NH celebrates Work-Based Learning

MANCHESTER – Students, teachers, and businesses from across New Hampshire were celebrated for their contributions to Work-Based Learning this morning at Manchester Community College. Among the award-winners,

"Work-Based Learning brings students, teachers, and businesses together to expand education from the classroom into the workplace. When New Hampshire businesses partner with our schools, we create concrete and applied learning experiences for our students that we simply cannot fully replicate in the instructional setting at school," said Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut.

Work-Based Learning is a partnership between schools and employers offering all students opportunities for practical educational experience, including real-world occupational settings, to expand career options. Dwayne Hobbs, Georgia’s Work-Based Learning specialist, delivered the keynote address on his state’s efforts to bridge the classroom with the workplace. Stacey Kallelis, the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Salem High School, spoke about her work to design and implement a large-scale Work-Based Learning program.

"New Hampshire community colleges have a history of incorporating work-based learning into the curriculum, from internships to co-ops to apprenticeship pathways and more," said CCSNH Chancellor Ross Gittell. "We are pleased to celebrate these award winners, who have had an impact on student learning experiences and the strength of our workforce by championing work-based learning opportunities for NH students."

Full List of Winners

Work-Based Learning Student Champions

• Emma Liptrap, Senior, Salem High School
• Forrest Green, Senior, Merrimack Valley High School; Completer, Concord Regional Technical Center (2019); Student, Manchester Community College
• Danielle St. Peter, Senior, Pinkerton Academy

Work-Based Learning Advisor/Coordinator Champions

• Sharon de la Vergne, Career Specialist, Huot Career and Technical Center, Laconia
• Joy Gobin, ELO Coordinator, Lebanon High School
• Julie Reece, Program Manager for Experiences (ELO coordinator), VLACS
• Mandy Fraser, Futures Coordinator, John Stark Regional High School, Weare

Work-Based Learning Teacher/Faculty Champions

• Joe Riddensdale, CADD Drafting Teacher, Mount Washington Valley Career and Technical Center, North Conway
• Susan Turcotte, Professor and Program Director of Orthopedic Technology, NHTI
• Val Koch, CTE Teacher, Education and Behavioral Science Program, Concord Regional Technical Center

Work-Based Learning Industry Partner Champions

• Kearsarge Food Hub and Sweet Beet Farm, Bradford
• Jeff Nicoll, Owner, Ambix LLC, North Conway
• Mark Tulley, Owner, Tulley Automotive Group
• Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, Salem
• Michael D. Todd, Strategic Communications Administrator, NH Department of Safety
• Susan Torrance, Owner/Operator, Concord Headlines Salon, Concord
• Joe Ruelas (Sprague Inc.) and Tim Sullivan (Hitchiner Inc.), Manufacturing Exploration and Externship Program, Milford

Work-Based Learning Overall Champion Awards

• Dr. Michael Delahanty, Superintendent of Schools, Salem School District
• Catherine Schoenenberger, President, NH Construction Career Days, Inc.
• Val Zanchuk, Owner/Operator, Graphicast Inc., Jaffrey

Val is the first-ever winner of the John F. Olson Memorial Work-Based Learning Champion Award.

The event also served as the launch of the state's new Work-Based Learning website, www.WorkBasedLearningNH.org, which will serve as a way for students, parents, teachers, and employers to explore the possibilities for work-based learning in their area. The website was developed by Cookson Communications of Nashua, which has partnered with local schools for internships.

"As a small firm, we make sure our interns are heavily involved in real projects, and receive hands-on learning," added President and CEO Matt Cookson. "We want them to get something meaningful from the experience, and consider them a valuable resource for the company."

The event was sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Education the New Hampshire Community College System, and the National Governors Association. For more information, check out www.WorkBasedLearningNH.org