Katiana Berry is graduating from Campbell High School with both her diploma and an Associate Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Nashua Community College (NCC).
Through the Early College program offered by the Community College System of NH (CCSNH), Katiana was able to take online courses at NCC and earn academic credits that apply to both high school and college graduation requirements. She completed all the online courses required for an associate teacher certificate in her senior year of high school. “Sometimes it was a lot, but that’s what you have to do,” she commented.
Julie Green, the library media specialist at Campbell High School, knew that Katiana was already working at a Manchester childcare center and wanted to stay in the field after graduation. She suggested that Katiana consider participating in the Early College program to pursue her career interests while also earning credits required for high school graduation.
The Early College program offers three modalities for high school students: to enroll in their high school, on a community college campus, or 100% online. Courses enable students to get a jump start on their future by earning high school and college credit that is transferable to most colleges and universities or will help them accelerate their career by entering the workforce with an advantage. Eligible New Hampshire students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade can take two free courses per year through the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship program and a discounted rate for additional courses through the Early College program.
After her high school graduation, Katiana plans to work full-time at the Manchester childcare center where she has been employed while attending school. She said that her ECE Associate Teacher Certificate will help her provide the best care possible for children while qualifying her for higher pay and opportunities for career advancement.
Katiana applied for grants to fully fund virtually all of her Early College expenses. “I received my ECE Associate Teacher Certificate for free. Early College is a great program,” Katiana said.
For more information, visit CCSNH.edu/EarlyCollege.