What is the New Hampshire Scholars Program?

The New Hampshire Scholars Program recommends a Core Course of Study to high school students giving every participating student the advantage of well-rounded, more challenging coursework in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.  Students who undertake this rigorous Core Course of Study will challenge themselves to do their best work during their high school career and will enjoy a wider range of post-secondary options upon graduation.

The New Hampshire Scholars Program is unique in that it partners with local business leaders and post-secondary personnel in encouraging students to select curriculum that will adequately prepare them for the challenges they will face in two- and four-year college, certificate programs, the military, or the workplace.

A strong academic foundation in high school benefits every student, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Students who take demanding high school courses are nearly twice as likely to graduate from college as those who do not take such courses.  Source: The Toolbox Revisited, U.S. Department of Education, 2006.

What does it take to be a New Hampshire Scholar?

This program is for every New Hampshire high school student. Simply tell your school counselor you want to be a New Hampshire Scholar. Then challenge yourself by taking the rigorous Core Course of Study. Go beyond your high school graduation requirements. 

Please visit www.NHscholars.org for information on the program and other resources to help better prepare you for your college and career search.

Benefits of being a New Hampshire Scholar

• Advanced preparation for college

• Learn decision-making and critical thinking skills necessary for work

• Training/mentoring from potential employers

• Recognition as a State Scholar at high school graduation

• Designation as a State Scholar on high school transcript

• Become a better candidate for certain types of scholarships and financial aid

New Hampshire Scholars spells out some of the courses you should be taking:

• English - 4 years;

• Math - 3 years, to include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II; 

• Laboratory Science - 3 years of basic Laboratory Science, to include  Biology, Chemistry, and  Physics;

• Social Studies - 3.5 years, (chosen from U.S. and World History, World Geography, Economics, and Government); and 

• Foreign Language - 2 years of the same foreign language other than English.

Students who complete this Core Course of Study will be prepared both for college and work.  He/she will also be recognized at graduation as a New Hampshire Scholar.