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Coming soon to NCC

By Lucille Jordan - Guest Columnist | Mar 23, 2019

Aside from our associate degree and certificate pathways, Nashua Community College hosts continuing education courses in design, technology, healthcare, and more. And the newest addition, Microsoft Imagine Academy, will offer a series of certificates, starting with a Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Excel.

Delivering trainings in Excel, and other Microsoft applications such as Access, Word and PowerPoint will only be the beginning. NCC instructors will have a broad selection of programs to offer once the academy is up and running. The Microsoft Imagine Academy library includes certificates in data science, IT infrastructure, and computer science. Students can test for the designation of a Microsoft Office Specialist or Microsoft Technology Associate in trainings like Access, Building Games, Introduction to Python, and Database Fundamentals.

College faculty will deliver face-to-face classroom training, and the Nashua Community College will serve as a certified testing site for anyone who completes their training, either online or on campus. CTE & Continuing Education Coordinator Samantha Belcourt is spearheading the academy’s implementation at the college, and says it is a great opportunity for credit and non-credit students.

“This connection with Microsoft will benefit our students, but it’s open for everyone,” said Samantha, adding students from the middle school level through high school can enroll in the academy. Businesses and educators can satisfy professional development requirements, and everyone who participates can benefit from the “Open Education Resource” textbook; a free downloadable PDF, which eliminates the need to purchase a book for the course.

For Nashua Community College students enrolled in a for-credit associate degree or certificate program, Microsoft Imagine Academy training can be incorporated into the curriculum where it makes the most sense such as business and data analytics programs. Students get the benefit of Microsoft training during their degree and certificate coursework, and are then eligible to test for the Microsoft certificate.

Non-credit students can jump right into a one to two-day weekend seminar on campus or online to prepare for the exam. As a certified “Certiport” testing center, faculty can proctor official Microsoft Imagine Academy exams at Nashua Community College, which will make it the only Certiport center in New Hampshire.

“It will give students that extra credential to make them standout. It’s especially helpful for entry-level employees, since it demonstrates your abilities, and it’s also a refresher on what’s new in Microsoft,” said Samantha. The launch date is to-be-announced, but anyone interested may contact Samantha to put down their names for the first wave of classes. Samantha Belcourt can be reached at SBelcourt@ccsnh.edu, 603.578.8943.

Another accelerated learning option begins in May, with Nashua Community College launching a two-week summer semester. The “Summer Turbo Term” will run May 13 – May 24 with courses such as music appreciation, public speaking, human relations, and more. Back-to-back 6-week accelerated semesters and a 12-week summer semester will also be available. Registration for summer courses begins Monday, March 25. Call admissions at 603.578.8908 with questions.

Lucille Jordan is president of Nashua Community College, located at 505 Amherst St., Nashua.

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