Cora Shaklee of Brookline recently received her high school diploma and Associate’s degree in math from Nashua Community College through the Early College program sponsored by the Community College System of New Hampshire. Courtesy photo

Like many of their classmates, Cora Shaklee of Brookline and Katiana Berry of Litchfield, recently celebrated their high school graduations — unlike many of their classmates, they also celebrated graduating from college.

Originally homeschooled, Shaklee reached a point where her proficiency in math exceeded the curriculum. This prompted her to enroll at Nashua Community College through the Early College program sponsored by the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Shaklee said she knew about Early College as her older siblings had taken the same path.

She began with online courses in pre-calculus and humanities and progressed to taking traditional classes on campus.

“Early College is a great way to try college out with just one or two classes at a time,” said Shaklee. “It is so much better than getting to a four-year college and learning that college isn’t for you.”

Katiana Berry of Litchfield recently received her high school diploma and associate teacher certificate in early childhood education from Nashua Community College through the Early College program sponsored by the Community College System of New Hampshire. Courtesy photo

During her time at NCC, Shaklee maintained a 4.0 grade point average and received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence at graduation last month.

With an Associate’s degree in math, she will be attending Plymouth State University in the fall and plans to double major in math and meteorology. In addition, the credits Shaklee earned at NCC will satisfy the core requirements at Plymouth State, making it possible for her to graduate in two years.

“Early College really helps with the cost of education between the free and half-price classes and the ability to transfer credits,” said Shaklee. “It is also really helpful to have more flexibility to pursue your interests if you do go to a four-year college.”

Berry, another product of the Early College program, recently graduated from Campbell High School with both her diploma and an associate teacher certificate in early childhood education from NCC.

She was able to complete the requirements for her certificate by taking online courses while still a senior in high school.

“Sometimes it was a lot, but that’s what you have to do,” said Berry.

Berry learned about Early College from Julie Green, the library media specialist at Campbell. Green knew that Berry was already working at a childcare center in Manchester and wanted to pursue early childhood education after high school.

In addition, Berry received grants that covered nearly all of her Early College expenses.

“I received my ECE associate teacher certificate for free, Early College is a great program,” she said.