Just a few weeks after earning her high school diploma in May, Niko Galus proudly walked with her graduating class at NHTI-Concord’s Community College, where she received an associate degree in General Studies. Niko was able to earn her college degree while still in high school thanks to the Early College program offered by the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). Niko earned dual high school and college credit for the courses that she had been taking at NHTI since she was 16 years old.
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 get 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.
Niko planned for Early College from the time she was in middle school. “It was always in my family’s mind that it was something that I would do. It would give me a jump start on everything,” she explained.
Niko also felt that Early College would create a glide ramp to the transition from homeschooling to college. She attended all of her NHTI courses on campus, enabling her to ease into a college environment.
This fall, Niko will attend Simmons University, where she plans to major in Biology and pursue her interest in dance with a minor in performing arts. Her associate degree from NHTI will fast track her bachelor’s degree and a planned subsequent master’s degree in Forensics.
“I highly recommend Early College,” said Niko. “It gives you a huge advantage. It prepares you to go to a four-year college if you want to, or you can go out and work and have the credentials you need.”
For more information, visit nhti.edu/academics/early-college.
