New Hampshire Department of Education, Granite Edvance and Xello Launch New Work-Based Learning Network
CONCORD, NH (April 15, 2025) — High school students throughout the state now have access to a powerful new tool to connect with real-world career opportunities – part of a continued partnership between the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED), Granite Edvance, and the college and career readiness platform Xello. With the launch of Xello’s work-based learning network in New Hampshire, students can explore internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, and other opportunities at local companies and connect directly with employers.
Xello is an online platform that integrates with school information systems and offers a library of career profiles, pre-built lessons, interactive assessments, a portfolio building tool, college search feature, and more. Already in use in many schools around the state, it was made available free of cost to all New Hampshire public schools last year, through an initiative funded by NHED and the statewide nonprofit Granite Edvance; Granite Edvance is also assisting high schools in adopting Xello.
“Xello really helped me narrow down careers I’m interested in,” said Ashtyn Chadburn, a junior at Littleton High School, one of 55 schools in the state now actively using Xello. “It’s a good way to connect with schools you’re interested in, too.”
The launch of the work-based learning module follows the successful statewide rollout of the Xello program over the past year and marks a continued commitment to advancing career readiness and workforce development for every student in the state.
“This work-based learning network will open new doors for students, empowering them to discover and pursue their future goals with confidence. We’re excited about the progress we’ve made in bringing Xello to our students,” said Commissioner Frank Edelblut of NHED.
“Funding this wonderful resource aligns with our mission of assisting students of all ages and backgrounds in navigating their future pathways,” said Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton. “We reach as many students as we can with our direct support, which includes in-school presentations, one-on-one appointments, webinars, and live events. By offering robust virtual support to students at all NH schools, Xello complements our work and opens doors to even more students.”
With the new work-based learning network, students can explore and find opportunities within a platform they’re already using and keep track of their experiences in a dynamic portfolio. Meanwhile, educators can easily manage and coordinate student experiences.
“Xello is excited to be a key part of this work-based learning network. The network will connect students with top industry professionals, giving them the experience, exposure, and skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.” said Matt McQuillen, Xello CEO, “We’re proud to partner with NHED and Granite Edvance on this important effort, and help shape the future of education and career readiness in New Hampshire.”
Mary Coleman, Internship Coordinator for the Littleton School District, said her students enjoy learning about career opportunities that they might not have considered. “I also like the fact that it appeals to all students. It’s not just for college-bound students,” she said.
In the Manchester School District, students have been planning their future pathways using Xello for the past three years. “The platform is really built to appeal to the student audience. It gives them choices, but they’re tailored to the students,” said Jillian Corey, Director of Career and College Pathway Development. “It’s also really user-friendly for the other stakeholders who are in the process.”
New Hampshire businesses interested in connecting with tomorrow’s workforce may visit New Hampshire’s Statewide Work-Based Learning Network | Powered by Xello. School districts and students may learn more by visiting Every New Hampshire Student Future Ready | Xello. More than 160 companies are already part of New Hampshire’s Student Work-Based Learning Program; visit Work-Based Learning Network to find a list of the participating companies.
About NHED: The New Hampshire Department of Education’s mission is to advance learner-centered opportunities that create bright futures. NHED is committed to delivering the resources and support that foster educational excellence and career readiness for students across the state. Learn more at education.nh.gov.
About Xello: Xello’s award winning and engaging college and career readiness platform empowers students to build personalized plans for success, offering interactive assessments, career exploration, and practical learning experiences that prepare them for the future. Explore more at xello.world.
About Granite Edvance: Granite Edvance (formerly the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, or the NHHEAF Network) is a New Hampshire nonprofit that supports New Hampshire students and their families through free career and higher-education counseling and resources, as well as through funding assistance including scholarships and competitive private student loans. Established in 1962, the organization rebranded as Granite Edvance in November 2023. The Granite Edvance Student Loan, as well as the EdvestinU Private Student Loan and the EdvestinU Refinance Loan, are loan products offered by Granite Edvance Corporation and may be funded by Granite Edvance Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills, member FDIC.
Link to the full press release
