Great Bay Community College (GBCC) has been chosen as one of eight inaugural institutions to earn New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) Recognition for the quality of its non-credit programming. NECHE has been accrediting colleges and universities for over 125 years and began recognizing non-credit programs in 2025 in response to a growing need for quality
GBCC completed a rigorous evaluation and review process to earn the NECHE Recognition. The college submitted an evidence-based report using the NECHE Non-Credit Quality Assurance Framework and opened its doors for a peer review site visit. The Non-Credit Recognition Committee then reviewed GBCC and made recommendations.
“We are honored to be in the first cohort of colleges recognized by NECHE for our excellence in non-credit education,” said Dr. Cheryl Lesser, president of GBCC. “GBCC’s non-credit programs provide quick, accessible skills development that play a critical role in addressing New Hampshire’s workforce challenges.”
GBCC provides education and training in high-demand fields, including professional and technical disciplines, culinary arts, and healthcare. The Center also works with area businesses to develop customized corporate training tailored to their needs. Funding for training is available through the WorkInvest program for employers that qualify.
“We believe that programs without traditional academic credit should meet the highest standards of educational excellence. We pursued the rigorous process for NECHE Recognition to raise the bar for the entire skills-based training sector,” explained Lynn Szymanski, the director of Workforce Development at GBCC.
For more information about GBCC’s workforce training and non-credit courses, visit www.greatbay.edu/business-community/business-training-center