Thousands of NH students get support with college applications through ApplyNH 2025

Concord, NH – ApplyNH 2025, a college access initiative facilitated by Granite Edvance in high schools around the state, wrapped up with record numbers last week. More than 3,000 students at 85 high schools participated in ApplyNH this fall, receiving in-school support and guidance with their applications to college or career preparation programs.  

“The growth of this campaign in recent years really speaks to its value to NH students as they pursue their goals and address obstacles,” said Christiana Thornton, President and CEO of Granite Edvance, a statewide nonprofit. “It’s so energizing to see our mission in action in schools around the state and know that we’re helping students who may not otherwise have completed the application process or who may not have considered furthering their education at all.”  

ApplyNH is part of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC). As the state facilitator, Granite Edvance provides training, materials, and in-person support, as well as recruitment and coordination of volunteers for schools that request them. Granite Edvance and the New Hampshire Department of Education also provide a $500 scholarship for each participating school to award to one student who submits a college application during the event. 

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. Many schools outside the state waived their fees this year as well.  

The need for this type of support may be higher than ever this year, with the loss of federal funding for some programs that support first-generation and low-income college students. 

“It’s an opportunity for [students] to have support in the application process, but I think it’s also motivational,” said Cheryl Dore-Chapman, a school counselor and ApplyNH site coordinator at Franklin High School, where 13 students attended the event. “A lot of them are first-generation. They want to go to college but don’t know how to get there or what they want to do.” 

Along with setting participation records this year, Granite Edvance was also able to open the initiative to community partner organizations for the first time, holding its first ApplyNH event for students in the high school equivalency program at My Turn Inc. in Manchester, where three students completed college applications.   

“With the incredible support of Granite Edvance, our participants received personalized guidance through every step of the process, from choosing schools to completing applications and scheduling follow-ups for FAFSA [completion],” said Mary Peters, Director of External Partnerships for My Turn. “Granite Edvance’s compassionate, hands-on approach helped make higher education feel truly accessible. … We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in helping our learners take their next bold step toward their futures.”  

Tens of thousands of NH high school seniors have applied to college through ApplyNH since Granite Edvance began facilitating the initiative in 2014. In the past two years, the number of first-generation college students participating has grown by more than 60%. Many students indicate in follow-up surveys that the event was instrumental in their future planning.  

That was true for Cody Williams, who was working on his application and considering where to apply. “I’ve done almost nothing toward college,” he said. “I would not have applied [without ApplyNH]. This has been really helpful. It’s good to talk with someone firsthand.” 

ApplyNH relies on the support of volunteers from around the state. “We’re very grateful to our volunteers who lend their expertise and enthusiasm and help us ensure every student gets the support they need,” said Matt Wallace, Vice President of Education and Career Pathways at Granite Edvance. “This event is an amazing example of people coming together to foster student success.”