2023 - Page 6 of 12

Center for Adult Education Graduates Honored

July 3, 2023/in Community, Events, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (June 28, 2023) – Family and friends gathered on the Northern Essex Community College Haverhill Campus to celebrate loved ones who recently graduated from programs with the Center for Adult Education. The evening ceremony honored the more than 200 students who completed personal, professional, and academic developmental programs, such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses and high school equivalency degrees.

Eric Webster spoke about receiving his GED

Several students shared their experiences with the crowd. Gabriela Vanegas emigrated from El Salvador 13 months ago with her 9-year-old daughter. She is trained as a dentist and enrolled in ESOL classes so that she can work on the requirements to practice here in the United States. “We are making progress,” she said. “I feel much more comfortable with the language.”

“After taking this class, I have improved my English skills,” echoed Jessica Martinez, who has a similar story to Vanegas. Martinez is a dentist from the Dominican Republic and completed one of the ESOL Career Skills programs. These classes are geared specifically toward learning English in the context of a chosen career field.

Another student speaker, Eric Webster, just earned his GED. He says his experience has given him a new-found confidence. “Earning a high school diploma opens doors once closed. Nothing is impossible if I work hard and do my best.”

Ervin Lopez received his certificate from NECC President Lane Glenn

Ervin Lopez also earned a high school diploma. He completed the High School Equivalency Program and passed the exam. “Education helps us to develop our potential,” he told the audience. “It’s very important when it comes to building a society.”

Many of the programs were free this year, thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and additional funding from the college to expand the offerings. Several programs are always free to those who receive SNAP as part of the SNAP Path to Work Program.

The Center for Adult Education (CAE) offers a variety of programs, such as ESOL Level 1-6, GED/HiSET, MassSTEP, ESOL Supported Career Skills, and Transition to College. Many individuals start at CAE and continue to Community Education, credit courses, or enter directly into the workplace. Those interested in learning more can visit the webpage or call (978) 556-3000.

Downloadable images from the event are available here.

The children of a graduate told the crowd, “Never give up. Always keep studying.”

Programs 

English for Speakers of Other Languages
These classes are for students who want to learn English or improve their English skills. There are six levels in the ESOL program, and instruction focuses on language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, advanced grammar, computer literacy, and vocabulary for community, online career exploration, workplace, and educational settings. Students are assigned an NECC counselor who can help establish a clear path to achieve their educational and career goals.

ESOL Supported Career Skills
ESOL Career Skills programs are geared toward English Language Learners at an Intermediate to Advanced level. They are taught in English but supported by an ESOL instructor. Students expand their knowledge of the English language by applying it to the context of specific career areas.  ESOL instruction and activities closely follow the career skills learned in class.
All certificate programs begin with a two-week Digital Literacy course and end with a short course on Personal Finances. A career coach is assigned to each student to help guide them along and prepare them for employment.

High School Equivalency Program (GED/HiSET)
This program prepares students to earn a GED or HiSET degree under High School Equivalency (HSE). The CAE offers two levels of free classes (Pre-High School Equivalency Test and High School Equivalency Test) in the following areas: English Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Transition to College
This program is designed for students who have completed their GED/HiSET but want to improve their skills to prepare for college. Students receive two semesters of academic preparation in reading, writing, math, and computers as well as time management, computer, note taking, technology, and study skills.

MassSTEP
The MassSTEP programs build pathways that prepare adult learners for promising careers with local businesses. These programs provide concurrent adult education, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training contextualized to in-demand occupations or industries and conclude with participants earning one or more industry-recognized credentials. Courses include Accounting & QuickBooks Program for English Learners.

Event Celebrates NECC’s LGBTQIA+ Community and Allyship

June 30, 2023/in Events, Faculty and Staff/by mbouse

“Allyship is about promise, not perfection.”

Northern Essex Community College Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Francellis Quinones shared those words recently at the college’s inaugural “Celebrating Ourselves and Each Other” luncheon. The event, held on June 28 on the Haverhill Campus, gathered dozens of faculty and staff to celebrate NECC’s LGBTQIA+ community and to provide a forum to share some of the social justice issues related to the community, as well as the importance of courageous allyship.

“Celebrating Ourselves and Each Other” luncheon

“We have an opportunity, and an obligation, to act to maintain higher education as a location for LGBTQIA+ student development and learning, as well as to improve campus climate and increase inclusion,” remarked Quinones. “That’s where allyship comes in. Allyship is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust.”

Several campus leaders shared their personal stories, including Liberal Arts Dean Amy Callahan. She recalled a time when she had to withdraw her name from consideration for a faculty position at a private institution because she would have been forbidden to talk openly about being a lesbian.

“They wanted me to sign a paper that made me promise not to be gay,” remembered Callahan. “I’ve been aware over the years that there are certain places where it was not safe to be out…but I’ve always made a point of being out at work. And I have consciously avoided places where I was not welcome. Being out is worth it and rewarding.”

Provost Paul Beaudin shared his experiences dealing with bullies and living through the early days of the AIDS epidemic in New York City as a gay man. He reflected that, though many of the fears he had during those years have subsided, recent events like book bans and attacks on drag performers have brought new concerns to light.

“I am not afraid, but I am more concerned in my sixties than I was in my forties and fifties,” he said. “I am concerned….because, in some states, diversity, equity, and inclusion is being stripped from the curriculum, because in some cities, drag entertainers can now be arrested for performing on public streets, because in some school districts, LGBT children no longer enjoy the safety and protection in school that was somewhat recently afforded them.”

Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn captured Dr. Beaudin’s speech, and his own reflections, in a recent post in his Running the Campus blog. Read more here.

The NECC Center for Equity and Social Justice’s (CESJ) “Celebrating Ourselves and Each Other” initiative strives to enhance the NECC community by creating experiences that help foster respect and open-mindedness. It supports building bridges between NECC and the community and helps students, faculty, and staff, as well as the surrounding communities, build a sense of belonging.  The luncheon event was arranged jointly by the CESJ and the Student Affairs division and supported by a grant from the Million Dollar Roundtable Foundation under their Global Grants Program.

For more information on the NECC Center for Equity and Social Justice, contact Francellis Quinones.

Northern Essex Statement on Affirmative Action Ruling

June 29, 2023/in Community, Headlines/by mbouse

Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled that race-based criteria can no longer be used as part of the admissions process.

Community colleges like NECC pride themselves on being “open-door” institutions: we have always, and will always, admit and welcome everyone.

As the first-ever federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, with a population that is more than half students of color, Northern Essex remains committed to ensuring our door remains open not only to all races but to low-income students, first-generation college students, neurodivergent students, LGBTQ+ students, and other historically underrepresented students, so they can equitably access the high-quality higher educational opportunities they deserve and continue to see themselves as valued members of our college community.

The impacts of this decision may be significant and far-reaching. We are united with the Healey-Driscoll administration, public and private higher ed institutions, state agencies, and the Attorney General’s Office to guarantee to all Massachusetts students of color and historically underrepresented students that we are here for you, and we are committed to protecting and expanding your opportunities.

NECC Knight Named National Pitcher of the Year

June 28, 2023/in Students/by mbouse

Charlotte, NC (June 26, 2023) – The National Junior College Athletic Association has named Northern Essex Community College sophomore Jairo Vasquez of Lawrence as the NJCAA Division III National Pitcher of the Year. Vazquez is the first Northern Essex student-athlete to be named a national player winner since Colby Maiola was the Player of the Year in 2016.

Jairo Vasquez is the NJCAA Div. III Pitcher of the Year

The first-team All-American selection and Pitcher of the Tournament at the NJCAA World Series, Vazquez led the nation in earned run average 0.93 and was tied for first in strikeouts with 121 over 68 innings pitched. In 14 appearances, he was 8-0 on the season with one save.

His 16.01 strikeouts per nine innings also ranked second in the country.

“Jairo had a truly remarkable and record-breaking season. His lead-by-example attitude and maturity are what propelled our team to the NJCAA Championships. Jairo has a work ethic and mindset that will follow him to the professional level. I could not be any prouder of Jairo as the person he has become,” stated NECC head coach Jeff Mejia.

Vasquez was a dominant player at Lawrence High School, where he led the Lancers to two Division 1 North title games. He graduated in 2018 and in 2019, he enrolled in New Mexico Junior College with plans to keep playing his beloved sport. But when COVID canceled the upcoming season, Vasquez returned home and, as he told the Eagle-Tribune, made some bad choices that ended with him behind bars.

Once out on parole, Vasquez returned to baseball. NECC’s Coach Mejia had been keeping track of Vasquez since his high school days and worked with him to secure a spot on the team.

“I was just trying to do the right thing so I can move forward and leave that behind. Baseball is honestly everything to me,” Vasquez said to the Eagle-Tribune. “It’s the only place where I can just go and feel like a kid all over again, working hard trying to achieve that goal, having fun with the boys, being surrounded by a good environment.”

Vasquez and the Knights concluded one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history as they finished with an overall record of 38-8 and a third-place finish in the World Series in Greeneville, TN. In their ninth all-time World Series appearance, it was the third top-three finish to go along with 2012 and 2016 (runner-up).

Learn more about NECC’s varsity athletics by visiting the webpage.

Pentucket Bank SVP Joins NECC Foundation Board

June 28, 2023/in Community/by mbouse

The Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board is pleased to welcome new member Stacey Palovich, SVP, Senior Banking Officer with Pentucket Bank. Northern Essex and Pentucket Bank have a long-standing partnership rooted in a mutual commitment to the Greater Haverhill Community. Palovich is looking forward to deepening that connection in this role.

Stacey Palovich, SVP, Senior Banking Officer with Pentucket Bank

“I am proud to join the NECC Foundation Board to continue Pentucket Bank’s legacy of partnership with the college,” Palovich said. “Pentucket Bank and NECC share a common mission of community support and economic growth and I am looking forward to contributing at the Board level to furthering that mission.”

Examples of the partnership include:

• Pentucket Bank’s support of NECC’s building expansion projects, most recently with a $50k capital investment for the Haverhill Campus auditorium
• Annual student scholarships, first established almost 20 years ago
• Event coordination, such as bringing Tom Brady Sr. to the college for a speaker event through the Eagle Tribune
• The creation of the University of Pentucket – a robust learning and development catalog for Pentucket Bank employees. NECC worked with the Bank through a Workforce Development Grant, and NECC professors taught many of the courses.
• Joint sponsorships/collaborations to support other local non-profits
• Leadership representation on the NECC Foundation Board for many years

Palovich holds a degree from the University of Buffalo. She is also a board member of the Community Giving Tree. She resides in Boxford, MA, with her husband and son.

The NECC Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports the college and its students. Incorporated in 1972, the Foundation assists NECC by connecting with the business community, foundations, and other potential revenue sources. It additionally hosts fundraisers and special events.

Funds raised are used for student scholarships, equipment purchases, program revitalization efforts, faculty and staff development, and other needs as they arise and as approved by the Foundation Board of Directors. Board members are appointed to multi-year terms.

For more information about the NECC Foundation, Inc. or giving to NECC, contact Allison Dolan-Wilson, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of NECC Foundation, Inc., at 978 556-3624 or adolanwilson@necc.mass.edu.

NECC Students Eligible for $3,000 Transfer Scholarship to Salem State University

June 27, 2023/in Press Releases, Programs, Students/by mbouse

Salem, MA (June 26, 2023) – Salem State University has announced that it will grant $3,000 scholarships to students transferring to the university within a year of receiving their associate degree from North Shore Community College (NSCC) or Northern Essex Community College (NECC). Students enrolling at one of the community colleges can also apply for joint admission to Salem State, guaranteeing their admission to the university upon completing an associate degree.

NECC, SSU, and NSCC presidents sign dual admissions agreements. Photo courtesy: Sperling Interactive

The new offerings are part of the Transfer Connections partnership, which builds on years of collaboration among the institutions to increase access to quality, affordable higher education. The partnership was enhanced after the presidents and the transfer connections teams from Salem State, NSCC, and NECC participated in a year-long transfer-intensive initiative with the Aspen Institute and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

“We are continually looking for ways to make a bachelor’s degree as accessible as possible, and NSCC and NECC have been outstanding partners,” said Salem State University President John D. Keenan. “This scholarship and dual admissions continue our efforts to put the opportunities that Salem State offers within reach for more students in the region and beyond.”

The $3,000 transfer scholarship is effective in the fall of 2023 and will be awarded to qualifying graduates in the form of $50 per credit each semester until graduation, with a maximum of $3,000.

“Starting at a community college is an excellent, affordable pathway to earning a Bachelor’s degree, but we know students and families can find the idea of going to two different institutions daunting and always worry about the costs going up after they transfer. With this agreement, NSCC, NECC, and Salem State are making the journey even simpler and Salem State University is generously addressing the concern about costs with this new scholarship. We are proving that collaboration among public higher education institutions delivers for our students, their families, and our communities,” said NSCC President William Heineman.

“Salem State University has been a wonderful partner to Northern Essex Community College and a popular transfer destination for our students, thanks to their accessibility and wide variety of degree programs, for many years,” said NECC President Lane Glenn, “and this Transfer Connections scholarship will make the decision about where to complete a bachelor’s degree even easier and more affordable for Merrimack Valley students and their families.”

The scholarship and dual admissions are designed to meet the Transfer Connections vision: “Increase the equitable access and completion of associate and baccalaureate degrees making transfer transparent, simple, and affordable.”

The three institutions are also streamlining the transfer process through a joint transfer coach position created in spring 2022.

The transfer connections coach, Salem State Alumna Sharon German, of Lynn, works one-on-one with students to help them identify the most efficient transfer pathways.

While Salem State, NSCC, and NECC have articulation agreements, German’s deep knowledge of the degree pathways ensures students are maximizing their college credits.

“I’m passionate about helping students reach their higher education goals in a way that will allow them to get their degree sooner and at a lower cost,” said German. “Students want to pursue their education in a way that works for them and their families. I enjoy meeting with them, mapping out a plan, and being only a phone call or email away when they have questions.”

German can be reached at sharon.german@salemstate.edu.

Salem State, NSCC, and NECC also have degree pathways in place for specific academic programs through articulation and transfer agreements and through a statewide initiative called Mass Transfer Pathways. Learn more here.

New Student Trustee Will Focus on Building Community

June 23, 2023/in Featured, Students/by mbouse

There was a time when Northern Essex Community College psychology major Zeke Vasquez would go to class and then immediately return to his home in Methuen. He was focused on trying to get the hang of being a college student and hadn’t considered getting involved with extracurricular activities. But a fateful encounter with outgoing Student Trustee Sarah Pachano changed that.

Zeke Vasquez will start his term as Student Trustee on July 1.

“I met Sarah, and she told me about the Student Government Association and the need to get more students involved,” he remembers. “I started attending a lot of meetings and then I started going to more events.”

Vasquez said he also learned the importance of student advocacy from Pachano and decided to run to be the next student representative to the college Board of Trustees. He was elected this past May and officially starts his term on July 1.

The Student Trustee additionally serves as a Member-at-Large to the Student Government Association (SGA). Vasquez says in these roles, he sees many opportunities to get students more involved and increase a sense of belonging on NECC’s campuses.

“I want to really make the school feel like a community. I spoke with a lot of students to get them to vote in the election. And the biggest complaint was it just felt like they were going to classes. But there are a lot of things going on here.”

Vasquez envisions getting more students involved in those clubs and activities that already exist and adding some new events like open mic nights or homecoming activities. He also wants to look for ways to create more spaces for students to socialize in, such as a game room in Lawrence or an outdoor study area in Haverhill. He believes the key is getting other students more active in the planning process.

“We need to give them a reason to get involved. We can set up programs and events, but we need to make students feel like they should be going.”

Vasquez says he’s seen first-hand how getting more involved can help students succeed in all aspects of their college journey. He participates in the PACE and SOAR programs, both of which offer additional support services to students who need it most. “When you find people you’re closer with, it’s easier to ask for help and figure out what you can do,” he says.

These days, Vasquez says he’s on campus practically all day long. He enjoys attending events like Spring Jam and NECC Theater productions and hopes he can be a familiar face for his fellow students. He’s looking forward to working with them and college leaders this next year.

“Sarah showed me how to get involved and that’s something I want to share with other students, too.”

The NECC Board of Trustees includes nine members whom the governor of the state appoints to a maximum of two five-year terms, as well as an alumni-elected member, who also serves a maximum of ten years, and a student trustee who serves for two semesters. Vasquez’s term will last through June 30, 2024.

Spring 2023 Dean’s List

June 21, 2023/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (June 21, 2023)– Congratulations to the Northern Essex Community College students on the Spring 2023 Dean’s List!

To be included, students must attain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher within the term, carry six or more credits within the term, and be matriculated in a degree program.

View the Spring 2023 Dean’s List here.

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch, affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at necc.edu.

The Power of Second Chances

June 21, 2023/in Spotlight, Students/by mbouse

This story originally appeared in the Spring ’23 edition of alumnecc Magazine

Nairoby Sanchez ’14 is a firm believer in second chances. While enrolled at Northern Essex, she overcame a tumultuous high school experience to become a standout student and volunteer. In her current role as the Director of Programs for Mass CultivatED, she helps those who have been impacted by the War on Drugs to find success in the burgeoning cannabis industry.

Sanchez first experienced the power of second chances when her mother was a student at Northern Essex. She had dropped out of high school as a pregnant 17-year-old.

Nairoby poses against a red brick wall, smiling slightly at the camera

Nairoby Sanchez was president of the NECC Student Senate and Amnesty International, participated in the Student Leadership Development Program, and was honored with the “29 Who Shine” award.

“As a teen mom, she was told she would never amount to anything,” remembers Sanchez. “She decided that was not going to be her story. My siblings and I saw her trajectory over so many years, working so hard to get an education.”

Her mother got her GED, enrolled in NECC, and later transferred to UMass Lowell, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. Seeing her mother’s determination throughout those years inspired Sanchez to do the same.

“My grades weren’t the best in high school, and I had a difficult time. So, I went to Northern Essex and had the idea of turning everything around and do what my mother did: work hard. And I did. I got a 3.8 GPA and was involved in so many things. It reinvigorated my own sense of possibilities.”

Sanchez graduated with her associate degree in liberal arts: political science and earned a scholarship to UMass Boston. She even fulfilled a lifelong dream of studying abroad in France. Sanchez transferred to UMass Lowell to finish her political science bachelor’s degree closer to her home in Haverhill. Upon graduation, she realized the hard work had just begun.

“I didn’t think I would land in politics right away. I got so many rejections. People would tell me there aren’t many jobs in the political market or they don’t pay enough. But eventually, I managed to land a job in Elizabeth Warren’s office.”

While working on Senator Warren’s presidential campaign, Sanchez discovered how she could use her background to advocate for change.

“Knowing the type of mind shehas regarding seeing a solution to community issues, I realized there’s a lot you can do with policy. There’s more work to be done. You have to learn to bridge the gap between policy and those advocating for that policy change.”

Her interest in policy eventually led Sanchez to Mass CultivatED, a nonprofit that uses public-private partnerships to assist individuals affected by the War on Drugs. Mass CultivatED, dubbed the “nation’s first jail-to-jobs cannabis program,” works with individuals to get their records expunged and helps them find work in the cannabis industry. Education is a key component in that process, and Mass CultivatED has partnered with institutions, including Northern Essex, to provide that piece.

Northern Essex launched a cannabis certificate program in the Fall of 2022. Students can enroll in the online courses anytime and earn a certificate in eight weeks. Currently, Mass CultivatED has eight students enrolled in NECC’s program.

“NECC offering that in the communities that have been impacted by the War on Drugs provides direct access for people to turn their negatives into a positive,” says Sanchez. “By NECC having the institutionalized, trusted space, the community will open up more to that possibility. We’re creating possibilities here.”

Mass CultivatED is currently expanding its reach across the Merrimack Valley and the North Shore. Sanchez hopes that means people in places like Lawrence, where she spent much of her youth, will get to experience a second chance, too.

“I want people to know there are systems around you that are working to see you thrive, whether it’s programs like Mass CultivatEd or a school system like NECC. Take advantage of the opportunities bestowed upon you. You might not realize they can be impactful. So, take that chance to take that leap of faith, but take it knowing you have that community behind you.”

National Recognition for NECC Athletics

June 14, 2023/in Headlines, Press Releases, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (June 14, 2023) – Strong showings from Northern Essex Community College athletic teams have earned the program its first-ever top 30 ranking from the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA).

The NECC Knights at the NCJAA World Series in Greeneville, Tennessee

Each year, NATYCAA ranks two-year schools based on athletic teams’ post-season performances. The highest-ranking school is awarded the Daktronics Cup.

The Knights finished in a tie for 28th place in the non-scholarship category with Minnesota State Community & Technical College with 34 points. Points are awarded based on team finish at the conclusion of each sport’s national tournament. NECC was awarded 16 points for their 5th place finish in men’s basketball and 18 points for their 3rd place finish in baseball.

NECC was the only New England community college to finish among the top 30 programs. The College of DuPage (IL) captured the 2023 cup with a total of 158 points.

The 2022/23 NECC Men’s Basketball Team

NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). NECC Athletics Director Dan Blair serves as a District 1 officer on the NACDA Board.

Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 13 varsity intercollegiate sports. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics, please visit the official NECC Knights website.