Founders is Now a Part of NH Scholars!
Posted on 10/21/2016
MANCHESTER - The Founders Academy Public Charter School has been selected to participate in a state and national initiative designed to better prepare students for success in higher education and the workforce through more rigorous academics in high school.
Through the New Hampshire Scholars Initiative, schools are partnering with area business leaders to encourage more students to complete the state’s rigorous core course curriculum. Research has demonstrated that completing rigorous courses in high school is the strongest predictor of college and workplace success.
“Founders is honored to be a part of NH Scholars. A theme of our school is entrepreneurship so the school-business partnership will enrich both our students' education and school mission,” proclaims Maureen Mooney, Dean of School at The Founders Academy Public Charter School.
The Founders Academy Public Charter School is the eightieth (80th) school community chosen to participate in the ninth year of the New Hampshire Scholars Initiative because of its commitment to promoting rigorous academics and the strong partnership between the school system and local businesses.
The New Hampshire Scholars Initiative and The Founders Academy Public Charter School are looking for strong community business leaders to participate in the program. These business volunteers will be trained to deliver a presentation geared towards eighth graders and their future success.
Beginning this year, business volunteers will visit classes in The Founders Academy Public Charter School. This winter, business leaders will reach eighth graders before students make their course selections for high school to explain the long-term benefits challenging academics play in future career opportunities. Once students commit to being Scholars, business and education partners will work together to develop incentives and academic supports to ensure these students complete the core course curriculum.
“Collaboration between a school and the business community demonstrates an increased support system for students. When students hear local business professionals talk about the importance of gaining a high skill set, students listen,” says Tom Raffio, President, Northeast Delta Dental and New Hampshire Scholars business partner.
In January 2007, New Hampshire was among the twenty-five states in the nation to be selected to participate in the State Scholars Initiative by the U.S. Department of Education’s Center for State Scholars. The New Hampshire College & University Council is coordinating the New Hampshire Scholars Initiative in partnership with Campus Compact for New Hampshire, the Forum on the Future and the New Hampshire Department of Education.
For more information on the New Hampshire Scholars Initiative, visit their website at www.NHscholars.org.