New Granite Edvance Scholarships Support Full-Time Enrollment at Manchester Community College

A $25,000 gift from Granite Edvance helped more than 20 New Hampshire high school grads enroll full-time at Manchester Community College this fall.

CONCORD/MANCHESTER, NH, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A new scholarship launched by Granite Edvance, Manchester Community College (MCC), and the Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges inspired more than 20 recent high school graduates to enroll full-time at MCC this fall. Funded by a $25,000 donation from Granite Edvance, the scholarship is designed to ease financial barriers so students can carry 12 or more credits during their first semester.

“We know that students attending full-time are more likely to graduate within three years,” says MCC President Paul Beaudin. “We want to support students who feel they can successfully take 12 or more credits, but who might be held back by financial challenges.”

Scholarship recipients were selected through recommendations from area high schools based on financial need, academic standing, and intent to enroll at MCC. Scholarships of $750 – the approximate cost of one college course – were presented to students at high school awards ceremonies in May and June.

“Receiving the scholarship was a surprise and a great honor,” said Rowan Hebert, a Trinity High School graduate studying electrical technology at MCC. “I am grateful for the support and am excited to make the most of my time at MCC.”

"Receiving this scholarship has helped make college more affordable and allowed me to focus more on my education and my goal of pursuing a career in nursing,” said Deborah Mejia-Sorto, a Manchester High School West graduate who is studying liberal arts and pre-nursing at MCC. “I’m very grateful for the support because it has given me the opportunity to continue working toward a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives."
The scholarships are part of MCC’s new Momentum Scholarship program, created last spring in response to research showing that students who attend college full-time are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their degrees. Additional scholarships for students already enrolled at MCC were awarded from separate donations.

Granite Edvance’s donation reflects the nonprofit’s focus on college access and student success.

“Students who can fully engage in their education from the start have strong advantages in reaching their goals,” said Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton. “By reducing financial pressure, these scholarships can help students confidently take the next step toward earning a degree or credential.”

###

About Granite Edvance
Granite Edvance is a New Hampshire nonprofit that supports New Hampshire students and their families through free career and higher-education counseling and resources, as well as through funding assistance including scholarships and competitive private student loans. Established in 1962, the organization rebranded as Granite Edvance in November 2023. Granite Edvance Corporation offers private student loan products, including the Granite Edvance Student Loan, the EdvestinU Private Student Loan, the Granite Edvance Refinance Loan, the EdvestinU Refinance Loan, and the Granite Edvance Parent Loan. Loans offered by Granite Edvance Corporation may be funded by Granite Edvance Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills, member FDIC.

Kristen Quinn
Cookson
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok