Bow High School, one of the top ranked public schools in New Hampshire, offers many extracurricular clubs and programs for their students. One of the most popular programs is called “Concord Regional Technical Center,” but is commonly referred to as CRTC. Enrolling almost seven hundred public, private and home schooled students from nine different towns, CRTC is an extremely popular program in the Concord area. While typically meant for juniors and seniors, some underclassmen are also able to participate in its programs, though most don’t know much about it. What really is CRTC, you ask? Let's dive into the facts!

Beginning in 1980, the CRTC program has helped thousands of students in the Concord area. Located at Concord High School, it offers eleven available programs/career pathways, from Criminal Justice to Emergency Services. CRTC’s motto is “Be Prepared to Stand Out.” The program gives students a competitive edge on their peers, giving them a jump start on their career path, including career and college pathway guidance. Students enrolled in the program can earn up to sixteen college credits, as well! This CRTC advantage gives students a step up; it provides them readiness for the real world. This remarkable exposure also boosts students' confidence, and prepares them for real-life events. The competitive edge CRTC guarantees their students can really help high school students facing big decisions following senior year. It will unequivocally make the process less stressful!

How does CRTC make preparing for college easier? First off, teachers specifically teach their students how to get started with their college search, and how to recognize suitable colleges for them. Amazingly, students have the tremendous ability to earn up to sixteen college credits. With this, CRTC presents unbelievable potential, and a terrific leg up heading into college. “Running Start” courses are offered to every CRTC student for $150, not including financial aid. College level credentials, syllabus and course material are used with every class. There is also an “Early College” program. This offers students the ability to take courses at NH Community College for only half the tuition rate rising seniors would pay! With this course being offered on-campus, it gives students the feel for college, and the opportunity to understand what college is actually like, while still receiving all the support the high school has to offer. Overall, not only are you more prepared for college, but CRTC gives their students the ability to go directly into advanced college classes from the start.

Sounds interesting? Well, applying is an easy task! All that is needed is to talk to a guidance counselor, or search the website online (thecrtc.org). There is an application to fill out, and spots fill up fast, so don’t hesitate! The requested deadline for applications for next year is February 18th. The application requires an essay that answers three questions. Not a great writer? Struggled with classes in the past? No need to worry. CRTC focuses on the student you can be, not on the student you’ve been. 

“All students exceed at the CRTC,” Steve Rothenberg, the Principal at CRTC states. 

He says CRTC does not discriminate against any student for any reason. His goal is to present students with a unique opportunity that can help change their lives, no matter their academic abilities. 

Many upperclassmen here at BHS partake in this exciting experience, and most of them report their experiences have been both enjoyable and beneficial. 

Junior Austin Bouch, a student at Bow High School, is enrolled in the Automotive Technology career pathway. He’s loved his experience so far.

“The teachers have been really nice. They definitely respect you a lot, and they teach you almost anything you can think of when it comes to automotive. I’ve definitely gotten a lot out of them.” 

Junior Eric Goodwin chimed in as well. 

“It’s been really fun, having an experience where you can do something you're interested in with your friends, while also having the ability to learn.”

Both Bouch and Goodwin are starting varsity players on the Bow High School football team. Managing sports and school with CRTC has been easy for them. Goodwin stated, “It’s honestly been pretty easy to manage. We haven’t had any homework for it, everything is done in the classroom with our teacher.” 

Eleven different career pathways are available in the CRTC program. But what happens in the classroom? What do you do? CRTC is remarkably unique. Students engage in real life scenarios, practice the skills they are learning in and outside of the classroom, work side-by-side with someone in their respective industry, and even bring students on field trips to different colleges across New England. This unique, authentic education develops skills for industry exposure and experience, and provides career-readiness most upperclassmen will never gain.

Bow High School is fortunate to have such a fantastic program made available to them. If you’re looking for an innovative, exciting learning opportunity, don’t delay. Take advantage of what CRTC has to offer by applying today!