For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Raymond Reach High Scholars Program Receives $5,000 Grant from New Hampshire Electric Co-op Foundation

RAYMOND — Superintendent Tina McCoy is pleased to announce that a local nonprofit organization, Reach High Scholars Program (RHSP), which benefits Raymond district students, recently received a $5,000 grant from the New Hampshire Electric Co-op Foundation (NHEC).

The Reach High Scholars Program encourages students in Raymond to “reach higher” in their educational pursuits than what they imagined possible. At no cost to taxpayers or the school district, RHSP offers a range of intellectually enriching and college-readiness programs at very low prices. Students can also apply for further cost reductions based on financial need. RHSP is also actively looking to expand its programming to neighboring communities.

Over the past 11 years since RHSP was founded, 53 Raymond students involved in the program have attended highly competitive colleges with first-class educational opportunities. Former RHSP students have also received more than $7 million in scholarships and need-based grants.

“We are so thankful to NHEC for choosing to support the Reach High Scholars Program, an organization that has made an incredible difference for young people in our community for more than a decade,” Superintendent McCoy said. “This program helps students challenge themselves, choose the right college for their goals and seek out the financial assistance they may need to attend that school. By supporting this program, NHEC has helped many, many students succeed.”

This is the third consecutive year NHEC has supported the RHSP, and this year’s grant will support PSAT and SAT boot camps the program offers to local students. RHSP is among the organizations that offer the most standardized test preparation available at any public high school in northern New England. These courses have averaged over 30 students per year. They are conducted by Academic Approach, a national test-prep organization.

The funds from NHEC will also support Raymond Roundtables, a summer academic enrichment program for seventh, eighth and ninth grade students. Based on Phillips Exeter Academy’s renowned Harkness teaching method, the Raymond Roundtables provide student-centered, collaborative learning that encourages students to listen to differing viewpoints and explore the full potential of their academic and intellectual abilities. Since its creation in 2010, more than 300 students have participated in Raymond Roundtables. During the past two years, 16 students have also participated from the neighboring towns of Epping, Derry, Fremont and Sandown.

Additionally, the grant will help offset costs associated with college visits, which helps students familiarize themselves with the campus curriculum and staff.

ABOUT THE NHEC FOUNDATION

The NHEC Foundation provides grants to non-profit and charitable organizations throughout NHEC’s service territory. Since 2006, the Foundation has granted more than $3 million to organizations throughout NHEC’s service area. The work of the Foundation is made possible thanks to NHEC members who round up their electric bill each month. To learn more about the NHEC Foundation and the Round Up Program, visit www.nhec.com/nhec-foundation/.

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