CONCORD, NH – In celebration of National Scholarship Month in November, The Foundation for NH Community Colleges (The Foundation) is highlighting the important role that scholarships play in reducing barriers for students. In the 2024-25 academic year, The Foundation awarded 1,333 scholarships totaling $854,000. For this fall alone, The Foundation has already met critical needs by awarding nearly 600 scholarships totaling $487,000. The average award was $814, a 27% increase over the prior academic year.
“Scholarships put a student’s goals within reach by helping to cover tuition, books, or other core educational costs. Best of all, they don’t have to be repaid, so a student is minimizing their post-graduation debt,” said Lisa Clark, the development coordinator at The Foundation.
The Foundation administers more than 100 scholarships established by generous donors. Eligibility criteria are determined by the donor when the scholarship is created. Some of the newest scholarships include the Capt. Jack T. Casey Memorial Scholarship to support associate degree students in Aviation Technology at Nashua Community College; the William H. and Denise D. Dyer Scholarship to provide need-based support to students in Hospitality/Culinary, Industry/Transportation or Advanced Manufacturing; and the Eric & Donna Johnson Scholarship, which provides need-based financial assistance to students who are residents of Coos County and attend White Mountains Community College.
“Support like this changes more than numbers on a student account – it changes the way a student walks into class, studies at night, and imagines what is possible next,” said one scholarship recipient, who is pursuing a Business Administration degree with plans to continue her studies in Healthcare Administration.
National Scholarship Month was established in 1998. It is observed in November to raise awareness of the vital role scholarships play in reducing student debt and expanding access to higher education. The Foundation began accepting scholarship applications for the 2026 spring semester on October 27. Registered students at any of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges can visit GiveNHCC.org/scholarships to quickly complete the general application. With just one application, students will be considered for dozens of opportunities, regardless of their major, GPA, financial need, or part- or full-time status.
“Our donors change lives by making higher education accessible. Thanks to their generosity, The Foundation offers a broad range of support, from need- and merit-based scholarships, to awards for specific majors and scholarships for students in particular towns or regions in New Hampshire,” said Clark.
About The Foundation for NH Community Colleges
The Foundation for NH Community Colleges supports the Community College System of New Hampshire by securing and stewarding resources to assist students, enhance teaching and learning, and strengthen New Hampshire’s workforce. Through its partnerships with donors, businesses, and community organizations, The Foundation helps ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Granite Staters.
Photo caption: Scholarships play a vital role in reducing student debt and expanding access to higher education. (Photo courtesy of MCC)