Manchester students taking the ACCESS test this year will have a little help– In the form of delicious and fun snacks. It’s all thanks to a generous donation from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in what has become an annual gift.
“We want to create a positive atmosphere going into these tests and want to make sure students and staff feel supported,” says Assistant Vice President of Community Impact Steve Thiel.
The ACCESS test is administered to English Language Learners each year, and measures proficiency in English language development. This year, more than 2,000 students will participate in the test across all of the district’s 20 schools. SNHU has been providing treats for the students since 2023.
“This assessment is an annual requirement and includes four separate sections, making it a long and sometimes demanding experience for students,” says Executive Director of Multilingual Learner Education Wendy Perron. “The snacks help students recharge during testing. They are a positive incentive—something students look forward to every year.”
“It’s meant to just have something exciting going into a period of testing, which can always be heightened anxiety,” says Thiel. “We want the snacks and water bottles and other things to just be another tool in [the educators’] toolbox to create the right supportive environment.”
“This support sends a meaningful message to our students that their hard work is recognized and that our community is invested in their success,” says Perron.
For more information on ACCESS testing in New Hampshire, click here.