Madelyn Hardy knows a good deal when she sees it. She enrolled at Great Bay Community College during her junior year of high school and is on track to graduate this spring—from both her high
school and from Great Bay.
The best part about it: She’ll get her college degree for free.
“Something that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it’s literally free schooling, and one less year of high school,” said Hardy, who enrolled through a partnership between the Community College System of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Career Academy.
NHCA is a chartered public school that integrates high school, college, and career preparation. Through a collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with local employers, students learn on college campuses, earn two degrees, and build the skills that open doors to higher education and meaningful careers.
Hardy is studying business administration because of her interest in the hospitality industry, and she hopes to be part of the event industry or continue her career working with luxury hotels.
Through a close collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with employers across the state, NHCA aligns education with opportunity. Students complete high school requirements while earning college degrees or industry credentials. They gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional confidence, preparing them to thrive in whatever comes next.
Hardy values her education and experience. The role of community at Great Bay has made a positive impression and impact on her life.
“The most useful ‘real-world’ skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education,” she said. “I really felt ‘rooted’ for by a professor when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.”
Why did you choose Great Bay? When do you anticipate graduating?
I chose to continue my schooling at Great Bay because it offered early college and free tuition through the NHCA. I plan to graduate Spring 2026!
Specifically, what attracted you to Great Bay? Did you know what you wanted to do and decided it was your best option compared to other schools?
Great Bay has a beautiful campus and was the closest community college to me that offered the program I was interested in. I didn’t even need to look at other schools, this automatically made sense for my situation.
Did you apply and enroll right out of high school? If so, what year did you graduate high school?
I enrolled my junior year of high school and started my freshman year of college early through the New Hampshire Career Academy my senior year. Through this program I graduate this year from high school and college!
What educational pathway are you pursuing at Great Bay Community College and why did you choose that path? In other words, what is your major and why?
I’m studying Business Administration with a big interest in the hospitality industry. I’ve taken many Hospitality courses as well as business courses. I hope to be a part of the event industry or continue working at luxury hotels.
What is something that surprised you about the program?
Something that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it’s literally free schooling, and one less year of high school.
What advice do you have for other students considering it?
Some advice I have for other students considering this program is to at least check it out. Everyone’s situation is different, but if you are willing to give up your senior year to get a kickstart on a career path, this is definitely a great option for you.
What is the most useful ‘real-world’ skill you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to get in a classroom?
The most useful “real world” skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education.
Can you tell us about a time you felt like a professor or staff member was truly ‘rooting’ for your success?
A time I really felt “rooted” for by a professor was when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.
Are there any other opportunities at Great Bay Community College that have been especially helpful to you?
The fitness center has been super nice to have as an option if you like to workout!