As a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and a proud parent of a University graduate I was greatly impressed by the University announcing the Granite Guarantee Program. Regardless of where you come from, the ability to access and receive a high quality education is the key to success. My own career began in education, and it is an issue that is always near and dear to me.
The dream of an accessible education will now become a reality for many New Hampshire youngsters, as the University of New Hampshire just announced a new scholarship program. The program, called Granite Guarantee, will allow all full-time, first-year New Hampshire students receiving federal Pell grants to attend UNH at the Durham and Manchester campuses tuition-free. As the cost of our public colleges and universities continues to rise, this is a huge opportunity for New Hampshire’s own to secure a world class education.
The University is our research center in New Hampshire and we have great pride in our engineering and technology programs. They are key elements in supporting the high tech industry that we have here in our state.
UNH has a lot to be proud of lately – their basketball teams, both women’s and men’s, are seeing incredible success at the tournament level. Successful athletic departments often drive funding, scholarship opportunities, more visibility, and a more vibrant campus life for colleges and universities.
The school is increasing their profile in other ways, too. According to a recent study conducted by a national publication, UNH’s Ecology program has been ranked 2nd in the country out of 316 higher ed institutions in terms of research and scholarship opportunities: clear indicators that our state’s University is a leader in this significant and growing field.
We should all commend UNH’s leadership for recognizing that cost is often unfortunately a barrier for students seeking a post-graduate degree, and for finding ways to balance their budget while reducing tuition in an increasingly competitive world.
Let us hold our heads high in celebrating the University of New Hampshire, our land grant, sea grant, and space grant university – a place to go and change your life.
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Sen. Lou D’Allesandro is from Manchester and has represented the people of District 20 for nine terms. For the 2015-2016 legislative session he is Vice Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee and sits on the Finance and Capital Budget Committees. You can reach Sen. D’Allensandro at dalas@leg.state.nh.us. He is a regular contributor to Manchester Ink Link with his NH Senate Report.
