DURHAM — City Year New Hampshire alumni interested in earning their master’s degree in education could obtain a significant scholarship through a new partnership with the University of New Hampshire.

City Year New Hampshire is an education-focused, nonprofit organization that unites young adults for a year of full-time service to keep younger students in school to graduation.

Starting this summer, UNH distribute $13,500 a year in scholarships, the equivalent of one year of graduate tuition, to be divided among up to three City Year New Hampshire members, who have completed at least one year of service.

The scholarship will be applied to the member’s first year in graduate programs in the UNH Department of Education.

“Many of the qualities that draw people to City Year are the qualities we want to see in our teachers. This partnership supports our broader interests in teacher education to expand the notion of teacher education beyond the schools by preparing our graduates to be community leaders,” Tom Schram, associate professor of education and director of teacher education at UNH, said in a statement.

The partnership extends beyond the scholarships. All City Year alumni are eligible to receive course equivalency for up to three graduate courses, based on documentation. UNH also is working with City Year to ensure its professional development offerings are in line with competencies required for teaching certification in the state.

“UNH’s investment in City Year graduates will not only help to provide the formal education and training our alumni need to become outstanding teachers, but it also ensures a pipeline of future educators that are committed to making New Hampshire schools and communities the best they can be,” Ted Wing, recruitment director for City Year New Hampshire, said.

Judy Sharkey, associate professor and associate director of teacher education for UNH, said they have always been invested in the urban education mission in the state, particularly in Manchester.

“We know with a changing population, it’s a special kind of teacher that is going to be effective in our urban schools,” Sharkey said.

She said the young people attracted to City Year are enthusiastic and want to make a difference.

“It is those folks that don’t necessarily think about being teachers, but those are the kind of people we would like to attract into teaching,” Sharkey said.

UNH welcomed its first City Year alumni, Jacob Goodwin of Conway, into the program last month, with an expected master’s program completion date of fall 2013. Goodwin said his goal is to make a positive impact on public education in the state.

“Having come through the public school system here, and having worked with City Year in Manchester, I know the importance of quality educational opportunities,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin received his bachelor’s degree in history from UNH, where he minored in education.

As a City Year member, Goodwin has been working in Manchester’s Beech Street Elementary School.

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Gretyl Macalaster may be reached at gmacalaster@newstote.com.