2024 - Page 11 of 12

NECC Welcomes New Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

February 26, 2024/in Faculty and Staff, Featured, Press Releases/by mbouse

For 20 years, Peter Twichell has worked to remove barriers to success for young people and their families in the U.S. and abroad. Now, as the new Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Northern Essex Community College, he uses his vast experience to help improve access to education closer to home.

“Interestingly, the people I meet 20 minutes from my home have the same passion and interests as people I’ve met around the world,” remarks Twichell. “And many of the same challenges.”

Peter Twichell, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

In this role, Twichell serves as a link between the college, private foundations, and corporations. He identifies opportunities for financial support through grants or corporate or foundation giving to fund critical programs and initiatives. Right now, Twichell sees a lot of potential for growth with workforce development programs.

“Workforce development, as a training issue, needs to be a cross-sector partnership involving the private sector, government, and local nonprofits. I see Northern Essex on the forefront of this as we’re so connected to the local community and can be more responsive to local business needs,” he says.

Supporting young people in pursuing their potential has been a common thread in Twichell’s previous roles. He spent much of his career working for the YouthBuild organization. YouthBuild creates national and global partnerships to develop training programs for young people. More recently, he was the Program Director for The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, which awards grants to youth-serving organizations that help vulnerable young people successfully transition to independent adulthood. Twichell says that through these experiences, he understands what it’s like to both seek and award grant funding.

Twichell has enjoyed connecting with students, faculty, and the local business community since he began his new role at the college about two months ago. He’s looking forward to strengthening those bonds and working to support programs that benefit all the communities the college serves.

“We’re at an interesting time for community colleges, and I’m impressed by the tremendous support for our work on both the local and state levels.”

Twichell holds a master’s degree in international management. He lives in Newburyport, MA, with his wife and family.

Grant awards and funds raised go to various initiatives at Northern Essex, including program funding, scholarships, and faculty support. To learn more about Corporate and Foundation Relations at Northern Essex, visit the webpage.

About Northern Essex
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 hosts 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.

Hitting the Road: Inter-Campus Shuttle is Huge Success

February 16, 2024/in Community, Faculty and Staff, Headlines, Students/by mbouse

With its new, custom graphics, the Northern Essex Community College Inter-Campus Shuttle is hard to miss. And oh-so-easy to catch. In fact, the demand for the service has been so high that several times a day, the college has added a second shuttle into service.

“We’re so pleased to see students are using it and using it a lot. It was always our hope that we would need to add several work-study [driving] positions,” NECC CFO Mike McCarthy shared at a recent staff meeting.

Shuttle service started at the beginning of the fall ’23 semester. It operates starting at 7 am Mondays through Thursdays on the Haverhill Campus and transports riders between there and the Lawrence Campus throughout the day. Former NECC Student Trustee Sarah Pachano ’23 was instrumental in lobbying for the service. She surveyed students, collected data, and then worked with McCarthy to develop a plan.

Clearly, their plan worked. McCarthy shared that on Mondays and Wednesdays, as many as 105 people ride the shuttle throughout the day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they see 70-85 riders. The busiest routes- where they’ve added additional service- are those leaving Haverhill at 12:45 pm and leaving Lawrence at 8:30 am.

The shuttle stops at the bus stop on the Haverhill Campus near the Elliot Street entrance and in front of the El Hefni building in Lawrence. A full schedule can be found here.

Shuttle History
Prior to the pandemic, shuttle service was provided between the campuses as part of a partnership between NECC and MVRTA. It was put on hold in March 2020 as classes moved online and brought back in the fall of 2021 as in-person class offerings increased. However, ridership never returned to pre-pandemic levels, with fewer than 10 students riding daily. The shuttle was discontinued in October of 2021.

To compensate, MVRTA agreed to let NECC students, faculty, and staff ride free on the existing bus schedule. The option is still available, though the new shuttle service is significantly faster and more efficient.

Board of Trustees February 2024 Update

February 15, 2024/in Community/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (February 14, 2024) – The Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees convened for its first open meeting of the calendar year on the Haverhill Campus. Among other topics, the Trustees heard updates on the budget, plans for the second annual Impact Awards, and a brief summary of the recent National Legislative Summit put on by The Association of Community College Trustees. NECC President Lane Glenn, Board of Trustees Chairwoman Jennifer Borislow and NECC Chief of Staff Chris Sicuranza attended.

President Glenn, Chairwoman Borislow and Chief of Staff Sicuranza in Washington, D.C.

“It was clear that Northern Essex is well regarded and well represented,” remarked Borislow on her experience at the Summit. “The work of our faculty, staff and leadership is affecting legislation.”

Where STEM Meets the Workforce

Carolyn Knoepfler, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM), shared some exciting updates from her division. “With the launch of MassReconnect as well as a grant from the Department of Labor, we have been developing ways to provide credit for work experience, entice entrance into our IT pathway, and create novel internship experiences for our students,” said Knoepfler.

Northern Essex is part of a consortium utilizing that grant from the Department of Labor. Knoepfler said one initiative it has made possible is the creation of new Challenge Exams. These are designed for individuals with a lot of experience in a subject matter to demonstrate their knowledge and get college credit for it. “If people have the knowledge and the skills, why are we going to make them take these classes? This is huge, especially in the IT field.”

Knoepfler is working on a new grant that, if awarded, will create a cybersecurity clinic. Students will train to do cyber security assessments and then provide assessments to small entities or groups that otherwise might not be able to afford large surveys. She expects they’ll learn about the grant in the next month or two.

Institutional Advancement Report: FY23 Fundraising Overview

Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the NECC Foundation, Inc., Allison Dolan-Wilson, gave Trustees a look at successful fundraising efforts from fiscal year 2023. In fact, not only was it a successful year, it was one for the record books, with more than $2 million raised. “We raised the most we ever had in 2023,” said Dolan-Wilson. She pointed out that many factors contributed to that success: unlocking matching funds from the state, engaging with new donors, securing major gifts and creating new giving societies for long-time supporters. She also noted her appreciation for the number of people who contributed to the annual fund, which is unrestricted, meaning funds can go where there is the greatest need.

“Whether it’s $5, $10, $50, it’s many people giving what they can. The power of the collective is amazing.”

In FY23, the Foundation provided more than a million dollars to various projects and needs at Northern Essex, including $212,000 for scholarships for more than 200 students. Funds also went to faculty projects, student research, an internship stipend program, and capital improvements.

“People have come here and changed their lives, and it continues to resonate with them,” said Dolan-Wilson of the generosity of NECC’s donors. “It’s a testament to the impact of Northern Essex.”

NECC to Hold Second Annual Impact Awards

February 6, 2024/in Community, Events, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (February 6, 2023) – Northern Essex Community College is proud to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students with the second annual Impact Awards. The following five outstanding community members will be honored at a breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, at 8:30 am on the Haverhill Campus. Learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities by contacting Allison Dolan-Wilson or visiting the webpage.

Community Partner Award

lloyd poses for the camera wearing a black suit with red tie

Lloyd Hamm Jr., President and CEO of Newburyport Bank

This award honors an individual, group, or organization who, through their support, has made a lasting impact on Northern Essex. This year, NECC is proud to recognize Lloyd L. Hamm, Jr. and Newburyport Bank. As president and CEO of Newburyport Bank, Hamm has been instrumental in promoting the NECC Foundation and in making critical community connections. This includes facilitating a major investment from Newburyport Bank into the new Seacoast Promise program, which will allow students from area high schools participating in NECC’s Early College program to continue their education at NECC for little to no cost. Hamm is a current member of the NECC Board of Trustees and of the NECC Foundation, Inc. board.

Zoila Gomez, ’97

The Outstanding Alumni Award

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/a who has achieved career-related success, is active in the community, and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. This year’s recipient, local immigration lawyer Zoila Gomez ‘97, has dedicated countless hours to helping current students and their families with the immigration process. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gomez graduated from Northern Essex in 1997 with a degree in paralegal studies, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UMass Lowell, and her juris doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law. She founded her law office in 2006, and in the fall of 2011, she returned to NECC as a professor of Immigration Law and Policy. She recently joined the Lawrence Partnership Board of Directors.

Jennifer A. Borislow, Chairwoman of the NECC Board of Trustees

Philanthropy & Volunteerism

This award is given to a member of the Northern Essex community who has demonstrated commitment to NECC through financial support, volunteering, and leadership. Northern Essex is proud to give this year’s award to current NECC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Jennifer Borislow. Borislow, founding principal of Borislow Insurance of Methuen, has served on the board since 2017 and was named chair in 2020. In that time, she has provided invaluable connections to the local business community, championed fundraising efforts, advocated for the creation of new, inclusive programs, and assembled a strong and diverse board.

Representative Andy Vargas

Public Service & Advocacy

The Public Service and Advocacy Award honors an individual who has greatly impacted the lives of Northern Essex students through public service or advocacy. With his continued advocacy for community college students, this year’s recipient is Representative Andy Vargas (D, Essex 3rd District). Rep. Vargas has championed affordable and accessible higher education since taking office in 2017. Most recently, he helped secure a $100,000 matching grant for the Haverhill Promise program and is advocating, along with NECC President Lane Glenn, to make completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a requirement for high school graduation in the Commonwealth.

Equity and Social Justice Award

Governor Maura Healey

This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have impacted the NECC community through values such as a commitment to equity, diversity, and the advancement of human rights and social justice. Governor Maura Healey is this year’s honoree for her Administration’s historic investment in higher education. The FY24 budget includes funding for MassReconnect, Community College Nursing Scholarships, and an increase in SUCCESS Programs. Governor Healey also created the new Tuition Equity Law, which provides access to in-state financial aid and tuition to many undocumented students in the Commonwealth. These, along with many other programs and initiatives, have made higher education affordable and accessible to thousands of individuals across the state.

To learn more about the Impact Awards and past recipients, visit the webpage.

Employees and Retirees Honored for Years of Service

February 2, 2024/in Faculty and Staff/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (February 1, 2024) – More than 50 Northern Essex Community College employees and retirees were honored for their years of service at the recent Employee Service Recognition Luncheon. Employees each received a gift bag, while retirees received a clock engraved with the number of years of their service and their names.

5 YEARS

Angel Beato, Leonel Castellanos Tiffany Esmerio, Dermot Luddy, Jeffrey Mejia

10 YEARS

Erika Callahan, Sarah Comiskey, Anne Eshbaugh, Steven Fieldhouse, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Cesar Gonzalez Tellez, Lisa Proctor, Sharon Schoolcraft

15 YEARS

Kristi Arford, Martha Bixby, Mary DeBenedetto, Thomas Greene, Patricia Machado, Donna Marquis, Deborah McKinney, Kevin Mitchell, Paula Richards, Lawrence Rickabaugh, Rebecca Rose, Sandra Savage, Joan Scionti, Denise Trinidad, Marguerite White-Jeanneau

20 YEARS

Liliana Brand, Noemi Custodia-Lora, Sheila Kane, Stephen Russell, Kathleen Welch Hudson, Marcy Yeager

25 YEARS

Eileen Hayes-Johnson, Sharon McDermot, Bonnie Moore, Judith Pollock-Ciampi, Christine Terroux, Domingo Torres

30 YEARS

Linda Hudson, Barbara Stachniewicz

35 YEARS

Ginger Hurajt

40 YEARS

Cynthia Sawyer

RETIREES

Kathleen Borruso, Hilce Cassanelli, John Hallisey, Michael Hearn, Kathleen Holmes, Eleanor Mansur, Linda Rohrer, Susan Shain, Stephen Slaner, Daniel Svenconis

Northern Essex Signs Amicus Brief Supporting DACA Students

February 1, 2024/in Community, Featured, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Amicus Brief with 168 Colleges, Universities, and Non-Profit Organizations Highlights New and Emerging Data on Contributions of DACA Recipients

Haverhill, MA (February 1, 2024) – Today, Northern Essex Community College proudly joins 168 colleges and universities nationwide by endorsing an amicus brief filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for Texas v. United States. This collective action underscores NECC’s steadfast support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

This “friend of the court” brief was coordinated by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, of which NECC is a founding member, and TheDream.US. The brief highlights emerging data from TheDream.US and asserts the “enormous and positive impact” DACA recipients have had “on their employers, their families, and the U.S. economy as a whole.”

live your dreams statue with E science building in the background

Northern Essex Community College proudly joins 168 colleges and universities nationwide by endorsing an amicus brief filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for Texas v. United States.

“Immigration has been an essential part of higher education in America since long before we were a nation. And immigration continues to contribute to higher education in vital ways today,” says Northern Essex President Lane Glenn. “Today, NECC, as one of 168 signatories to this amicus brief, stands by our students, and stands by the principles that have built this nation and strengthened our system of higher education.”

DACA has provided work authorization and protection from deportation to nearly 600,000 individuals, enabling them to better support themselves and their families financially, build their careers, and access higher education. If this program is rescinded, DACA recipients will lose their ability to work and study legally, will be forced from their jobs, and will be subject to immediate deportation.

The brief outlines why it is critical that the Fifth Circuit court reinstate this program in its entirety while Congress acts to establish lasting legislative solutions:

1. DACA recipients graduating from college match or outperform their peers on key metrics and are making significant contributions to the most important sectors of our economy.

2. DACA recipients achieve social mobility and support their children and, in many cases, their parents and other family members.

3. DACA’s end would be a blow to higher-education institutions of all types as well as their students and graduates.

Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO at TheDream.US, remarks: “DACA has provided thousands of TheDream.US Scholars and alumni not only access to a work permit but also an opportunity to prove themselves as students and employees who strengthen the nation every single day as nurses, teachers, engineers and in other essential occupations. The data in the new amicus brief underscores the success of our Scholars and alumni and makes the case for why we should be expanding, not restricting, opportunities for Dreamers.”

President Glenn points out that while the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot accept new applications for DACA status until the 5th Circuit case is settled, anyone with less than one year remaining of an existing DACA status should consider renewing their application immediately.

For more information about DACA status renewal, visit the USCIS website, or contact NECC Director of International Student Support and Special Populations Maria Hernandez at mhernandez@necc.mass.edu or (978) 556-3726.

Background on the Fifth Circuit Case: On September 13, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen found that the Biden Administration rule issued in 2022 that formalized DACA was unlawful. Although the court left the program in place for current DACA recipients, the future of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers hangs in the balance. On November 9, 2023, the Biden Administration and MALDEF filed appeals in the case in defense of DACA, and the case is back before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Resources: Read the amicus brief from the Presidents’ Alliance in collaboration with TheDream.US HERE

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. We work to support undocumented, international and refugee students, and advance forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal level, in our states, and across our college campuses. The Alliance is composed of 550+ college and university presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

TheDream.US, a fiscally sponsored project of New Venture Fund, is the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students, having provided more than 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending over 80 partner colleges in 21 states and Washington, DC. We believe everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us.

NECC Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024

February 1, 2024/in Headlines, Press Releases, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (January 25, 2024) – The Northern Essex Community College Department of Athletics is pleased to announce its Hall of Fame class of 2024. Former cross-country standout Larry Fowle, national baseball player of the year Colby Maiola and men’s basketball standout Sercan Fenerci will be formally inducted on March 20th.

The event will be held in the Hartleb Technology Center on the Haverhill Campus at 6:00 pm. Tickets for the event are available for purchase by clicking here.

Fowle, a Haverhill native, has held the Northern Essex cross country school record since 2001 and is the only athlete to ever break the 27-minute mark for 8,000 meters at the college. His school record performance earned him NJCAA Athlete of the Week honors on October 22, 2001. As a sophomore, he finished 3rd in the NJCAA Northeast District meet and led the men’s cross-country team to their highest-ever team finish of 10th place at the NJCAA Nationals in San Antonio, TX.

Maiola, a North Reading native, was the 2016 NJCAA National Player of the Year after leading the Knights to their first-ever appearance in the National Championship game as the Knights finished runner-up to Tyler Junior College of Texas. A two-time First Team All-Region 21 selection, he led the nation in 2016 in slugging percentage (.932), finished third in on-base percentage at .587 and batted .435 for the season with 29 extra base hits. He went on to play two more years for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Sercan Fenerci with NECC Head Coach Darren Stratton in 2021

Fenerci, the Turkish native, started the international pipeline to NECC basketball as he starred for the Knights during the 2003-04 season, earning First Team All-Region 21 honors as he finished 4th nationally in rebounding with 13.1 per game on his way to earning a full athletic scholarship to Angelo State University in Texas. Following college, Fenerci has made basketball his career as he currently serves as the owner and CEO of the Providence Pirates of the American Basketball Association. He also previously served as head coach at Lamar College and spent six years as assistant athletic director at Bunker Hill. He was named a Massachusetts High School Coach of the Year in his lone season at Acton-Boxborough.

The 2024 Hall of Fame class will be the fifth induction class since the college created the Hall of Fame in 2019. Tickets for the event will be available until Monday, March 11th.

For more information on the Hall of Fame and induction ceremony, please contact NECC Director of Athletics Dan Blair at dblair@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3820

New Exhibit at NECC ArtSpace Explores Spirits

January 26, 2024/in Community, Events, Headlines/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (January 26) – Installation is complete on the newest exhibition in the Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace on the Haverhill Campus of Northern Essex Community College. Passing Spirits showcases works by artist Maria L. Denjongpa. The Beverley-based artist explores the spirits through her papier mache sculptures.

#9: Golden anniversary, 2024, papier mache, acrylic paint

“I am interested in spirits–meaning the terrors, joys, grief, pride, and surprises– that reside in the human heart. I am curious about their essence: their gestures, colors, and shapes,” says Denjongpa. “My art is not cerebral. It arrives from turning off thinking so that whatever is hidden in the branches of trees or the corners of a room can find its natural form.”

Denjongpa began making masks, puppets and sculptures when she was thirteen. After graduating from college with a degree in Anthropology, she married a man from the Eastern Himalayas and went there to live and teach. Her work is inspired by Sikkimese spirit houses, monastic murals, bodhisattva masks and being in the classroom with children.

#2:Forest dancer, 2023, bark, papier mache, acrylic paint

“There is something magical about papier mache: the fact that old newspaper—flat, two-dimensional, and full of words—can be transformed into three–dimensional forms that embody living spirits,” she shares.

Passing Spirits is open now and runs through February 29.

The show is presented by the NECC Liberal Arts Division and the Art Department. The Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace is located on the first floor of the Bentley Library. Gallery events are free and open to the public. For more information on this exhibition, contact Michelle Carter or Marc Mannheimer.

Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Saturday and Sunday: closed

New Initiative Will Increase Job Access for Northern Essex Students

January 25, 2024/in Headlines, Programs/by mbouse

Governor Healey Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Institute Skills-Based Hiring

Newton, MA (January 25, 2024) – Governor Maura Healey unveiled a new initiative today that will dramatically increase access to state jobs. The Governor signed an Executive Order creating the “Lead by Example” Employer Talent Initiative, instituting skills-based hiring practices for the state’s workforce. Through this Executive Order, for the vast majority of state job postings, the administration will focus primarily on applicants’ skills, knowledge, and abilities. Job postings will only be allowed to include degree conditions when absolutely necessary. Further, the administration will work with the Commonwealth’s business community to encourage the evaluation and elimination of unnecessary education requirements for open positions.

The initiative will remove education requirements from most state jobs, increasing access for NECC students earning certificates and associate degrees.

“As the state’s largest employer, we rely on a strong, diverse workforce to deliver crucial services and programs for Massachusetts residents, businesses and communities every day. But too many job applicants are being held back by unnecessary degree requirements,” said Governor Healey. “We are leading by example here in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and we encourage the business community to join us by adopting similar skills-based hiring practices.”

Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn has been advocating for an initiative like this for more than a decade. Northern Essex has been at the forefront of addressing a skilled workforce shortage through programs and partnerships, and this new initiative presents opportunities for state and employer partners to invest more time, money, and expertise in right-sizing and re-aligning the credentials needed for today’s workforce.

“There are many ways to demonstrate knowledge and skills beyond college degrees, including prior learning assessment, microcredentials, apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job experience. The state’s community colleges are ready to help workers and employers alike through the Healey administration’s bold new “Lead by Example” talent initiative,” said Glenn.

Northern Essex continues to add more courses and programs to address the workforce needs of the local business community. Recently, a new certificate program in Lab Science was launched, and three more certificate programs are expected to receive approval in the coming months. Certificate programs allow students to earn valuable job skills in a matter of weeks or months.

Supervisory skills training at NECC

Northern Essex also offers more tailored programs to local employers who seek to train or upskill current workers through the Center for Corporate and Community Education (CCCE). Additionally, the CCCE can help secure workforce training grants that often cover the entire cost for employers.

The Executive Order for the “Lead by Example” Initiative directs all executive departments and agencies to utilize skills-based employment practices to attract, recruit, hire, retain, and develop workers. The Executive Order also requires the completion of a skills-based hiring training course for all agency managers and support teams and ensure job postings and interview questions promote a candidate’s set of skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Additionally, as part of the Administration’s “Lead by Example” Employer Talent Initiative, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will collaborate with private, non-profit, and government employers to develop and publish best practices resources for the broader business community to also adopt skills-based hiring strategies.

The Executive Order also calls for new job postings not to specify a minimum level of education as an entrance requirement unless it is determined that a particular level of education is necessary to perform the job. While only seven percent of current positions require an education requirement, the state’s Human Resources Division (HRD) will routinely review positions to determine if education requirements are necessary to perform the job.

As part of its guidance to departments and agencies, HRD will develop tools for skills-based recruiting such as identifying and reducing bias, writing a job description, and creating a recruitment plan. HRD will also provide best practices when screening and interviewing candidates. As part of a skills-based hiring strategy, the Healey-Driscoll Administration aims to reduce unconscious bias in the workplace by focusing on eliminating biases during the hiring process.

Residents interested in a career in state government, including roles in health, human services, transportation, IT, finance, housing, economic and workforce development, veterans’ services, energy, climate, environmental affairs, public safety, and education, can visit the MassCareers website for job opportunities.

Those interested in learning more about degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce training at Northern Essex can visit the college’s website.

NECC Providing Stipends for Internships

January 23, 2024/in Headlines, Press Releases, Students/by mbouse

If multitasking were an Olympic sport, Karen VanderMass, like many Northern Essex Community College students, would be in medal contention. The Haverhill resident was already busy caring for her two young children while her husband worked two full-time jobs when, in the fall of 2023, she decided to add going to college full-time into the mix. She enrolled at NECC as a nursing student, fully aware of the rigorous schedule, but determined to achieve her goal of one day caring for patients.

Karen poses in bright blue scrubs and white lab coat in hospital hallway

Karen VanderMass at her clinical at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen

“I was a special education teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom about four years ago. After COVID, I started thinking about what else I could do, and I thought there are so many possibilities with nursing,” says VanderMass.

A key part of the nursing program is participating in a clinical class. Like internships, clinicals give students the opportunity to learn in real-life settings. VanderMass was excited to start hers at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. She was even more excited to find out she could get paid for her time through a new stipend program.

“At the time, I was really wanting to go to work and to contribute to the family. I was looking for part-time jobs at $15/hour, and it would have cost more for me to get a babysitter than I would have made,” remembers VanderMass. “This stipend really lifted the burden and literally put food on our table. I know there are others in my classes who can benefit in that way, too.”

VanderMass was one of the first recipients of the stipends, funded by a $25,000 donation from the NECC Fund. The stipends are designed to assist students in completing a for-credit, unpaid, or underpaid internship or other experiential learning. Eligible students receive either $2500 (for unpaid positions) or $1500 (for underpaid positions) stipends for roles that require at least 120 hours per semester. This semester, $1500 stipends will also be extended to students whose internships are less than 120 hours.

“Experiential learning provides great opportunities for students to apply their education, explore career possibilities, and build their network, connections, skills, and confidence,” says NECC’s Director of Career Services, Sandy Rochon. “While these are valuable experiences, we know that some students are challenged by expenses incurred to participate.”

“This stipend helps lessen the burden for students who may not otherwise take an unpaid internship because of additional costs for transportation, parking, childcare, or reduced paid working hours,” adds Katie Yeaton-Hromada, Coordinator for Career Services & Internship Programs.

The funding is open to students in any degree program, including all health programs with clinical, Criminal Justice students who have an internship requirement, and more.

Ten students received internship stipends during the fall semester. Students who plan to participate in an internship this spring can apply for a stipend until February 4. Please visit the application form for more information.

As for VanderMass, she’s on track to graduate in May of 2025 and hopes to go into either post-anesthesia care or mother-baby care. She’s encouraging others to take advantage of programs like the internship stipends at NECC to help them reach their goals.

“I’m investing all my time and money into my education; it’s great to know that Northern Essex is just as invested in me.”

About Career Services
NECC Career Services helps students and recent alumni with every stage in career development: from career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes. To schedule an appointment, download the Navigate app or log into Navigate through the Portal. Visit the webpage for more information.

About the NECC Fund
NECC Fund provides critical support to the college’s areas of greatest need. Gifts to the NECC Fund are unrestricted, meaning they can be spent immediately and benefit a range of resources and programs that are crucial to the success of students, faculty, and staff. Historically, the NECC Fund has offered substantial support to some of the following areas: student scholarship, innovation, academic programming, career programming, and classroom resources.

NECC Welcomes New Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Hitting the Road: Inter-Campus Shuttle is Huge Success

Board of Trustees February 2024 Update

NECC to Hold Second Annual Impact Awards