New programs added to Learn Everywhere platform

CONCORD, NH — Expanding its growing list of educational opportunities throughout the Granite State, six new programs have been approved by the State Board of Education for the Learn Everywhere portfolio in recent months – a unique platform that captures learning taking place outside of the typical school setting. 

Laconia Flight Academy/Sky Bright Aviation in Gilford is offering a new Learn Everywhere program for high school students interested in flight training experience that aims to produce highly skilled and safe pilots. 

“Working to earn a private pilot license can be very time consuming and only a couple of New Hampshire high schools and Career & Technical Centers have any type of aviation career training,” said Lee Avery, owner of Laconia Flight Academy. “The New Hampshire Department of Education’s Learn Everywhere program allows students to earn high school credit for learning they do outside of the traditional classroom.”

Laconia Flight Academy will be offering two courses that are a combination of ground school and flight activities to learn and improve skills, which both include time spent in the air. Students that successfully complete the Private Pilot License Course or the Instrument Flight Rating Course will be awarded a certificate for credit as an open elective to be applied toward meeting public high school graduation requirements. 

Another newly approved Learn Everywhere program, Elements MMA of Keene, is a mixed martial arts studio with a mission to empower its community with practical martial arts training in a safe and all-inclusive environment.

“Many high school students may prefer to do martial arts, strength training and yoga in an off-school environment rather than attending typical (physical education) classes,” said Arian Deihim, Elements MMA owner and instructor. “As Keene’s first ever Learn Everywhere program, Elements is an ideal place for teens to get supplemental education that will bring them one step closer to earning their degree.”

Elements MMA is offering its Teen Mixed Martial Arts course, which is designed to instill confidence, body awareness and valuable life skills in a supportive space. This requires a minimum of 24 hour-long classes focused on technique, control, respect and teamwork.

Other Learn Everywhere programs that have been approved in recent months include: 

• UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Goffstown is offering its Equine Vocational Training Program. It includes 72 hours of structured experiential learning focusing on hard and soft skills needed to work in the animal care industry. Students will learn how to safely work with and around horses, basic barn work, emergency care of equines and facility maintenance.
• Izzit.org is offering students its Career Readiness curriculum for a .5 credit in financial literacy. Izzit.org also offers a civics element as well, which was adopted earlier.
• Strive2Write of Atkinson is issuing certificates for credit in Narrative Reading and Writing, Argument Reading and Writing, Informational Reading and Writing, and Creative Expressions to be applied toward meeting high school graduation requirements in English.
• Nashua Community Music School is offering certificates for credit for its Music Recording I and II courses to be applied toward meeting requirements in art education. 

“We know how important it is for students to be engaged in their learning, and the Learn Everywhere program is the perfect platform for children to explore academics through a hand-on, unique approach that feeds their passion for different interests,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “These new Learn Everywhere programs are a fantastic addition to our growing assortment of options designed to inspire high school youth.” 
 
There are now 25 active Learn Everywhere programs being offered in New Hampshire. Launched in 2018, Learn Everywhere allows students to earn credit while learning outside of the traditional classroom. The program is a unique approach to learning that multiplies educational experiences for students in support of local schools.