CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch, joined by education officials and lawmakers, today announced a $1 million grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation to create a pilot after-school Extended Learning Opportunities program in four New Hampshire high schools.

“A high school education opens the door to opportunity for our students, that is why we are implementing a comprehensive state strategy to help more of our young people graduate,” Gov. Lynch said. “This grant will support our efforts to provide new ways to help students graduate and succeed.”

Last year, the state raised its compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18 and acted to expand alternative education opportunities across the state. This grants builds on those efforts.

Through the grant four pilot schools will allow high school students to earn credit toward high school graduation for learning accomplished outside of the classroom. The four pilot schools are Franklin High School, Laconia High School, Manchester Central High School and Newfound Regional High School in Bristol.

Two other schools - Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey and Oyster River High School in Durham - are observing the planning process with the intention of implementing the Extended Learning Opportunities initiative in the near future.