ApplyNH aims to increase access through in-school support

Concord, NH – Students in more than 70 high schools across the state will participate in the ApplyNH campaign this fall, receiving in-school support and guidance with their applications to college and/or career preparation programs. The campaign is designed to promote access by removing common barriers such as lack of support, resources, and confidence. It also reflects Granite Edvance’s nonprofit focus on supporting New Hampshire students in pursuing postsecondary education and careers.  

“ApplyNH has proven to be a powerful tool in promoting access to college and career pathways, particularly among first-generation and low-income students,” said Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton. “As we built the foundations of this program, we focused our energy on supporting schools with higher proportions of students in need of more support, knowing we would likely have the greatest impact there. This year, we were able to make the program available to all high schools in New Hampshire. This is an exciting step for us and very much in keeping with our mission of helping students of all ages and backgrounds discover and achieve their education and career goals.” 

ApplyNH, which is part of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC), takes place in schools around the state between the end of October and Thanksgiving break. As the state facilitator for ApplyNH, Granite Edvance provides training, materials, and in-person support, as well as recruitment and coordination of volunteers for schools that request them.  

Students who participate in ApplyNH receive guidance in completing and submitting their applications to college and career-training programs, and all New Hampshire colleges waive their application fees for the event. In addition, each participating school receives $500 to award to one student who submits a college application during the event, with funds provided by Granite Edvance, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the New Hampshire Department of Education. 

Thousands of NH high school seniors have applied to college through ApplyNH since Granite Edvance began facilitating the campaign in 2014. Last year, 1,886 students at 62 schools applied to college through the event. Of these students, 97% applied to at least one NH school, with many indicating in follow-up surveys that the event was instrumental in their decision to apply to one or more NH schools. Additionally, 34% of participating students were first-generation college students.  

“We know that there are students pursuing their dreams today because of ApplyNH, and we know that many of them are pursuing those dreams here in New Hampshire,” Thornton said. “By providing dedicated time during the school day, one-on-one guidance, and a positive, celebratory environment, ApplyNH fosters confidence and encourages students to explore all their options.”