UNH Today

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester is partnering with White Mountains Community College to offer WMCC students a pathway to bachelor’s degrees in homeland security and computer science & entrepreneurship at UNH Manchester.

Supported by the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the partnership will bring the state’s flagship public institution to northern New Hampshire. The partnership will allow students in the criminal justice/homeland security and information technology associate programs at WMCC to transition into the bachelor’s program at UNH Manchester at the same price as WMCC tuition.

“This represents a fresh approach to delivering more meaningful educational outcomes for New Hampshire residents,” UNH President Mark Huddleston said. “Through this venture, UNH Manchester and WMCC will offer students more affordable access to bachelor’s degree completion and stronger employment prospects in exciting career fields.”

By expanding opportunity for higher education in the North Country, the partnership also expands opportunities for career advancement, social mobility and economic growth. Raising the level of education for people in northern N.H. raises the ceiling for their career potential. And with a more educated and skilled workforce in the region, the stronger the infrastructure for economic development.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our graduates to continue their education beyond WMCC at a significantly reduced price,” said Matt Wood, president of WMCC. “These careers are in high demand and pay is above average. The cost of tuition is in the national spotlight, and through the generous support of the Tillotson Fund, our graduates will be able to continue their education at an affordable rate.”

Many graduates of the criminal justice/homeland security associate program at WMCC turn to the local prison system for employment. Their associate’s degree may get them a job at a state prison, but a bachelor’s degree makes them more qualified and better positioned for careers at the federal level. The pathway to UNH Manchester’s Homeland Security program not only upgrades their skills, but broadens their job prospects and creates a more skilled workforce in northern N.H.

Students in the information technology program at WMCC gain valuable foundational knowledge in networking and programming. This may prepare them for an entry-level IT job, but doesn’t offer the breadth of learning to qualify for more lucrative positions. Through new programming, a technology-infused campus and expert faculty, UNH Manchester has emerged as a pioneer of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. When paired with its cutting-edge computer science & entrepreneurship program, WMCC students will deepen their knowledge of computing and business to give them more marketable and transportable skills.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund was established in 2006 with a bold vision: “To serve as a catalyst for the region to move toward sustainable community and economic development in Coos County and surrounding communities.” The partnership between WMCC and UNH Manchester echoes that vision, expanding education—and opportunity—in the region.

“We are proud to continue supporting White Mountains Community College in its ongoing efforts to provide North Country residents with high-quality, and innovative, higher education opportunities in the region,” said Kirsten Scobie, director of Tillotson Funds.

Contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions for more information about this new innitiative.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has been improving the quality of life in communities since 1962. It manages a collection of funds that are created by individuals, families and corporations for charitable purposes. Each year, the foundation awards millions of dollars in grants to nonprofits and scholarship funds to students. For more information, visit www.nhcf.org, or call 603-225-6641.

White Mountains Community College is located in Berlin and is one of seven colleges in the Community College System of New Hampshire. WMCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, plus training options, preparing students for 21st century job opportunities as well as transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities. WMCC is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Learn more at wmcc.edu.

Founded in 1866, the University of New Hampshire is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 13,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students across its campuses in Durham, Manchester and Concord. For more information about the Manchester campus, visit manchester.unh.edu.