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� �鶹��ý � Concord’s Community College will be hosting a mandatory public meeting with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing on Oct. 9, 2024, from 3-4 p.m. in Grappone Hall room 106. The meting is required for the school’s accreditation status and all are invited to attend and ask questions.

For additional information, please contact Kelley Taylor, �鶹��ý’s Nursing department chair, at ktaylor@ccsnh.edu.

From ACEN’s website:

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. The ACEN is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, and participation in its accreditation process is voluntary.

The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies, accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories, and internationally.

As the leading authority in nursing education accreditation, the goal of the ACEN is to be a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.

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 � You no longer have to use a telescope to study the surface of Mars � not when you�re on the campus of �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College, anyway.

�鶹��ý professor Tracey Lesser�s Biology senior capstone students and the �鶹��ý Environmental Action Club are participating in and challenges, giving them the opportunity to grow crops in a lunar or Martian soil simulant to study how these plants grow in non-Earth environments.

�When I saw this opportunity, I was so excited,� says Lesser. �The project demonstrates for students the intricacies of the space environment while learning how to make biological decisions in an experimental classroom setting. It�s invaluable in teaching future generations that anything is possible, given the right conditions.�

The Plant Mars and Plant the Moon global citizen science projects aim to help NASA learn how to support astronauts on long-term space missions. The winners will have the chance to showcase their results at a virtual symposium with NASA scientists, program executives, and other industry professionals.

�This is why people love �鶹��ý,� says �鶹��ý President Dr. Patrick Tompkins. �By partnering with NASA, our innovative professors position our students to breach environmental hurdles and problem-solve for an entirely new area of exploration: long-term space travel.�

�鶹��ý shares its campus with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a space exploration museum and experience inspired by NH�s own pioneers Alan Shephard Jr., the first American in space and native of Derry, and Christa McAuliffe, the world�s first teacher-astronaut, from Concord, whose story tragically ended in 1986 but whose legacy lives on.

�This is truly an exciting, impactful project,� notes Jeanne T. Gerulskis, executive director of the . �From the dawn of humanity, people have set out to explore our environs. And as a space-faring society, our logical next steps are to explore the solar system, beginning with our nearest neighbors: the Moon and Mars. As we prepare to return to the Moon and plan stations where people will live and work – first on the Moon and then on Mars – of vital importance will be able the ability to grow our own food in these challenging environments. Future lunar and Martian explorers may have �鶹��ý students to thank for the bountiful harvests that let them enjoy living and working offworld!�

�鶹��ý�s participation in the projects comprises two teams: is made up of Erin Sylvester and Alyvia Syriac, who are using the research as their �鶹��ý capstone, or final project, for their Biology associate degrees; while Sophia Carroll, Becker Gibson, Gage Lambert, and Christopher Schubert, all part of �鶹��ý�s student-run Environmental Action Club (EAC) team, are leading the . The EAC team is growing radishes, based on competition length and as suggested by the NASA germination and harvest timeline, while the Biology team is growing cabbage. The students are gaining hands-on experience with experimental design, learning about plant growth and the conditions that impact it, and exploring space while using their STEM, language, and interpersonal skills.

�In this experiment, we aim to address two main challenges when growing edible plants in regolith: water retention and nutrient content,� explains Lesser. �Regolith, or moon dust, is both sandy and virtually devoid of beneficial nutrients. We propose that vermiculite, a mineral commonly used in gardening, could potentially be used as an additive to help retain moisture in soil compositions with a high regolith-to-soil ratio.�

�It’s exciting to be able to say, �Our team is working on a NASA project!�� says �鶹��ý student and EAC team member Gibson. �Experimenting with growing plants in the regolith is one more step towards bringing people to other planets, which feels larger than life.

�We had to consider some interesting questions while designing our experiment, like: How can we use as many recycled materials as possible? How do we make the required materials as light as possible to lower the initial interplanetary transportation cost? What are the current regulations on farming with human waste/biosolids? I love working with this group because we are engaging with each other using an intellectual curiosity on such a big project, while still having fun with it and making it our own.�

For more information about the Plant the Moon and Plant Mars projects, you can visit .

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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 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.

CONCORD, NH � �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is introducing Workforce Education, a new collaborative educational department to expand the college�s efforts in providing essential skillsets and continuing education. The goals include increased opportunities and empowerment for community members looking to expand their career knowledge and learn a new skill.

Previously known as the Business Training Center, the new Workforce Education department has undergone the rebrand to further encourage career and personal exploration with �鶹��ý.

�The new Workforce Education brand communicates more clearly how �鶹��ý delivers on its mission to foster economic and community development in the Greater Concord region,� says Dr. Patrick Tompkins, �鶹��ý president. �With low unemployment in the Granite State and worker shortages in critical areas like healthcare, education, public safety, manufacturing, and trades, �鶹��ý�s role is to provide the education that recent high school graduates and career switchers need to enter those fields with essential skills.�

Workforce Education, or �WE,� signifies �鶹��ý�s commitment as a solutions provider for New Hampshire�s employers, employees, and prospective students. The department�s tagline, �Together, WE can help you succeed� expresses �鶹��ý�s commitment to helping to local workforce upskill and evolve with the needs of the community.

In 2023, New Hampshire signified the priority of workforce education by providing $2 million to fund the delivery of new programs and support for students enrolled in these programs. �鶹��ý recently received seed funding to develop a new education certificate program and expand health programs in medical assisting, licensed nursing assisting, and phlebotomy.

�The new Workforce Education brand illustrates �鶹��ý�s commitment to fully integrate workforce education and programs with all educational programming at �鶹��ý,� says Kathy Taylor, �鶹��ý�s Director of Workforce Development and Community Education.  We will do this through the co-development of programs with academic departments and by creating shared pathways and outcomes.�

To browse WE�s current course offerings, visit us online at .

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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 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.

Press Contact           Amber Gavriluk  |  603-230-4001  |  agavriluk@ccsnh.edu

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�s 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.  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). Find programs and courses offered at each college on the , or on the college .

Note:  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  (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. .

CONCORD�October 24, 2023 � �鶹��ý�Concord’s Community College has been ranked one of the best schools for online degrees in a public service field by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service). Only 13% of colleges and universities in the U.S. earned a spot on the rankings for AY 2024.

View �鶹��ý�s Online Degree Programs: �鶹��ý.edu/academics/onlinelearning

Public service degrees give students the opportunity to pursue careers where they can support those most in need, both locally and globally. This includes fields such as teaching, social work, public administration,
criminal justice and public health.

�Our goal was to identify the best colleges with online degree programs where graduates can make a meaningful difference in their communities through education, public policy and other career paths,� said Kyle Smith,  a community outreach specialist at STEPS.

This ranking arrives at a time when enrollment in online degree programs remains high. The most recent national data (Fall 2021) from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 60% of students take at least one class online and 30% are enrolled exclusively in online courses.

�As more and more students gravitate towards online education, identifying flexible, affordable and accredited degree programs that fit into students� busy lives and make college more accessible is essential,� added Smith.

STEPS analyzed multiple datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Key data points used to identify top schools include the following:

• Number of online programs in a given subject area
• Tuition amount per academic year
• Percentage of students receiving institutional financial aid and the amount awarded
• Availability of academic counseling and career placement services

STEPS vetted over 6,000 postsecondary institutions to create its rankings. To qualify, a college or university must hold active accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and have at least one partially online degree program in a field related to public service. See all of the rankings lists where �鶹��ý appeared:

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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. Visit for more information

�鶹��ý STEPS

STEPS () started in 2019 with the goal of connecting students with valuable and informative resources to help them get their degrees and find satisfying careers in public service. These free guides range from connecting students with online schools to breaking down options for affording a degree.

In collaboration with Concord Hospital, participants can take the 8-week, 104-hour Certified Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship program, plus on-the-job training. After completing the course, participants are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Exam. After 4-6 months of pharmacy work, graduates are then eligible for part two of the training: a 40-hour course focusing on hospital pharmacy settings.

�I am excited that we have the opportunity to offer another important healthcare program in collaboration with Concord Hospital,� says Kathy J. Taylor, director of �鶹��ý�s BTC. �The Business Training Center has been able to bring qualified, certified, and licensed candidates into high-demand professions such as medical assistant, LNA, and phlebotomy through these apprenticeship and open enrollment courses. We can now add certified pharmacy technicians into the workforce pipeline.�

The BTC is dedicated to improving the quality and labor market relevance of workforce investment, education, and economic development efforts by providing individuals the training, skills and credentials necessary to secure and advance employment and to provide employers with skilled workers to address workforce needs.

The Certified Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship program begins Oct. 23, 2023. Those interested should contact �鶹��ýbtc@ccsnh.edu or by visiting the BTC�s website at /business-training-center/healthcare-training-programs/.

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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. Visit for more information. To learn more about the �鶹��ý Athletics programs, contact Berkley Stevens at bstevens@ccsnh.edu.

Press Contact           Amber Gavriluk  |  603-230-4001  |  agavriluk@ccsnh.edu