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- Credit for Prior Learning
Work experience, military training, language fluency, and other credentials could get you closer to a college degree than you think! - Competency-Based Education (CBE)
NECC is leading the way forward with CBE, putting the focus on the skills you master, versus time spent learning. - What Can I Do With This Major?
Explore how NECC certificate and degree programs prepare you for a variety of career paths.
News
NECC Newsroom
The Clerc Center’s REAL Project Expands with New Regional Center at NECC to Strengthen Early Language Access
Haverhill, MA (April 2, 2026) — The Clerc Center’s Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) Project has announced the establishment of a new regional center, REAL-East, at Northern Essex Community College. The center will operate...
Student Journalists Win Three Regional Awards
Haverhill, MA (March 31, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College student journalists from the NECC Observer recently won three awards from The New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) in the college division of the...
NECC Announces Plans for 2026 Commencement
Haverhill, MA (March 30, 2026)– Planning for the 64th annual Commencement Ceremony at Northern Essex Community College is underway. The event will be held on the Haverhill Campus on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m....
NECC Spotlight
The Commons
The Commons is student gathering space designed to help you connect, recharge, and thrive. Find us at both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses!
Stories of Us
The stories behind
Northern Essex Students, Faculty, and Staff
Pedro Rentas, SGA President ’24-25
“More than 47% in our community college are Hispanic students, the majority are from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and now the president is also Dominican. This is a door that now is open for more people like me to continue an inclusive and diverse environment.” Meet Pedro
Brian MacKenna-Rice & Lisa Fabbri-Lopez
“We work out in the field. And we learn that anybody can talk about this, but this is about behavior and what are you doing about it?” reflects MacKenna-Rice. “Let’s not just pretend it’s a philosophy book. Let’s understand it’s about life and human beings.” Meet Lisa & Brian
Caitlin Little, ’25-26 Newman Civic Fellow
“As a Newman Civic Fellow, I look forward to growing within a network of changemakers— sharing strategies, amplifying each other’s work, and continuing to ask hard questions about justice, power, and possibility. I want to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just open doors but holds them open for others.” Meet Caitlin