They came with questions, from the philosophical to the practical. They left with stickers, fun-sized candies, and completed college applications.   

In between, they got support and a sense of togetherness as they tapped away on their laptops, calculating extra-curricular hours and pondering majors. That’s the essence of ApplyNH, a nine-year tradition at Merrimack Valley High School and a powerful tool for helping students overcome obstacles and take a step toward college or trade school.   

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” said school counselor Mark Ciarametaro, who was snapping photos and cracking jokes as he circulated among the students, counselors, and volunteers in the school library. “It’s a positive day.”  

ApplyNH, part of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC), takes place in schools around the state every fall. As the state facilitator, Granite Edvance provides training, materials, and in-person support for students in completing and submitting applications to college and career-training programs.  All New Hampshire colleges waive their application fees for the event, and each participating school receives $500 to award to one student who submits a college application, with funds provided by Granite Edvance, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Recognizing the value of ApplyNH in promoting access to postsecondary programs, Granite Edvance was able to make the program available to all NH high schools for the first time this year – adding more than 15 new schools to the program. Prior to that, it was offered to schools with higher proportions of students in need of support.  

At Merrimack Valley, one of more than 75 schools participating this year, the event has steadily grown. Eighty-two students attended this year – an increase of more than 20 students from last year, said Shanyn Grenier, a school counselor and site coordinator.  

“We have a lot of kids here who are unsure if they want to do a two-year or four-year program,” Grenier said. “This gives them a chance to apply to both.”  

For Boston Bradicich, the event was a chance to get some questions answered as he worked on applications to all three colleges in the University System of New Hampshire, as well as Southern New Hampshire University and the University of New England. “This definitely helped clear up a lot of confusion,” he said.   

   

Photo by Corey Garland.