Community Colleges, University System Commit to More Science Graduates

Top officials from New Hampshire's two public systems of higher education are committing to increase substantially the number of graduates with degrees and certificates in science, technology, engineering and math (so-called STEM fields). The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and the Community College System of NH (CCSNH) jointly will pledge the following:
       Creation of new transfer pathways for students in STEM fields
       Collaboration on program development and delivery
       Promotion of STEM career opportunities
       Sharing of facilities, equipment, technology, and staff and faculty expertise
       Identification of resources to support STEM field education
       A commitment to expand access to education and opportunities in STEM fields for all state residents, across all regions of the state and all socio-economic groups
       Other initiatives in partnership with NH employers  
 
USNH and CCSNH have committed to efforts to increase, by 50percent, the number of STEM educated graduates by 2020 and double that number by 2025. The letter of was expected to be signed by the seven Community College presidents and four University System of NH presidents and the chancellors of both systems, with the participation of Governor John Lynch and representatives of industry and K-12 education.
 
While NH consistently ranks among the top 10 states in the percentages of adults with associates, bachelors and graduate degrees, the state is not as well-positioned in the percentages of post-secondary degree holders in science and engineering. In fact, the state ranks 30th nationally in the percentage of bachelor degree graduates in these critical areas. Moreover, the number of high school graduates in the state pipeline is declining and recent trends indicate the historical reliance on in-migration of highly educated workers cannot be sustained.
 
Many hiring officials say a greater number of people with STEM-related credentials and skills are needed in the workforce and job applicant pool. Businesses in advanced manufacturing and other industries have job openings available for engineers, scientists and skilled technicians but, an appropriately skilled supply of workers is not readily available. The immediate gap is being addressed by some innovative collaborative efforts between community college and university system institutions and individual businesses, such as with Albany Engineered Composites (Rochester) and Hypertherm (Lebanon) but there is a strong need to scale up these efforts and to address the long-term pipeline of skilled engineers, scientists and technicians available across a range of industries.