NHDOE launches pioneering earn-and-learn program during CTE month 

CONCORD, NH — Leveraging up to $2.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, the New Hampshire Department of Education has launched an initiative to provide secondary students with paid, work-based learning opportunities by matching learner wages.

Work! As Learning will support up to 1,000 secondary students in earning academic credit while gaining valuable work experience before they graduate from high school. To incent these opportunities, NHDOE will reimburse New Hampshire-certified employers for 50 percent of learner wages paid up to $15 an hour. 

“This program serves as an incentive for both students and employers to participate in work-based learning,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “Internships are a great tool to provide employers with a future workforce pipeline, while also providing students with career exploration and credit towards their diploma.” 

To administer its program, NHDOE is partnering with Awato, LLC, which also supports NHDOE’s career and work-based learning software program.

“We are proud to help celebrate Career and Technical Education Month by announcing our Work! As Learning initiative to support New Hampshire learners in developing 21st Century employability skills,” said McKenzie Snow, director of NHDOE’s Division of Learner Support. “Alongside educators and employers, we continue to build the vital connection between school and work so that all learners are excited and prepared for what comes next.”

This initiative is financed by both ESSER II and ARP ESSER funds, and will aid meaningful work-based learning opportunities through Sept. 30, 2024. 

For more information contact Nicole Levesque at 603-271-3397 or Nicole.m.levesque@doe.nh.gov. Sign up today at Awato to become an employer partner. 

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