Working ahead
Nine New Hampshire high school students this month received both their high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. According to a press release, the students are the inaugural graduating class of Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies, a chartered public high school on the campus of Manchester Community College that opened in 2019. The school offers dual-credit programs with a focus on mechatronics, allowing high school students to receive an associate degree in advanced manufacturing from Manchester Community College the same year they graduate from high school. The graduates have already secured internships at prominent companies, according to the release.
QOL score: +1
Comment: Spark Academy plans to expand its offerings to include a degree program in bio fabrication, and openings for the upcoming academic year are still available.
Sustainable fun
Intown Concord, in partnership with New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, has set out to make Market Days, the largest annual festival in downtown Concord, a sustainable event. According to a press release, the festival, planned for June 22 through June 24, will feature initiatives to promote recycling, waste reduction and eco-conscious practices. Staffed recycling stations, reusable cups in the beer tent and vendor composting are among the key sustainability initiatives. Visit marketdaysfestival.com to learn more.
QOL score: +1
Comment: “By making Market Days a sustainable event, we hope to inspire other festivals, organizations, and individuals to adopt similar practices, creating a greener and more sustainable future for our community,” Intown Concord stated in the release.
We’re spendy
A recent study by Forbes Advisor that examined budgeting, debt management and financial planning across the 50 states revealed that New Hampshire ranked as the sixth least financially disciplined state. According to the study, only 56 percent of residents follow a budget that guides their spending; 22 percent regularly save a portion of their monthly income; 32 percent contribute to a retirement account; 26 percent usually achieve their financial goals, such as paying off student loans; and only 18 percent claim to possess high levels of financial discipline.
QOL score: -1
Comment: The study notes low unemployment as a possible factor in securing Alabama’s status as the most financially disciplined state, though interestingly, New Hampshire surpasses Alabama in that area, ranking third for unemployment, while Alabama ranks sixth.
QOL score: 76
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 77
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
Featured photo: Students at Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies. Courtesy photo.