Governor Proclaims May “Early College Month” in NH
Concord, NH (May 26, 2026) – Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifying May as Early College Month in New Hampshire. Through its Early College program, 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.
At a State House event, CCSNH and the Governor recognized seven high school partners as “Early College Advocates” for promoting the program to students. Stacey Kallelis, career-connected learning coordinator at Salem High School, was recognized for her efforts to grow the Early College program and broaden access for Salem students. She was named the Nashua Community College Early College Advocate for her advocacy, innovation and commitment to the program.
“Early college programs at New Hampshire’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,” 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 CCSNH’s Early College program.
“Early 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 Hampshire’s,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. “This is only possible through a partnership with these talented educators and with the strong support CCSNH receives from the State of New Hampshire.”
At the May 20 proclamation ceremony, CCSNH and Governor Ayotte recognized Kallelis as the Nashua Community College Early College Advocate, as well as the following Early College Advocates from across the state:
- Great Bay Community College: Jaclyn Chisholm, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth High School
- Lakes Region Community College: Cheryl Dore-Chapman, School Counselor, Franklin High School
- Manchester Community College: James Choquette, Social Studies Teacher, Londonderry High School
- NHTI – Concord’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: Michelle Larcomb, Math Teacher, Groveton High School
About CCSNH:
The Community College System of New Hampshire consists of seven colleges offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees and dual-credit partnerships with N.H. high schools. Colleges include Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI – Concord’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 CCSNH.edu.