July 2024 - NECC News

Free Community College is Here

July 29, 2024/in Community, Featured, Headlines, Press Releases, Programs/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (July 29, 2024) – In signing the Massachusetts FY25 State Budget today, Governor Maura Healey made another historic investment in higher education. Community college is now tuition and fee-free for Massachusetts residents who don’t have a bachelor’s degree under the newly-created MassEducate program.

“We are thrilled to support the MassEducate program. This builds upon years of work by leaders across Massachusetts to make higher education more affordable and more equitable,” says Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn. “Students can now pursue degree and certificate programs without the fear that financial hurdles will slow their progress. The benefits will be felt throughout the Commonwealth and especially here in the Merrimack Valley as these students go on to fill critical, in-demand jobs in our workforce.” 

To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent, enroll in a minimum of six credits per semester, and have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the first enrolled term. More eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found on the webpage.

MassEducate builds on the success of last year’s MassReconnect program. MassReconnect provides free community college for adults over the age of 25 who do not have a degree. The program is credited with an 8% enrollment increase across the state’s 15 community colleges, including a 45% increase in enrollment of students over the age of 25.

There is still time to enroll and access free community college this fall. There is no deadline to apply and Northern Essex offers programs with seven different start times throughout the year.

MassEducate and MassReconnect will exist side-by-side. Both provide last-dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.

Dr. Noemi Custodia-Lora Addresses Expanding ESOL Services in MA

July 29, 2024/in Community, Headlines, Programs/by mbouse

Boston, MA (July 24, 2024) – A new report from the MassInc Policy Center examines the effects of English proficiency in the state’s Gateway Cities. Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn and Vice President of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations Noemi Custodia-Lora contributed to the report. It shows that one in five residents of a Gateway City, which includes Lawrence, has limited English proficiency. MassInc estimates that improving the English skills of those residents could inject at least $1.5 billion into their local economies.

Photo Courtesy: MassInc

MassInc is now examining ways to increase English proficiency. On Wednesday, they hosted an event on Beacon Hill called Actionable Strategies to Expand and Enhance ESOL Services in Mass. Custodia-Lora served as a panelist, sharing strategies that are gaining traction in Lawrence in partnership with the college.

Writes Ashley Guerra-Agramonte, of MassInc.’s Gateway Cities Journal:

Dr. Noemi Custodia-Lora, who directs Northern Essex Community College’s Lawrence Campus, described the operation of the city’s unique ESOL task force. Convened by the mayor, more than 20 providers coordinate to understand how many adult students are waiting for English classes at any given point in time, and how existing capacity corresponds with their needs and aspirations. Cross-sector coordination also helps Lawrence ensure that all programs have high-quality curricula and instructors with proper training.

Read the full article on the event here.

Student Trustee Focused on “Succeeding Together”

July 22, 2024/in Featured, Spotlight, Stories, Students/by mbouse

Born and raised in Ghana, 36-year-old Haverhill resident Hikma Tunteiya Mohammed may be a long way from home but says she feels like she is exactly where she is meant to be. The General Studies: Health Specialization major wants to ensure that others find that same sense of belonging at Northern Essex Community College, so she decided to run for the student representative position on the Board of Trustees. Mohammed won the election in May and officially began her term on July 1, 2024.

Hikma Tunteiya Mohammed is the new student trustee.

“It’s not about succeeding alone, but succeeding together,” says Mohammed of her outlook.

Mohammed first came to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Health Administration, at Murray State University of Kentucky. Not long after enrolling in January of 2023, owing to her passion for caring for people, she felt a pull to explore a career in holistic health in caregiving instead, even though that would essentially mean starting her college career over.

“Sometimes you have to pull back to go forward,” she says of her decision to switch her focus.

Mohammed also decided a change of scenery would help in her fresh start. With friends living near Boston, she moved to Haverhill and first enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College as a nursing major – before realizing she had a much more convenient option practically in her backyard.

“If there’s a good thing in your neighborhood, why go elsewhere? I transferred [to NECC] and it was one of the best decisions. It’s one of the most beautiful places and it’s been a beautiful experience thus far.”

Her first semester at NECC was this past spring and she wasted no time getting involved. With a heavy course load of at least 12 credits on her shoulders, required of her a semester– she would often maximize her time by staying on campus to study. She says a representative from the Student Government Association (SGA) noticed her and invited her to use the SGA study room. They soon began talking about student leadership opportunities and Mohammed realized she could use her voice and experiences to help others.

“When elections came around, my friends in SGA encouraged me to run. And I thought ‘I should contribute. I should ensure that students know we have the resources for them to achieve their goals.’”

Mohammed is also focused on finishing her degree and hopes to become a nurse practitioner. She plans to then return to Ghana and her family- including a young son. She says she’s determined to ensure that her time at NECC is worth the sacrifices she’s made to pursue her calling.

“Nothing good comes easy, no matter what. I would work assiduously with the leaders of NECC to push the course of students forward in every given opportunity and to ensure that all students unite as a single, successful tribe, finding beauty and meaning in their differences and or diversity. When I go back home, I will be happy I made an indelible mark on my fellow students and contributed my quota to the greater Haverhill area of Massachusetts.”

Mohammed is undergoing training right now and looks forward to the Board of Trustees’ first meeting of the academic year in September. In the meantime, she is busy getting input from her fellow students on how she can best address their needs. So far, she’s identified addressing food insecurity and answering student feedback as top priorities.

Mohammed is also a member of the Community Outreach Group and is a certified National Adult Mental Health First Aider.

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 the student trustee who serves for two semesters

Star Pitcher Jayden Voelker Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

July 16, 2024/in Featured, Headlines, Programs, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (July 15, 2024) – Northern Essex Community College sophomore right-hander Jayden Voelker (Coventry, RI) has been drafted in the 8th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft. The Tampa Bay Rays selected Voelker as the 246th overall pick in the draft taking place at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jayden Voelker drafted in the 8th round by the Tampa Bay Rays

Voelker becomes the first MLB Draft pick out of Northern Essex since Spencer Brown was drafted in the 39th round in the 2019 draft by the Los Angeles Angels. Steve Bedrosian ’77, also went on to play major league baseball after Northern Essex and won the National League Cy Young Award in 1987.

Players in the 2024 draft were selected from four-year public and private colleges, high schools, and international programs but Voelker is one of just four selected in the first ten rounds from an American community college.

Voelker had a dominating 2024 for the Knights on the mound this season. Last month he was named an NJCAA First Team All-American and NJCAA National Pitcher of the Year, while also being named the NJCAA Region 21 Pitcher of the Year following the conclusion of the regular season.

Throughout the season Voelker subdued the opposition as he led the nation with 18.59 strikeouts per nine innings pitched as he struck out a Northern Essex modern era record of 126 batters on the season in 61 innings pitched. The 126 strikeouts also led the nation.

He also finished second in earned run average with 1.48 while picking up eight wins on the season. Over the course of the season, he was named the NJCAA Pitcher of the Week on three occasions.

Four New Members Join NECC Foundation Board

July 11, 2024/in Headlines, Press Releases, Community/by mbouse

July 11, 2024 (Haverhill, MA) – The Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board is pleased to welcome four new members.

John Burcke of Portsmouth, NH is the President and Chief Lending Officer at Newburyport Bank. He has partnered professionally with the college, saying that the bank has worked with NECC’s Career Services to hire students and graduates for open roles. The bank was also instrumental in supporting the college’s new Seacoast Promise Program which launched this past spring.

Burcke is the board chair for the local breast cancer charity Ink4Pink and has previously served on the advancement committees at Wentworth Douglass Hospital and Exeter Hospital.

Tobit Garcia is a senior tax manager and partner at JBS Tax Corp in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Garcia took several classes at Northern Essex and has family members who are alumni. He says he’s also familiar with the college through partnerships with JBS. Garcia attended Fordham University and earned a certificate in financial accounting through Harvard Business School Online.

Garcia is a Lawrence YMCA Board Member; Lawrence Partnership Network Committee Member; Leads Fellow and Network Member; Community Inroads: Cultural Inclusion Fellow; and Advocate for Esperanza Academy. He currently lives in Haverhill.

Gregory Shaw is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Haverhill Bank. The Manchester, NH resident says he learned a lot about Northern Essex from his time coordinating workforce training for a previous employer- and that he found the program to be very beneficial.

Shaw is also a board member of Penacook Place and Family Services of the Merrimack Valley. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Vermont.

Steven Smalley is a Government Affairs Manager for National Grid. As a resident of Georgetown, he is familiar with Northern Essex from partnerships across the Merrimack Valley. Smalley holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Providence College.

Smalley is a former member of the Salem, MA Zoning Board of Appeals.

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.

Report Shows MassReconnect Program Drove 45% Enrollment Increase in New Students Aged 25 and Older

July 9, 2024/in Headlines, Press Releases, Programs, Students/by mbouse

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is highlighting the impact of MassReconnect as the first academic year with this program wraps up, having supported over 4,500 students. Launched in August 2023, Governor Healey’s free community college program for students 25 and over without prior degrees has made Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges tuition and fee free for thousands of students, and inspired thousands more to enroll since the program’s start.

A total of 8,411 students ages 25 and older enrolled in community college in the first year of MassReconnect, which was nearly a 45 percent increase from the previous year. These new students drove an eight percent overall enrollment growth across Massachusetts community colleges, reversing a decade of declines.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 4,500 students received MassReconnect grant awards.

pedro is wearing a blue suit smiling at the camera

NECC Business Transfer and MassReconnect student Pedro Rentas is featured on the DHE website.

Students receive support from MassReconnect after all other forms of federal and state financial aid are applied. This means the MassReconnect messaging and outreach helped support many students toward pursuing higher education who may have not otherwise, connecting them with other federal and state financial aid programs, such as the federal Pell Grant.

“We’re thrilled that the first year of MassReconnect has been successful in attracting thousands more students aged 25 and older to our incredible community colleges. This is a ticket to economic mobility, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy and meet the needs of our employers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the hardworking educators and staff who made this possible and to the Legislature for their partnership in creating this important program.”

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who took the important step of enrolling in community college this year. It is so exciting to see MassReconnect expanding the possibilities for older students across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We encourage anyone who might be eligible to explore their options for next school year and set themselves up for a brighter future.”

The ability of MassReconnect to connect students with other forms of financial aid can also be seen in the FAFSA completion data. Of students 25 and over who met MassReconnect requirements, 86 percent completed the FAFSA in fall 2023, a seven percentage point increase from the prior year. FAFSA completion is required to qualify for MassReconnect.

“These MassReconnect numbers show that when we are intentional about spreading the word far and wide that financial aid is available, students will make use of that aid. We are building on this work as we partner with schools and non-profits to increase FAFSA completion so more students can continue to take advantage of the historic state aid available next academic year,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

The Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) recent legislative report found that the 8,411 new community college students ages 25 and over included 1,667 new students who identified as Black or African American and 1,966 new students who identified as Hispanic or Latino, representing significant enrollment growth over the prior year and demonstrating that MassReconnect is attracting students from across racial subgroups.

“The number of students who benefitted from MassReconnect in a short time is remarkable and demonstrates the strength of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s vision for building a stronger Commonwealth,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead the nation in upward mobility through higher education, and new programs like MassReconnect and MASSGrant Plus Expansion lay the crucial groundwork for getting there.”

Governor Healey’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget included $24 million in funding for MassReconnect, a 20 percent increase from the prior budget. The Department of Higher Education will continue to measure MassReconnect’s success, including enrollment, graduation and transfer rates.

The DHE is featuring students on its website who have benefited from MassReconnect. Those students include NECC Business Transfer student Pedro Rentas. Learn about how MassReconnect supported students’ educational and career goals by visiting the site.

Adapted from a press release provided by the Office of Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. View the full release here.

Graduate Plans to Help Teens Map Out Their Futures

July 8, 2024/in Alumni, Spotlight, Stories, Students/by mbouse

Like many people, Josh Buffum, 23, of Haverhill, was on a different life trajectory before the pandemic. Although he studied plumbing at Whittier Tech, he found that working in that field wasn’t his true passion.

“Once COVID hit, I realized that plumbing just wasn’t for me,” he said.

So, at age 20, he decided to return to college and follow his longtime dream of being a teacher.

“I wanted to actually pursue what I wanted to do,” he said.

Joshua Buffum and his mother, Cynthia, following Commencement

Buffum graduated with a degree in Educational Studies this spring and says he found incredible academic success along the way, regularly making the Dean’s List and earning a 3.52 GPA while working full-time at the Haverhill YMCA. This fall, he’ll transfer to Salem State University to continue his studies in education.

Buffum still remembers his very first class—English Comp I—on his very first day at NECC.

“It felt weird to me,” he said. “It was nerve-racking to go do my first class, being back in school after taking almost three years off.”

Indeed, he struggled a bit that first semester. He had not only been away from the classroom for several years, but was trying to juggle two jobs along with his full-time studies.

Eventually, he gave up one of his jobs and found additional support through NECC’s Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence Program (PACE), a TRiO Student Support Services program that assists first-generation, low-income, or disabled students to graduate and transfer to four-year colleges.

“They helped me out a lot in the long run,” he said of the PACE program.

Buffum not only found his groove in school, but said NECC helped hone his focus on a career in education.

“It helped me really understand a lot of what it is to be a teacher,” he said of NECC. “I think you really have to have the heart and soul of being one.”

He points especially to one of his own teachers, Donna Tanner, coordinator of the NECC’s Educational Studies Program, as well as his work at the YMCA with kids of all ages, from “little ones” to the teens he’s mentored.

Now, he’s applying all of those skills toward his goal of being a teacher—preferably 11th grade history so he can help students during their crucial junior year as they’re mapping out their own futures—and eventually moving into guidance.

As he reflects on his time at NECC, Buffum said he’ll “miss the connections with the teachers I had.”

Perhaps one day, his own students will say the same thing about him.

Written by Alexandra Pecci ’02

Photo Round-Up: Center for Adult Education Celebration

July 8, 2024/in Headlines, Programs/by mbouse

On June 12th, 2024, the Northern Essex Community College Center for Adult Education (CAE) held its annual Graduation & End-Of-Year Celebration, marking a significant milestone for students and honoring their hard work and perseverance. The event celebrated 150 students, which included 36 High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) graduates.

The program began with heartfelt and inspiring remarks from Dr. Paul Beaudin, Provost at Northern Essex Community College. Dr. Beaudin shared motivating personal stories, setting a positive and celebratory tone for the evening.

Two students then shared their perspectives. Harold Suero Gracia, the HiSET Valedictorian, shared his incredible journey of determination and success. Through unwavering commitment and perseverance, Harold achieved his High School Equivalency credential in under a year, showcasing his dedication to learning and personal growth.

The second student speaker, Jaronil Arvelo, shared his inspiring story of transformation. Beginning as an ESL student, Jaronil’s journey to enrolling at Northern Essex Community College began in the ESL program and he recently completed the Transition to College program. His journey, marked by resilience, exemplifies the Center for Adult Education’s mission to enhance the lives of students.

The ceremony also recognized many students for various accomplishments, including, achieving industry-recognized credentials and special awards and passing HiSET subtests.

Dr. Jacqueline Lynch, Executive Director of the Center for Adult Education, delivered closing remarks that resonated with pride and optimism. She reminded the audience that education is a lifelong journey that paves the way for a brighter future.

For more information about the Center for Adult Education programs, please visit the webpage or contact coordinator Sarah Pachano.

Northern Essex Athletics Finishes at Program Best 22nd in National Ranking

July 8, 2024/in Headlines, Press Releases, Programs, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (June 25, 2024) – For the second consecutive season, the Northern Essex Community College Athletic Department has recorded a top 30 finish in the NATYCAA/Daktronics Cup standings announced last month at the annual NACDA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award recognizes the best of community and junior college athletics and was presented at the annual awards luncheon of the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators.

The Knights finished an all-time high 22nd place in the non-scholarship category with 36 points based upon team finishes at national championship tournaments. NECC was awarded 16 points for their 5th place finish in men’s basketball and 13.5 points for a 7th place finish in baseball. On the women’s side, NECC earned 6.5 points for a 13th-place finish in volleyball.

NECC was one of two New England schools to finish among the top 30 schools as they were joined by Community College of Rhode Island. Rowan College-South Jersey Gloucester captured the 2024 cup with a total of 152 points.

To learn more about varsity athletics at NECC, contact Athletics Director Dan Blair or visit the website.

Alumni Magazine Wins Global Circle of Excellence Award

July 1, 2024/in Alumni, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Northern Essex Community College is proud to share that the Fall ’23 edition of its bi-annual alumni magazine, alumnecc, received a silver 2024 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The issue focused on artificial intelligence and was among 4,223 global entries. A panel of 440 volunteer judges selected a total of 486 awardees in various categories.

alumnecc was honored in the Magazines | Alumni/General Interest (Two-Year Institutions) category. Judges said “The theme of AI was a highlight in a recent issue, with some stories effectively showcasing its relevance. The entertainment piece, for instance, was well-connected to AI through a color block. The magazine’s consistent and bold colors added visual appeal. Photos were used effectively to capture attention, and QR codes offered engaging additional content. The ‘Why I Hire’ and ‘NECC Helped Me Get There’ sections were particularly enjoyable, demonstrating the college’s lasting impact on students’ lives. Overall, the magazine provided a range of engaging features.”

The magazine is published jointly by NECC’s Alumni Relations and Marketing Communications Offices.

CASE’s Circle of Excellence Awards are the premier recognition program for educational advancement. These peer-selected and adjudicated awards celebrate colleges, universities, and schools worldwide whose talented staff have advanced their institutions with resourcefulness and ingenuity.

“As we mark CASE’s 50th anniversary this year, we are taking time to celebrate our members across the globe,” says Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO. “Examples of their remarkable work are evident throughout the Circle of Excellence Awards. We applaud the achievements and innovation of advancement professionals across all sectors and all regions—work in schools, colleges and universities that advances education and thereby transforms lives and society.”

This year volunteer judges from CASE’s membership selected 486 exemplary entries for bronze, silver, gold, and Grand Gold recognition. Winners are chosen for overall quality, innovation, use of resources, and the impact on the institution or its communities, such as alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff.

About CASE:

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—and championing education to transform lives and society.

To fulfill their missions and to meet both individual and societal needs, colleges, universities and independent schools rely on and therefore must foster the goodwill, active involvement, informed advocacy and enduring support of alumni, donors, prospective students, parents, government officials, community leaders, corporate executives, foundation officers, and other external constituencies.

CASE’s membership includes more than 3,000 colleges, universities, and independent elementary and secondary schools in more than 80 countries, making CASE one of the largest nonprofit education associations in the world in terms of institutional membership. CASE serves more than 90,000 advancement professionals at member institutions and has offices in London, UK; Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore; and Washington, D.C., USA. The association produces content, publications, conferences, institutes, and workshops that support educational leaders and advancement professionals in their work to advance education through serving their institutions. To learn more about CASE visit www.case.org.