Seacoast School of Technology officials highlight dual enrollment, industry credentials

Pam Carr, principal of the Seacoast School of Technology, told the Exeter Region Cooperative School District board on Nov. 19 that dual enrollment and industry-recognized credentials are central to the program’s success.

“Last year, we had 434 student seats in college classes,” Carr said, and the district’s partnership with the Community College System of New Hampshire allows students to take up to two free dual-enrollment courses per year. She said many students leave SST with multiple college credits and industry credentials such as OSHA-10 that help them enter the workforce.

Carr said 774 students earned industry-recognized credentials last year and that many students earned more than one credential. She cited automotive and digital media programs as examples in which students graduate with multiple industry certifications.

The principal said Perkins federal grant funding helps cover credential costs that local budgets cannot, and those funds are allocated to regions by the state. “Perkins is a federal program… the state filters it through to all of the different CTE centers in New Hampshire,” Carr said, describing the grant application and allocation process.

Why it matters: Dual-enrollment credits and credentials can reduce college costs for students and provide direct pathways to careers. Board members praised SST’s open house turnout and noted the program’s recruitment benefits.

The presentation concluded with board members thanking SST staff and students for the open house and for providing hands-on experiences that help families understand career-technical options. The district will review any follow-up questions at upcoming meetings and at the budget workshop scheduled Dec. 3.