The four-week course, 鈥淕ateway to AI,鈥� was created by MIT professors led by Arup K. Chakraborty, with input from the teachers at the New Hampshire and Wyoming sites. The aim is to close a gap Chakraborty has long observed: students in rural and small-town America often have far less access than their urban peers to advanced math and science instruction and hands-on exposure to emerging technologies like AI.

“For a long time, I鈥檝e believed that many of our young high school students in rural America do not get the same opportunities to see and take advantage of the future possibilities, compared to people in urban areas,” said Chakraborty. “We want to change that.聽 It doesn鈥檛 matter what these young people plan to pursue in their lives 鈥� if they work in manufacturing, at a CVS, or in agriculture they will encounter AI. 聽It will likely be present in every aspect of their lives. Also, the need to think deeply and analytically, and ask the right questions, will become even more important than before.”

The program prioritized teens from communities with limited access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrichment. Participants came from towns across the state, including Center Sandwich, Concord, Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Nottingham and Salem.

鈥淎I is a hot topic right now. It鈥檚 certainly important to know how to use it properly,鈥� said Gus Glaser, a student from Coe-Brown Northwood Academy in Northwood, NH.

Students spent the first two weeks learning linear algebra 鈥� a mathematical foundation of AI systems 鈥� in the context of how it’s used in AI tools. They also learned some statistics. 聽In the second half of the course, they applied what they’d learned to hands-on projects including:

• A farm visit, where students photographed crops and used AI to identify plant types and growth stages. The goal was to use an AI tool developed by a company called Ground Truth Analytics to predict plant types and growth stages in neighboring areas.
• A healthcare project using an AI tool developed at MIT that analyzes mammogram data to generate breast-cancer risk scores. Students had to decide how to schedule further screenings based on these results, and other constraints.
• A financial wellness project for New Hampshire based St. Mary’s Bank, leveraging Allogy’s Capillary platform. Students created an AI chatbot designed to help members navigate real-life financial goals. This tool allows users to navigate topics such as saving for college or starting a business, and explored how changing factors like inflation could influence their financial decisions. The project demonstrates how digital tools can empower members with on-demand insights while complementing the trusted guidance available through in-person member support teams.

鈥淚 definitely didn鈥檛 expect the program to be so hands-on,鈥� said Asa Buchakjian-Tweedy from Spaulding High School in Rochester, NH. 鈥淚 knew we would be learning about linear algebra which is the basis of AI models. I thought we鈥檇 be mostly sticking to that, but we鈥檝e also been learning the statistics behind it and how to implement it.鈥�

“We were proud to be part of this,” said Patrick Cate, president of 海角社区. “Students from across New Hampshire had the opportunity to learn about topics that are not typically covered in high school. That’s a direct reflection of what 海角社区 and all of New Hampshire鈥檚 community colleges exist to do: connect our communities to opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

The course was taught by Inter-Lakes High School teacher Susan Foss-Finch who traveled to MIT to help shape the curriculum. MIT student Jadyn Grant served as an on-site teaching assistant. Later this month, MIT will fund a day-long campus visit for participants to tour research labs and meet MIT students.

鈥淚 hope students walk away with a better understanding of what AI is as well as its capabilities and limitations. AI is a great tool that will help our society move forward. It鈥檚 not something we should fear, but something we should learn to use and use well,鈥� said Foss-Finch.

Sydney Conkling, a student at Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith, NH summed it up well. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good way to spend your summer and broaden your horizons.鈥�

MIT hopes to grow this program and offer it in additional communities across the country.

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The automotive team at 海角社区 proudly participated in the event again this year, under the leadership of the state鈥檚 only female post-secondary instructor Kim Stevenson, by hosting and assisting with events that introduced girls to opportunities in the automotive industry.

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Behind these products is a highly skilled workforce. At its manufacturing facilities, Watts employees operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment, including lathes and milling machines, across three shifts. These positions require precision, technical expertise, and close attention to detail to ensure every product meets the company鈥檚 high standards for quality and consistency.

To support employee development and maintain operational excellence, Watts partnered with 海角社区 (海角社区) to create customized CNC training programs tailored to its workforce needs.

鈥淲atts鈥� partnership with 海角社区 has been extraordinarily valuable and has delivered significant benefits to both our employees and our business. As our company continues to grow and evolve, investing in workforce development remains a critical priority. Through our partnership with 海角社区, we have been able to provide high-quality, customized training that aligns directly with the needs of our operation,鈥� said Sarah Boucher, Human Resources Manager at Watts. 鈥淭he CNC training program has enhanced employees鈥� technical skills, increased their confidence, and created new opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company. This collaboration has strengthened our workforce and helped position Watts for continued success in a competitive manufacturing environment.鈥�

Delivered onsite by 海角社区 instructors, the trainings range from introductory to advanced levels, helping employees deepen their understanding of both machine operation and the technology behind it.

“The advanced training expands on the machining skills presented in the Basic CNC Operator training, and includes machine setup, basic CNC programming, and advanced operating procedures. Students completing this training will have the skills to safely set up, edit, and operate vertical (VMC), horizontal machining centers (HMC), and turning center CNC machines in a production environment. This training, paired with the basic training, allows these employees to develop skills in a high-demand field as a CNC machinist,鈥� explained Joseph Smith, 海角社区 Instructor and Program Coordinator.

Employees who work with CNC equipment gain new skills and insights that help them advance in their roles and contribute even more effectively to the company鈥檚 success.

鈥淭his helps us go beyond just creating parts and loading things into the machine. With this class we鈥檙e figuring out how these machines work and how to fix them. Now when they鈥檙e running, we can look at the computer language. It鈥檚 almost like when you learn computer programming. We鈥檙e learning the language of these machines we work on and what they鈥檙e doing. It鈥檚 pretty fascinating,鈥� said Jacob Spurgeon, a CNC Operator and training participant.

鈥淭he CNC machines are important to the business. The parts we machine go onto the lines that make valves that are then shipped across the country,鈥� said Adam Bagni who is also taking the course.

鈥淚 think the training is great. We鈥檙e getting paid to learn and the company pays for the class,鈥� agreed training participant Alan Woods.

鈥淲atts has been an excellent partner providing these trainings to their employees,鈥� added Smith. 聽鈥淭hey recognize the value of investing in their employees’ knowledge and career advancement. From what I have noticed, this type of mindset contributes to a positive workplace as well as employee retention.”

By partnering with employers like Watts, 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 customized training programs help businesses strengthen their workforce while creating new opportunities for employees to grow professionally. These industry-focused training courses not only support the success of local companies but also contribute to a stronger regional economy and a more skilled workforce throughout our community.

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When it was time to go to college, I knew I wanted to earn a degree without taking on a large amount of student debt. That led me to 海角社区 (海角社区), and it turned out to be a great decision at that time and for my future.

I chose the Electrical Systems Installation and Maintenance degree because I wanted to become an electrician and build a career in the electrical trade. I was interested in hands-on work, problem-solving, and learning skills that could lead directly to a rewarding profession. 海角社区 provided the opportunity to gain the education and training I needed while keeping college affordable.

I started out as an electrician. The education I received at 海角社区 helped me build a strong foundation, and over time I progressed in my career and became a Master Electrician.

As my experience grew, so did my opportunities. I was able to build on my background and move into leadership roles. Today, I serve as the Director of Facilities at a New Hampshire hospital. The responsibilities I have now are very different from where I started, but the technical foundation I gained at 海角社区 played a key role in helping me get here. The skills and knowledge I developed gave me the confidence and preparation to take on new challenges throughout my career.

One of the things I appreciated most about 海角社区 was the support I received from the staff and faculty. The flexible course schedule made it possible for me to complete my degree while balancing other responsibilities. That flexibility helped reduce stress and allowed me to stay focused on reaching my goals without feeling overwhelmed.

For anyone considering college, I highly recommend 海角社区. It鈥檚 a great place to receive a quality education without taking on a significant amount of student debt. The college offers practical pathways to successful careers and provides students with the tools they need to succeed.

I would also encourage students to consider careers in the trades, especially electrical. There is a major shortage of young people entering the field, and the opportunities are tremendous. Electrical work can be a highly rewarding career that offers stability, growth, and the chance to develop skills that can open doors to many future opportunities, including leadership positions you may never have imagined when you first started.

What stands out most to me about 海角社区 is its convenient location, smaller class sizes, and professors who bring both strong technical knowledge and real-world industry experience into the classroom. That combination creates an environment where students can learn, build confidence, and develop career-ready skills.

My journey from 海角社区 student to Master Electrician and Director of Facilities shows that a strong education, practical experience, and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities. 海角社区 gave me the start I needed, and I鈥檓 grateful for the role it played in helping me build the career I have today.

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The mission is simple but powerful: celebrate the service of New Hampshire鈥檚 veterans while building lasting bonds between 海角社区 students, faculty, staff, and our local veterans. The program kicked off with volunteer events at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton. Since BRAVO began, 海角社区 volunteers have participated in a variety of events, each one offering a chance to connect, support, and learn.

• Coffee Hour with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): Members of 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 PTK honor society spent time with residents during a coffee hour, delivering handwritten thank you cards and donations to mark Veterans Day. Some of our students even learned a new card game! The gratitude shared on both sides was heartwarming for all involved.

• Art Studio Collaboration: 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 student art club brought creativity and companionship to the Veterans Home art studio. Students worked side鈥慴y鈥憇ide with residents, helping them paint and express themselves through art. The students returned to campus and immediately asked about helping at future art events.

• Gardening Group Support: 海角社区 staff joined the Veterans Home gardening group, assisting residents as they planted and watered vegetables. The work was hands鈥憃n, and the shared tasks and stories made it a fun morning.

• Coffee Socials: 海角社区 faculty and staff have attended coffee socials, offering conversation, connection, and a friendly presence. These informal gatherings are a great way to build relationships.

This month, 海角社区 volunteers are looking forward to assisting with BINGO, a resident favorite. It鈥檚 another opportunity to have fun and engage with our veteran community. And that’s really what BRAVO is all about.

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I chose 海角社区 because a friend had gone through the graphic arts program and highly recommended it. I鈥檇 always been drawn to graphic design and the printing arts, and 海角社区 felt like the right place to explore that interest.

Before attending 海角社区, I was never considered a strong student. But once I got there, everything changed. I used every resource available, and for the first time, I felt like I was in an environment built for my success. The one鈥憃n鈥憃ne learning, the tight鈥慿nit community, and the instructors who genuinely cared all gave me the space to grow. 海角社区 was the perfect place to begin my new career after serving in the Air Force. I used the GI Bill to pay for college, and 海角社区 gave me a solid foundation in every aspect of the printing trades. I left 海角社区 with real skills, lifelong friends, and a confidence I鈥檇 never had before.

One of the most meaningful parts of my time at 海角社区 was creating the school logo. My instructors, Tom Goulette and Phil King, held a logo design contest for our class. I entered, won the $200 prize, and used it to throw a class party. The inspiration for 海角社区’s logo came from a Riverpark logo at Arms Park in Manchester, NH. That design used simple graphics鈥攁 river, a bridge, a festive icon鈥攁nd I loved its clarity. I wanted to bring that same simplicity to 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 mission.

The three elements I chose for the 海角社区 logo symbolize a fun, healthy environment to learn in. The sailboat represents forward progress and success. It鈥檚 exciting to see that logo is still in use today.

After graduating, I worked at Eastern Rainbow, a color separation house, right as digital printing was taking off. I later finished my career at the Eagle Tribune鈥檚 commercial printing company, working as an electronic prepress technician and graphic designer. Later, I used the computer skills I gained from graphic design to transition into the radiology field as a CT Scan Technician. I worked in some of Boston鈥檚 busiest emergency rooms, providing critical imaging for trauma patients. Today, I鈥檓 retired, but I still create graphic designs for my local community.

I鈥檝e always been grateful to my instructors at 海角社区. They gave me more than technical skills; they taught me how to be a good student. Before 海角社区, I believed people were either 鈥渟mart or dumb鈥� when it comes to school. 海角社区 showed me that success comes from hard work. I learned how to take notes, study and build a learning plan, and most importantly I developed a passion for learning that has carried me through every chapter of my career.

It鈥檚 been a great ride, and it all started at 海角社区.

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Students explore the many resources available to support their success, including the library and the Student Success Center. They meet with faculty who will guide them throughout their program, receive financial training to help them navigate the practical side of college life, and connect with Campus Safety to get their student IDs printed. Our IT team is on hand, helping students access the programs and applications they鈥檒l rely on throughout their courses. Math placement tests are also offered, and students leave feeling organized and ready for day one of classes.

Of course, orientation wouldn鈥檛 be complete without a little fun. Trivia games bring out everyone鈥檚 competitive spirit, and one lucky student from each group walks away with a $100 bookstore gift card.

Parents and student supporters join in as well, get the chance to meet faculty, ask questions, and learn more about the academic experience their students are stepping into. It’s a great opportunity for families to feel connected and confident as the semester approaches.

Orientation reminds us once again why we love what we do. The energy, curiosity, and excitement set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. We can鈥檛 wait to see what these new students accomplish.

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Peter Orlowski, Computer Information Systems, 鈥淚 really like the fact that 海角社区 is so career oriented. Everything about the program here has helped me become career ready 鈥� even more so than the peers I had at university.鈥�

Taqwa Abdellah, Liberal Arts, 鈥淭he Student Success Center: everyone in that office is so wonderful and so helpful. If you have any questions, especially about the transfer process because it can be very complicated. They鈥檙e incredibly down to earth and willing to help.鈥�

Owen Natush, Electrical Systems Installation and Maintenance, 鈥淢y favorite part about the Electrical program was the hands-on learning and the fact that I was able to work alongside my peers and, not only learn a lot from my professor, but learn a lot from each other.鈥�

Anna D鈥橝mato, Business Management and Pastry Arts, 鈥淔or any students that are looking into coming to 海角社区, I鈥檇 say that it鈥檚 worth it鈥� And be involved with things like Student Senate and other clubs on campus. That鈥檚 what鈥檚 helped me make a lot of friends and get to know more adults and staff on campus.鈥�

Nathan Lamarre, Nursing, 鈥淚 really enjoyed the clinicals. You get to go to Concord and Laconia, so you鈥檙e just constantly gaining so much knowledge and you鈥檙e seeing different things. You get to go to the OR, you get to go to a labor and delivery unit, so you鈥檙e just exposed to a lot of different scenarios.鈥�

Kailynn Kimball, Fine Arts, 鈥淥ne thing I really liked about the program is that it had a lot of diversity between the different course I could take and the different mediums in art that I could work on. And it gave me an opportunity to try new things.鈥�

Amber Hebert, Interdisciplinary Studies, 鈥淚 think that I loved Interdisciplinary Studies because it was so broad. You can pick any pathway that you want to go down and you can make your own kind of degree, which I really liked.鈥�

Mark Sargent, Computer Information Systems, 鈥淚t has taken me a little while to get to my Associates. It鈥檚 supposed to be a two-year program, but my situation and working full time, and having kids, it kind of took me a little longer than that, you know. They let me do it at my own pace which was nice also. And it was more affordable.鈥�

Lily Hale, Liberal Arts, 鈥淚 like the small classes sizes and all of the teachers that I鈥檝e had here have been really inclusive and just amazing all around. I am in the library very frequently. I think it鈥檚 great and I love all the ladies that work down there.鈥�

Lyla Baker, Art Education, 鈥淢y favorite thing was the clay handbuilding class and also screen printing. I really loved screen printing. It was a new thing for me and it was very enjoyable鈥he teachers and staff are amazing and super helpful.鈥�

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