and passed her licensing exams.

The MA program also allowed her to explore a variety of medical specialties, including obtaining and documenting vital signs, pharmacology, human anatomy, and others. That prepares her for a future full of possibilities and options in the medical field. 鈥淎fter completing the program, I have gained so many different interests and wanted to explore all the possibilities there are in being a medical assistant.鈥�

Prior to enrolling at 天美传媒 Bay, White worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician. She went to a technical high school, where she received her education in cosmetology. Through that curriculum, she learned about skin disorders and diseases.

鈥淭hat sparked my interest in the medical side of skin and not just cosmetic,鈥� she said. 鈥淔rom there I decided to go to esthetician school to learn more about skincare and how your skin is a reflection on your health. It can help in determining conditions such as lupus, where your skin can resemble a butterfly rash on your face. I choose the medical assistant program with hopes of working in dermatology someday.鈥�

Her certificate in hand, White plans to work in the field, build her experience and credentials, and eventually return to school to study nursing. 鈥淚 want to further my education. I believe being able to work in the health field as a medical assistant while attending nursing school would help me succeed,鈥� she said.

鈥淢y experience at 天美传媒 Bay鈥檚 Medical Assistant Program was wonderful. My professors were amazing. They encouraged us and wanted everyone to succeed.鈥�