PACE

Academic Advising and Support

One of the most beneficial parts of being in PACE is the individualized advising you receive. PACE advisors are here to support you every step of the way—from registering for classes and developing an academic plan to communicating important information from your professors. They help you stay on track, successfully complete your courses, and reach your goal of graduating with your degree. Because PACE serves only 258 students, our advisors have the opportunity to truly get to know you—not just as a student, but as an individual. They take the time to understand who you are, learn about your goals, and help you connect the dots between where you are today and where you want to be.

Student Success Seminar Workshops

PACE offers Student Success Seminar workshops every fall and spring semester, providing students with practical strategies, resources, and information to help them succeed throughout their college journey. These seminars support students at every stage—from staying engaged and reaching their academic goals to graduating, successfully transferring to a four-year college or university, and preparing for future careers. To make these opportunities accessible and convenient, PACE offers workshops in a variety of formats. Students can attend workshops in person on campus, participate virtually through Zoom, or access workshop materials and resources 24/7 through the PACE Brightspace site. This flexibility allows students to access valuable support and information both inside and outside the classroom. Past workshop topics include Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay, Completing the NECC/PACE Scholarship Application, Finding Summer Internships, Getting Organized for College Life, Clifton Strengths, Mastering MassTransfer and Articulation Agreements, Understanding Different Leadership Styles, and Virtual Cooking Classes. Workshop offerings vary each semester, so current PACE students should check Brightspace regularly for the most up-to-date information on workshops, schedules, and available resources.

Transfer Advising and Field Trips

PACE provides comprehensive transfer services and has a full-time Transfer Advisor dedicated to supporting students throughout the transfer process. Through PACE, students receive personalized assistance as they transition from NECC to a four-year college or university. This support includes individualized transfer advising, help completing college applications, guidance on essay writing, support in securing letters of recommendation, and more. In addition to individualized advising, PACE students have the opportunity to visit more than 10 four-year colleges and universities. These visits allow students to explore different campuses firsthand, participate in campus tours and information sessions, and connect directly with transfer admissions staff. As a result, students can gain a better understanding of each institution and make more informed decisions about their transfer options. For example, past PACE college visits have included UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, UMass Amherst, Merrimack College, Boston University, Boston College, Salem State University, Southern New Hampshire University, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State University, Worcester State University, Harvard University, the University of New Hampshire, Bentley University, Tufts University, and more. PACE students also have opportunities to explore careers outside the classroom through field trips to local companies and organizations. These visits give students a firsthand look at different industries, help them learn about potential career paths, and provide valuable networking opportunities. In the past, PACE students have visited early education programs, manufacturing plants, consulting firms, and technology companies.

Career Advising

PACE offers a variety of opportunities to help students discover their strengths, explore career options, and prepare for the workforce. PACE has a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and students are encouraged to complete the online CliftonStrengths assessment. This assessment helps identify each student’s unique talents and natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Career development is an ongoing process of understanding your interests and strengths and learning how to use them to achieve your goals. PACE offers workshops, some in collaboration with NECC Career Services, to help students better understand their strengths and learn how to apply them in college, in the workplace, and throughout their future careers. PACE also offers professional etiquette events and other opportunities designed to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce.

Scholarship Advising and Support

PACE supports students in finding and applying for a wide range of scholarship opportunities. NECC and PACE offer scholarships and financial assistance specifically for PACE students, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. When completing the General Scholarship application, be sure to answer “yes” to the question, “Are you a PACE Student?” This helps ensure you are considered for scholarships available to PACE participants. PACE staff are also available to help students explore outside scholarship opportunities, navigate the application process, and identify resources that can help make college more affordable. We encourage PACE students to take an active role in searching for and applying for scholarships throughout their college journey.

PACE has offices on both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. Stop in to learn more and see if you are eligible to join. Participation is voluntary and free.

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Main Contact:

Phone: (978) 556-3403

Email: pace@necc.mass.edu

Locations

PACE Staff

PACE is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.