Concord, NH- The annual NHHEAF Network Organizations' "NH Goes to College" Campaign was launched on October 2 at Barnstead Elementary School in Barnstead, NH with sixty-five fifth grade students, accompanied by parents, students and teachers wearing college sweatshirts and gear. Each year, by gubernatorial proclamation, October is declared "NH Goes to College" Month in recognition of the importance of education beyond high school to the success of youth in NH. It also recognizes the diverse and vibrant opportunities for higher education in New Hampshire.

The Barnstead students participated in an interactive college awareness program, created by the Organizations' Center for College Planning (CCP). Donned in his Georgetown Lacrosse jacket, school Principal, Tim Rice, kicked off the program by talking about the importance of a college education and relaying some of the memories he had from his own experiences in college. President & CEO of the NHHEAF Network Organizations, René A. Drouin, recalled memories of his two children attending college. He reminded parents that these early years are critical and that it is never too early to start thinking about the future.

The event concluded with a visit from the Organizations' mascot, the College Planning Bear, and an opportunity for the students to ask the college counselors from the CCP department questions about their college experiences. College counselor, Rich Nielsen, responded to a question about living on campus by sharing, "College can be hard; no one is there to tell you when to do your homework, clean your room or go to class. But it is also rewarding because you gain independence and get to make decisions for yourself." Other students were curious about the menu in the cafeteria, the range of majors available at different schools and whether pets were allowed to live in dorms. Students received brightly colored backpacks filled with materials related to achieving future goals through education.

This event is the first in a series of "NH Goes to College" days that will happen in fifth grade classrooms throughout the State. This program is just one of many sponsored by the Organizations in support of its mission to promote preparation and education beyond high school and to spread awareness and provide resources to New Hampshire citizens planning for higher education. CCP has also created numerous online resources such as the interactive Web site especially for middle school students, www.NHCollegeClub.com. For "NH Goes to College" materials for your classroom or to learn more about the program, contact the Center for College Planning at 1.888.7.GRADUATE x 119 or visit www.nhheaf.org/events.asp.

The NHHEAF Network Organizations are comprised of four 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide students and families with the resources and funding to pursue higher education aspirations. Funds generated by the Organizations make their charitable mission possible as student loan earnings are reinvested in programs and services that benefit citizens of New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.nhheaf.org.

Posted 10/14/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.