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Working professionals can balance full-time work with full-time college with Accelerated Lifelong Learning (ALL) degree and certificate support at Nashua Community College.
“ALL has helped tremendously by guiding me to the classes that I would need to achieve my degree, and classes that help me work toward my personal goals,” said Kelli, an ALL student pursuing her Business Management Associate Degree. “ALL’s 20-month programs make the process so easy. You can get your degree in a timely manner, which is what sold me!”
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ALL helps students map out a course schedule from start to finish that complements their life and work responsibilities. “At first, I was hesitant. I was afraid to take on multiple classes in a semester on top of my already busy world,” said Kelli. However, after meeting with ALL Coordinator Mackenzie Murphy to learn more about the program, Kelli decided to move forward.
Mackenzie guides students through every step of enrollment, as well as their progress through their degree or certificate. “Through ALL, we’ll work together to structure your schedule so you know exactly what to expect for your class time and homework each week,” said Mackenzie. Students enroll in accelerated classes on a staggered schedule, so they can complete four classes per semester while only taking two at any given time. See an example schedule online.
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“ALL has given me the opportunity to achieve my goal in a timely manner with wonderful guidance. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Kelli.
Aside from work, Kelli balances a busy home life with her husband, 13-year-old daughter, 16-year-old son and three dogs. “I am the main caretaker of the kids, so I do all the driving around. We just moved a little farther away so there is a lot of commuting. I also help take care of my mom.”
College staff will also help ALL students leverage existing credits and prior learning experience toward their degree or certificate, so they can get ahead fast.
“My goal was to first graduate from college, and second; get the education I need to be a well-rounded, productive, effective manager,” she said. “I am a supervisor right now, but I know there is always room for improvement. We can always do better.”
The program is easy to navigate, and ALL advisors are always available to answer questions. “There will be lots of work to do before I get there but I can see the finish line,” said Kelli. “There will never be a perfect time, so why not now?”
Students can choose accelerated pathways in Business Management, Data Analytics, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology. “You can complete an associate degree in 20 months, and a certificate in 10 months,” said Mackenzie, adding that some programs can be done in less time, “The ECE Lead Teacher Certificate can be done in a year and a half, and the ECE Associate Teacher Certificate can be completed in as little as 24 weeks.”
ALL prioritizes flexibility. Classes are available in the evenings, online, and Saturdays, and the Data Analytics Certificate is now 100 percent online, said Mackenzie, “We also have resources such as tutoring, and Reasonable Accommodation Plans for students seeking additional support.”
ALL is enrolling now for fall 2021. To learn more or apply, visit nashuacc.edu/all or contact ALL Program Coordinator Mackenzie Murphy at mmurphy@ccsnh.edu, or 603-931-9896.
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