At just 17, Valerie Robinson has a high school diploma, an associate degree from NHTI – Concord’s Community College in Criminal Justice, and an eight-year contract with the National Guard to serve in the military police (MP). Through the Early College program offered by the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), Valerie earned dual high school and college credit for courses, enabling her to receive a high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously.
“People don’t believe me when I say I have a college degree, but then I show them the transcript and they are amazed,” Valerie said.
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.
Valerie’s mother had mentioned the Early College program, but a presentation at job fair at a local high school convinced her that she wanted to enroll. “I had the time. I had the stamina. I had the drive. I wanted to go to college now so I had less that I needed to do when I was older – plus, oh goodness, that’s a lot of money I could save,” explained Valerie.
Valerie’s Criminal Justice degree from NHTI has been a crucial first step in realizing her deep commitment to helping people in vulnerable situations. Before Valerie was adopted when she was seven, she had feared the police officers who removed her from an unsafe home with her birth parents or interacted with her while she was in the foster care system. Over time, she learned that they were working on her behalf and trying to protect her. As Valerie enters adulthood, she wants to be the person who makes others feel safe.
In September 2025, she will ship out to Missouri for National Guard training. She said that having her associate degree was a key to being selected for the MP program. “Employers and co-workers at every job I have applied for have been amazed that I am a college student at my age. It shows I have the education they want, but also that I am dedicated and not like other 17-year-olds.”
Valerie’s National Guard service accommodates additional education or work, and it comes as no surprise that she has big plans for her time. Valerie plans to apply credits from her associate degree in Criminal Justice to a bachelor’s degree in the field, plus she intends to pursue an additional associate degree from NHTI in Business just because “it is good to have.” At the same time, she hopes to work as a corrections officer before joining a state or local police force after she turns 21.
Valerie’s three younger siblings have seen how Early College launched their sister’s future and they want to follow in her footsteps. “Honestly, they have gotten a little competitive about it,” Valerie laughed.
For more information, visit CCSNH.edu/EarlyCollege.