CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council today proclaimed October as New Hampshire Goes to College Month. The proclamation encourages students, teachers, mentors and parents to explore educational opportunities at the state's postsecondary institutions.

"The demands of a changing economy require a highly skilled and educated workforce. Most new jobs require a college education. We must keep working to encourage more of our students to finish high school and go onto college," Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch issued the proclamation, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission, the New Hampshire College and University Council and the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation.

New Hampshire has 29 degree-granting intuitions offering wide variety of educational opportunities.

"More than 70,000 students are attending postsecondary programs this fall. We continue to support quality education for all New Hampshire students who want to continue their education," said Kathryn Dodge, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission.

As part of New Hampshire Goes to College Month, the New Hampshire College and University Council encourages students and families to attend open houses and events at all New Hampshire' s colleges and universities. The list of upcoming events in October is available at www.nhcuc.org. The Month is part of a larger College Is Possible campaign that will include workshops and parent programs at libraries and community organizations, along with Discover U, a series of early college awareness programs for eighth grade students and their parents.

Students can learn more about education opportunities in New Hampshire through the Postsecondary Education Commission, www.nh.gov/postsecondary, the College and University Council, www.nhcuc.org and the Higher Education Assistance Foundation, www.nhheaf.org .