On Nov. 13, 2024, �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College hosted the annual NHDOT Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on its Concord campus featuring 43 teams from Concord High School, Gorham Middle High School, Hopkinton High School, Milford High School, Nashua High School South, Plymouth Regional High School, and Winnisquam Regional Middle School. Students poured into Sweeney Hall Auditorium laden with bridges created from nothing more than popsicle sticks, hot glue, and the imagination built from long hours studying bridge construction with an NHDOT engineer mentor throughout the fall term.

To test these bridges, students registered them with the DOT and then placed each end on a tall pillar rigged with a load distribution system. The team members � and in some cases, more � stepped onto a gangway used to measure load and �tested� their bridges� load capacity vs. total weight. The teams whose bridges could hold the most load with the least building material weight were declared the winners: This year, the winning teams were Hopkinton High School in first place, Hopkinton High School in second, and Milford High School in third.

The competition is part of the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions Program wherein individual state departments of transportation work with high schools in their state by providing the curricula and resources for the schools and bring engineers into classrooms to serve as speakers, teach a hands-on activity, and/or talk to students about the importance of math and science in preparing for their future.

And the high school students weren�t the only ones to get in on the fun. �鶹��ý students from the college�s Architecture and Civil Engineering Technology programs designed, machined, and built their bridges made from aluminum. Not a formal part of the competition but instead a showcase of what�s capable at a college level, these �鶹��ý bridges were built on campus by the students as part of the Steel and Timber Design course.

For a full report of the final weights, load capacities, and more, contact �鶹��ý�s Architecture and Civil Engineering Technology programs at vtcarter@ccsnh.edu

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

�鶹��ý Bring Back The Trades Event Map

$110,000 in Bring Back the Trades scholarships will be awarded to scholarship applicants interested in pursuing a career in the trades

CONCORD, NH � This November, four New Hampshire organizations will host an exciting first-of-its-kind event aimed at highlighting the value of trade professions as “NH Bringing Back the Trades” and the Tradeapalooza Career Fair welcome special guest Mike Rowe, the renowned television host and a passionate advocate for skilled trades. This event, held at �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College, will raise awareness about careers in the trades and encourage young people to pursue fulfilling and in-demand paths in these fields.

The event is designed for students, parents, and job seekers interested in exploring career opportunities in trades. The Tradeapalooza Career Fair will allow participants to connect with 81 organizations across various industries, learn about available internships and apprenticeships, and gain insights from professionals who have built successful careers in the trades.

“Bring Back the Trades” is a non-profit founded by Steve Turner, dedicated to providing scholarships monthly and to closing the gap between job openings and the shortage of skilled workers in fields like construction, plumbing, automotive and manufacturing. This event will provide a life-changing opportunity for attendees, as $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded to New Hampshire residents pursuing careers in the trades.

The four host organizations are Bring Back the Trades, Grappone Automotive celebrating their 100th anniversary this November, PROCON celebrating their 90th anniversary, and the Community College System of New Hampshire.

John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON and an event host/sponsor, shared his enthusiasm, stating, �Mike Rowe is one of the most passionate advocates for the skilled trades, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the event with Steve Turner, founder of Bring Back the Trades. Both of their messages align perfectly with our mission at PROCON to support the next generation of tradespeople and address the skills gap. We’re excited to contribute to building a strong workforce in New Hampshire with these scholarships.�

Amanda Grappone Osmer, chief vision officer of Grappone Automotive, a long-time supporter of workforce development, added, �This event is an incredible opportunity to spotlight the importance of trade careers in New Hampshire. Inspiring and supporting young people to consider these career paths is crucial. By offering scholarships, we�re helping pave the way for their success.�

Mark Rubinstein, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, also expressed support for the event, emphasizing how the community college system is actively encouraging young people to pursue training and education in trades through its programs.

With a focus on promoting vocational careers and providing financial support to aspiring tradespeople, the event is expected to attract a large audience of students, educators, and industry professionals. The $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded to scholarship applicants committed to training and education in the trades, underscoring the event�s dedication to building a skilled workforce.

The “NH Bringing Back the Trades” event will take place on the campus of �鶹��ý in Concord on Nov. 15. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Mike Rowe and young adults in the trades, connect with industry leaders, and take meaningful steps toward fulfilling careers in the trades.

All though the event is sold out, anyone can access the event live stream by obtaining an .  For more information about the event, visit NH

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�鶹��ý Bring Back The Trades:
Bring Back the Trades is a not-for-profit organization helping to fund scholarships for trade school students. To learn more and apply for scholarships, visit

�鶹��ý PROCON
PROCON is a single-source architecture, engineering, and construction management firm serving commercial developers throughout the Northeast. For 90 years, the 4^th-generation company has been built on integrity, lasting partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to client success. For more information, visit .

�鶹��ý Grappone Automotive
Grappone Automotive Group is celebrating their 100^th anniversary led by fourth generation Amanda Osmer carrying on the tradition of caring for Grappone�s team members, guests, and community by serving with integrity, kindness, and respect. For more information, visit .

CONCORD, NH � After 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime, the YSCC championship game remained scoreless. �鶹��ý had generated 10 shots on goal but had yet to see one reach the back of the net. Paul Smith’s College also had an opportunity early in the second half, but a diving save by  (Manchester, NH) erased their only chance of regulation. This meant the game would head to the ultimate test of nerves: penalty kicks. Eleven games, over 1,000 minutes of soccer, and the entire season up to this point ultimately rested on which team could execute better over the next couple of minutes.

 (Claremont, NH) had the unenviable position of being the first player to attempt a penalty. Richard calmly stepped to the spot, 12 yards away from Peyton Hoffman, who had already made 10 saves. Richard struck the ball into the bottom right corner, marking the first time in the game that the ball had found its home in the goal. With the pressure now off of �鶹��ý, the tension shifted to the shoulders of Hayleigh Gates. Gates wasted no time, dashing to the ball and burying a shot into the bottom corner of the net.  (Pembroke, NH), the leading goal-scorer this season for the Lynx, found an immediate answer as her left-footed strike sailed into the left side of the goal.

Being a goalie is one of the toughest positions in sports, where any small mistake can have a massive impact on an already close game. Perhaps the greatest test for a goalie is a penalty shootout. For , this was a huge moment; even one save could be the difference between a championship trophy and a three-and-a-half-hour ride home in silence. As she stood on the goal line, her team up 2-1 in the shootout, she knew the importance of this next play. She leaned to her right, anticipating a shot in that direction. As the ball was struck, she realized that she had guessed right. The shot, while well-struck, never had a chance as Knight erased it and sent it wide.

The lead for �鶹��ý was short-lived, as their next chance hit the upper crossbar and bounced agonizingly short of the goal line and out. Paul Smith took advantage, as Haven Brandt drew the shootout back even. A perfectly struck ball by captain  (Manchester, NH) put the Lynx back in front. Knight was able to get a fingertip on the shot by Pailin Hample, but the shot was too well-placed, and the shootout ended up even once again.

As if the pressure wasn’t enough, the shootout now reached sudden death territory. If �鶹��ý scored, they had a chance to win with a save or a missed PK; if they missed, the Bobcats could win it with one more good strike. �鶹��ý rested their chances on the shoulders of sophomore  (Deering, NH). LaValley calmly stepped to the spot and buried a shot to put �鶹��ý on the cusp of a title.

 was once again called upon; a save, and the celebration would begin for the Lynx. She set herself and prepared to dive to her left, but she quickly realized that the ball was going the opposite way. She could only watch as the ball sailed toward the right crossbar. As everyone held their breath, the ball moved in almost slow motion, continuing forward past the crossbar but wide of the goal. �鶹��ý had just won the YSCC Championship.

The celebration was immediate, with players both at midfield and by the bench sprinting to celebrate outside of the goal. For the seventh time in the history of the YSCC, �鶹��ý was the champion. They ended their conference schedule a perfect 6-0-2, outscoring their opponents by a 25-3 margin. In addition to the championship game, the conference also announced the All-Conference teams, where four players found themselves recognized.

 (Alton, NH) was a terrific offensive player who had 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points on the season. , a team captain, had 8 goals, 2 assists, and 18 points. , another team captain, was a verbal leader and a player who could fill multiple positions based on who was on the field.  (Henniker, NH) was an honorable mention for the All-Conference team and was the leader of the defense, which posted 7 shutouts on the year.

Head Coach and now five-time YSCC champion Heidi Crockett had this to say about the win: “Each and every player on this team reached deep within themselves this weekend to find the extra strength that they needed to earn this Championship. I am so proud of how they handled themselves and fought as a team.”

�鶹��ý will now anxiously await the USCAA selection show to see where they will be ranked nationally and who their next opponent will be.

For more information, visit .

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

There will be disruptions to traffic and restricted access to some buildings and areas of campus. Classes will not meet on campus on Tuesday. Students should check with their instructors for additional guidance.

It is recommended that those needing college services on Tuesday contact �鶹��ý offices through email or telephone.

For Academic Affairs related issues, please contact Hector Iweka hiweka@ccsnh.edu.

For safety related issues, please contact the Campus Safety Department at:

• Office (603) 230-4042
• Emergency Line: (603) 224-3287
• nhticampussafety@ccsnh.edu

For all other matters related to the event contact Business Operations Officer Marsha Bourdon mbourdon@ccsnh.edu; (603) 230-8611.

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

CONCORD, NH � Game on! �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Annie Mattarazzo as the college�s new athletics director. Mattarazzo comes to �鶹��ý from Bishop Brady High School, where she served as its athletic director, media and communications coordinator, and math and leadership teacher.

�鶹��ý President Patrick Tompkins said, �Annie is extraordinarily well known, respected, and loved in the Concord community and athletics more generally. Just as Paul Hogan essentially created �鶹��ý�s athletics program over the last two decades, Annie will shape our women�s and men�s sports for the next chapter.�

Mattarazzo lives in Concord and has been local to the area for many years, having graduated from Trinity High School in Manchester. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Plymouth State University and her M.S. in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University, both of which are transfer partner schools of �鶹��ý. While at Bishop Brady, Mattarazzo oversaw student-athlete life, managing the school�s 23 varsity athletics programs, running social media accounts and the athletics website, and hiring coaches. In 2018, she earned the Clyde W. Meyerhoefer Award for excellence in the field from the N.H. Athletic Directors Association.

Tompkins added, �Annie understands how the dual role of student-athlete develops women and men of good character who go onto notable successes on the field and in the community. Along with our superb coaches and passionate athletics staff and volunteers, Annie will ensure �鶹��ý remains the preeminent athletics program among New Hampshire�s community colleges and in New England.�

�鶹��ý fields 13 women�s and men�s sports in volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, cross country, golf, and e-sports. �鶹��ý teams are perennial conference, regional, and national champions. This tradition of athletic excellence, coupled with on-campus housing, a vibrant campus, and excellent academics, draws students from across the nation and over 60 countries to the college.

�I would like to thank President Tompkins and the hiring committee for the opportunity and honor to lead the Athletic department at �鶹��ý,� said Mattarazzo. �I am extremely excited and ready to get to work with the student-athletes and coaches to help the programs continue to be successful and grow. In loving what I do, it was the overall community feel and connection at �鶹��ý that drew me in and the team approach to the department that made me feel at home. �鶹��ý�s mission of innovation, empowering their diverse community, and overall focus on building and strengthening partnerships with community entities are all very appealing to me in my profession.�

�Concord has always been a part of my life and a big part of my family�s life, so to be able to work in this city is very special and something I will pride myself on and focus my energy on daily,� she added.

A love for athletics runs deep for Mattarazzo, who played 7 years of amateur basketball through the AAU summer program and was recruited, played, and coached at the collegiate level. Prior to that, she played 4 years of varsity basketball at Trinity. She is a former member of the Women�s Basketball Coaches Association, a current member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association, a National Conference participant, and a Final Four attendee. She�s also served as a student-athlete recruiting panel member for the NHHEAF Network Organization.

Mattarazzo has been recognized many times for her achievements in athletics and scholarship. While at Plymouth State, she graduated summa cum laude, was on the President�s List with High Honors, was a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, received the Hazel Balch Moore scholarship, was on the Athletic Director Honor Roll, and served on the Little East All-Athletic team. While at Trinity, she was in the National Honor Society, played on the Class L Girl�s Basketball State Championship team, was a McDonald�s All American award nominee, and was a member of the NH Alhambra Team vs. Vt.

Mattarazzo will begin full-time on Nov. 1, 2024. For more information, contact Pres. Patrick Tompkins at ptompkins@ccsnh.edu.

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

CONCORD, NH � Film lovers will unite in more than 500 venues worldwide � including the �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College campus � to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world for the 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival taking place Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The festival screenings are approx. 2.5 hours in length and feature all 10 finalist films. This is the 21st year these screenings will take place at �鶹��ý.

�鶹��ý�s Film Society, together with local film enthusiast Barry Steelman, will present the festival, which features the most creative short films in the world judged internationally by the cinema-going public. Many of the films from past festivals have gone on to be nominated for Academy Awards. For more information on the films being screened, visit the festival website at 

�鶹��ý has a long, rich history of showing films to the community and region. The Manhattan

Short Film Festival annually kicks off the �鶹��ý Film Society�s season, this being its 23rd. The Film Society was started by former �鶹��ý President Lynn Kilchenstein, former English Department chair Diana Levine, and Professor Steve Ambra. �鶹��ý has served as host site for the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival for several years and hosted the state�s young filmmaker�s festival. The society has screened over 225 films as part of its Friday Night Film Series.

The Manhattan Shorts are well attended by �鶹��ý students, faculty, and staff. Free admittance for �鶹��ý students has been the hallmark, particularly for those in film studies courses. Attending the festival enriches these students� studies.

For decades, Barry Steelman, has been known � courtesy of the Concord Monitor � as Concord�s �film guru.� For years he owned and operated Concord�s only independent film theatre, Cinema 93, and was the driving force behind the creation of Concord�s downtown independent film theatre, Red River Theatres.

�鶹��ý�s screenings will be held Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. They will take place in Sweeney Hall Auditorium, S-122. Admission is $10.00 per person, cash or check, at the door. There are no advanced ticket sales. �鶹��ý students (with their valid �鶹��ý ID) will be admitted free.

For additional information about the films being screened, contact Steve Ambra, sambra@ccsnh.edu.

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

CONCORD, NH � Edie Hamilton-Claypool has an alphabet soup of credentials after her name � MSN Ed, RN, CPN, CPST � but it all began with an ADN from �鶹��ý.

In March 2024, she participated in a Global Smile Foundation mission in Ecuador as a nurse in the pediatric post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Working alongside other medical professionals from around the world to change children�s lives was transformative, and plans are already in place for her to travel on medical missions to El Salvador in January 2025, followed by Ecuador next March and then Lebanon in April.

Edie discovered the benefit of a �鶹��ý education on her own and now says that she �talks up� �鶹��ý to anybody who will listen.

�I tell potential nursing students that �鶹��ý can give you the same experiences as a 4-year university but to think about how much money they�ll save and how quickly they will have a career. That�s a huge advantage.�

Greatness Begins with a Single Step

Edie graduated high school with plans to become a doctor. Two years into a pre-med program at a 4-year college, she realized her true calling was to work more closely with patients as a nurse. She didn�t need to look far for inspiration. Edie�s mother had received her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College in 2001 and joined Concord Hospital as a pediatric nurse. The same path beckoned Edie.

�My mom was a huge factor in going to �鶹��ý but I was also impressed by their curriculum and how rigorous the program was,� she says. �I knew the curriculum was one of the best for an ADN program and that �鶹��ý had a 99 percent pass rate for the NCLEX nursing exam.�

She enrolled at �鶹��ý and loved the immediate immersion in hands-on clinical work.

�The ability to learn while you are caring for patients is huge. Most nurses are kinesthetic learners, so we learn by doing.�

Edie graduated from �鶹��ý in 2017, receiving the Dr. Goldie Crocker Nursing Excellence Award � just as her mother had 16 years before � and joined the nursing staff at Concord Hospital. She had been offered a position in the hospital�s medical/surgical unit while she was still doing her practicum at �鶹��ý.

One year later, Edie transferred to the hospital�s pediatric unit, and it was a perfect fit.

�Right from the beginning, an instructor at �鶹��ý told me I was meant to be a pediatric nurse. I said, �No, my mom�s a pediatric nurse!� But nursing instructors know where you are supposed to be.�

Edie earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capella University in 2020 while working full-time. When she changed to a position working in pediatric oncology at Dartmouth Health Children�s, she discovered a passion both for the �best patients that she has ever had� and for teaching. At Dartmouth Health, she taught a course for hospital staff on bereavement and second trauma syndrome that revealed her talents as an educator. She went on to receive her master�s degree in nursing education from Capella in 2022.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Edie blends an active teaching schedule with her nursing responsibilities. She is an assistant professor of nursing at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and returned to �鶹��ý as an adjunct faculty member in February 2024. When Edie was approached about teaching in the pediatric clinical program at �鶹��ý, she agreed immediately.

��鶹��ý was a life- changing experience for me. I am so happy I can give back to provide the same phenomenal education that I received.�

She schedules her missions for slower times in her academic calendar and is now a per diem nurse at Dartmouth Health Children�s to maintain flexibility. When she has time to think about all she has done and the people that she has helped, Edie feels that she is right where she was meant to be.

�All along the way, I�ve had a lot of �I told you so�s� that I belonged in pediatric nursing. I just took a little bit of a roundabout way to get to where I am.�

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. �鶹��ý offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. �鶹��ý is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

CONCORD��鶹��ý student Skyler Boudreau has won the first place Change the World award in the New Hampshire Humanities Collaborative�s (NHHC) HUGEmanities contest for her work redesigning the website of The Eye, �鶹��ý�s student journal, and serving as head editor of the publication�s most recent digital special edition. This award goes to a student or team from UNH or one of the seven New Hampshire community colleges for a persuasive and impactful project in the digital humanities.

The judges called Boudreau�s work a �beautifully executed and deep dive into types of censorship,� and added that �The Eye continues to thrive as a top quality venue that not only tackles big subjects but does so through a laudable integration of media types.�

Boudreau serves an editor and webmaster of The Eye and received the �鶹��ý Academic Achievement Award in General Studies in April 2024.

Read more about all of the winners and their projects in categories that include Digital Storytelling, Innovative Design, a First-Year Breakout category, and the Change the World category:

Funded by a multi-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, NHHC is a close collaboration between the seven NH community colleges and UNH. NHHC�s overarching goal is to �enable students to pursue richer academic experiences and more rewarding professional and civic lives, empowering them to be effective participants in addressing the grand challenges of today and tomorrow.�

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. �鶹��ý offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. �鶹��ý is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

CONCORD � �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College will host a summit of capital-area leadership, business owners, and more as part of its first annual �鶹��ý Community Forum. This gathering will inform the launch �鶹��ý�s next strategic plan and pose the question: How can �鶹��ý best serve our community?

To be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Concord Boys & Girls Club during the morning of May 10, the �鶹��ý Strategic Plan Community Forum will welcome its attendees to share the values, ideas, and aspirations they feel will help the college maintain and grow further into its role as a true community partner. Dr. Patrick Tompkins, president of �鶹��ý, will serve as host of the event.

�As a new resident of the Concord area myself, I look to our neighbors to tell us how �鶹��ý should lead,� says Tompkins.

Rather than begin the strategic planning process from a college-centric perspective, as was done with �鶹��ý�s current strategic plan, Tompkins wants to start with an external focus.

�Our college�s mission is bound to our community, and so our next strategic plan must be rooted in what this community cares about.

�Community colleges are foundationally different from other colleges,� Tompkins adds. �The most important word in our name is �community.� Our students come from the community, and the vast majority of our graduates stay in New Hampshire and contribute to our collective wellbeing, so we must listen to the community�s needs. What are the issues for which �鶹��ý can provide potential solutions? How can �鶹��ý help to bring Concord together as the capital city�s flagship college?�

�鶹��ý was established in Concord in 1965 as the New Hampshire Technical Institute, teaching 3 engineering programs and developing a reputation for academic excellence in STEM fields. Today, as the school looks to celebrate its 59th graduating class in its Commencement ceremony on May 17, �鶹��ý has evolved into a robust collegiate institution with more than 80 academic programs covering everything from Business to Visual Arts and offers the only college programs in New Hampshire for Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Technology, Orthopedics, and Paramedic Emergency Medicine.

�I believe Concord deserves a community college that listens and responds to its needs,� says Tompkins. �At the �鶹��ý Strategic Plan Community Forum, we�re hoping to be overwhelmed by the possibilities and ideas from these incredible community leaders. This is what community looks like.�

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. �鶹��ý offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal

Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. �鶹��ý is accredited by the New England Commission  of Higher Education  and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

CONCORD (April 30, 2024) � and (Delta Dental) are expanding on a long-time partnership and shared vision to support oral healthcare in the region. received a $500,000 gift from Delta Dental for �鶹��ý to address the demand for and shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants. The gift is one of the largest in the history of the college and will support the expansion of �鶹��ý�s dental clinic services to Medicaid patients.

�Northeast Delta Dental has long supported dental health for Medicaid patients,� says �鶹��ý President Patrick Tompkins. �Through their vision and our partnership, for the first time �鶹��ý will bring affordable oral hygiene care to this New Hampshire demographic that is important for the wellbeing of the Granite State.�

This investment from Delta Dental comes on the one-year anniversary of legislation that provided comprehensive Medicaid oral health benefits for NH adults. It enables �鶹��ý to launch a three-year pilot initiative to expand the reach of the school�s Dental Hygiene Clinic, the educational facility on campus where students provide dental care to the public with close supervision by faculty.

��鶹��ý offers the only program in New Hampshire for training dental hygienists,� Tompkins says. �Expanding service to Medicaid patients in our Dental Hygiene Clinic also expands the training opportunities for students who will work in all our communities.�

The funds from Delta Dental, combined with an equal investment from the college, will allow for the hiring of a Medicaid specialist and a supervising dentist. In addition, the funding will allow �鶹��ý to make necessary upgrades to the program�s equipment and improvements in the program�s materials and radiology labs.

�It�s great for the community, and it�s an incredible opportunity for our students,� said Lisa Scott, �鶹��ý Dental Hygiene Program department chair. �Our students will gain invaluable experience in treating these patients in a clinical setting.�

Established in 1970, the �鶹��ý Dental Hygiene Program is recognized for its high-quality training that prepares students for this healthcare role serving patients in New Hampshire. Dental hygienists provide a range of preventive and therapeutic dental services, including assessments and care planning.

�With the expansion of Medicaid dental benefits, coupled with a continued dental hygiene shortage, the need for a skilled workforce is critical,� said Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. �We are committed to continuing to support the state�s only Dental Hygiene Program at �鶹��ý and the needed expansion to sustain and grow the future dental workforce that is essential for the region.�

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�鶹��ý �鶹��ý
�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. �鶹��ý offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. �鶹��ý is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the NE Association of Schools and Colleges and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

�鶹��ý Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental administers dental benefits in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, offering dental insurance programs for businesses and nonprofits of all sizes, and individuals and families with no access to employer-sponsored dental benefits. The company continues to help address the shortage of dentists practicing in northern New England by providing scholarships and loan repayment programs to encourage more dental students to remain in the region following graduation and to practice in rural and underserved areas.

�鶹��ý Foundation for New Hampshire�s Community Colleges
The Foundation is the charitable organization established to provide greater access to educational opportunities through financial assistance for students across New Hampshire�s seven community colleges. The Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to create scholarships and program partnerships that prepare students for in-demand, skilled jobs to meet the needs of New Hampshire�s workforce. To learn more about supporting community college students, visit .