Taking care of a dog is no small task, especially for high schoolers who often have slightly askew priorities when it comes to managing their time. But that’s not the case for 17-year-old Kara Braley, who navigated Early College through the Community College System of New Hampshire while pursuing homeschooling and other important passions.
From an early age, Kara has mastered the art of time management, having trained three American show dogs as a Junior Handler working with 4-H’s Rolling Bones Dog Club. Through training, grooming, first aid, breed identification and showmanship, Kara developed strong public presentation skills along with self-responsibility, leadership and teamwork. And she managed all of this while finishing high school and simultaneously pursuing her associate degree in Business Management.
“I really wanted a more complex curriculum than what I had in homeschooling,” said Kara. “My mom attended an Early College information session at NHTI – Concord’s Community College – which led me to take three classes. Now my mom tells everyone about Early College and how great it is!”
While Kara takes advantage of online courses, she also knows her way around the NHTI campus in Concord, taking in-person classes on campus and getting involved in student activities. She currently serves as secretary of the Student Senate.
When asked what’s surprised her the most about Early College, Kara smiles. “The super friendly and welcoming people.”
“At some other colleges you have a class of 60 students. You can’t have a relationship with your professor. Here I can go to my professors almost anytime. They’re super responsive and they’ve been really welcoming.”
Looking to the future, Kara dreams of one day owning her own business. What type of business? She’s still figuring that out.
“It’s important to me to be whoever I want to be without having a ton of restrictions. I want to be my own boss, and I want to be a mom,” Kara said.
There’s no doubt Kara already has her priorities in order, balancing ambition with a clear sense of what matters most. She’ll graduate from high school as the class of 2027 and is on track to complete her associate degree in Business Management shortly thereafter.
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.
NHTI-Concord’s Community College is committed to cultivating potential in every learner. Through more than 70 academic programs, we equip students with the skills and knowledge that power New Hampshire’s future. We deliver a comprehensive college experience—including on-campus housing, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant student clubs and organizations—that allow 4,600 students annually to advance in their careers and embrace lifelong learning. We are a proud member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and have maintained accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1969.