2024 - Page 9 of 12

Giving Day Breaks Record!

April 9, 2024/in Headlines, Community, Events, Featured/by mbouse

Despite a wild wintry storm, alumni and friends rallied to support NECC’s third annual Giving Day. The 24-hour fundraising celebration broke the previous record for individual donors, with 213 people contributing more than $30,500 to the NECC Fund. This provided substantial and immediate support for scholarship awards, classroom technologies, internship stipends, and more.

In addition to generous donations received from the community, this year’s Giving Day also featured a live musical performance courtesy of the NECC music department, tables throughout campus, and a pre-Giving Day kickoff event and celebration at G’s, an alumnus-owned Texas-Mexican restaurant in downtown Haverhill.

NECC Giving Day is held on the first Thursday of April. For more information, please visit the webpage.

President Glenn Receives National Award for Tuition Equity Advocacy

April 5, 2024/in Featured, Headlines, Press Releases, Faculty and Staff/by mbouse

Houston, TX (March 29, 2024) –Late last month, TheDream.US, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and Immigrants Rising hosted their inaugural SUCCESS awards ceremony to recognize committed institutions, student advocates, and higher education leaders who are supporting undocumented students’ access and success on their campuses and beyond.

Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn was one of the recipients of the 2024 SUCCESS Higher Education Leadership Award. The group cited President Glenn’s leadership in the successful expansion of tuition equity to undocumented students in Massachusetts and crucial contributions to support immigrant students.

“We are so excited to celebrate such an incredible diversity of champions and leaders across the country, some are defending tuition equity, others are expanding it; some are working to create new structures and others working creatively within existing structures. Their dedication to serving their students makes a difference in first-generation immigrant students’ journey towards college and career success,” said Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US.

“We know that the contributions our immigrant students make to our campus culture and eventually the workforce of Massachusetts are absolutely essential for our college and our Commonwealth to thrive,” said President Glenn.

President Glenn’s advocacy for immigrant students includes more than a decade of efforts toward passing the Tuition Equity Bill, which became law in Massachusetts last year. Governor Maura Healey, along with state and local leaders celebrated its passage with a special event on NECC’s Lawrence Campus in August. The law allows students without legal immigration status to qualify for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid at public colleges or universities in the Commonwealth.

President Glenn joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in 2018. The nonpartisan nonprofit brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, students, campuses, communities, and the nation. They 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 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 42 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

SUCCESS Awards
Watch the video below that showcases the perspectives of college presidents and chancellors, including President Glenn, on the critical importance of supporting immigrant students in higher education.

Watch the full-length videos of the college presidents and chancellors here.

About TheDream.US
TheDream.US 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.

About Immigrants Rising
Since 2006, Immigrants Rising has transformed undocumented individuals and fueled broader changes around the country. With Immigrant Rising’s resources and support, undocumented people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Highly respected within the field, Immigrants Rising has a proven track record of supporting the success and mobility of undocumented students through collaborative efforts with students, educators, and institutions. Immigrants Rising is a women-led, BIPOC-led, and immigrant-led 501c3 organization. For more information, visit www.immigrantsrising.org.

Healey-Driscoll Administration to Explore Shared Campus Model for Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and NECC

April 4, 2024/in Community, Featured, Press Releases, Programs/by mbouse

Boston, MA (April 4, 2024) – Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced initial steps to explore a shared campus model for Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School (WT) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) on NECC’s Haverhill campus, a collaborative effort with state and local partners that aims to meet the evolving educational needs of the region’s students and communities, efficiently and affordably.

This partnership with NECC and WT will explore ways to create a new, modern facility for Whittier Tech, allow for expanded access to postsecondary education across northeastern Massachusetts, and increase enrollment capacity at both institutions and make them more affordable. It will also open up new avenues for potential additional funding sources beyond cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley.

The Hartleb Technology Center on NECC’s Haverhill Campus

“Our administration knows that a new, modern facility is needed for Whittier Tech, but we also understand the communities’ concerns about cost,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This potential collaboration between Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Northern Essex Community College aims to meet the needs of our students and communities in an efficient, affordable and innovative way. In the coming weeks, our administration will be engaging with local officials to provide information about this vision and receive their feedback. We’re grateful for the leadership of NECC President Lane Glenn and Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch and look forward to our continued partnership as we work toward a solution that will benefit our students, educators, communities and economy.”

“This is a pivotal moment for education and workforce development,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This effort is intended to generate a shared commitment across the district to develop a plan that will meet the demands of our students in an ever-changing economy while also accounting for the financial demands of municipal budgets.”

“NECC and Whittier Tech have similar missions and have been successfully collaborating on Early College and adult vocational programs for years,” said Lane Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College. “With better-paying jobs requiring some kind of postsecondary education and training, exploring an innovative shared campus model has tremendous potential for students, families, communities, and the regional workforce needs of the Merrimack Valley.”

“Whittier Tech is excited about the possibility of working with NECC and exploring opportunities to combine our resources to support our students and our workforce,” said Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “We’re grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their leadership on this innovative proposal that has the potential to be truly transformative for our school and our economy.”

“We know that the spaces that our students and educators spend time in can facilitate or inhibit learning,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I look forward to working with NECC President Lane Glenn, Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch and our state and local partners on this innovative collaboration and shared commitment that centers student and educator experiences and sets them up for success, while also supporting the local community and economy.”

The Healey-Driscoll administration will work collaboratively with Northern Essex Community College and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School to convene legislators, municipal officials, and other regional stakeholders to discuss this initiative, obtain feedback, and foster collaboration to explore the possibility of a new high school building and site proposal for Whittier Tech.

In collaboration with NECC and Whittier Tech, the administration intends to engage the communities of Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury to address previous challenges, drive innovation for our students, and garner excitement across the district.

For more information, contact NECC Chief of Staff Chris Sicuranza. You can view the full press release from the Healey-Driscoll administration here.

Sole Scholars: NECC Launches First Footwear Manufacturing Degree in New England

April 1, 2024/in Press Releases, Programs, Headlines/by bhough

NECC’s entry in the 2014 “Soles of Haverhill” shoe sculpture event

Northern Essex Community College is proud to kick-off a unique addition to our academic offerings in a nod to the manufacturing roots of Lawrence and of Haverhill (aka Shoe City) – an associate degree in footwear manufacturing. This innovative program is the first of its kind in New England, designed to blend traditional craftsmanship with the latest in footwear technology and sustainable practices.

Launching next semester, this program will equip passionate individuals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving world of fashion shoe design and manufacturing, with an add-on lab for would-be cobblers.

Developed in partnership with the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, NECC is honored to celebrate the history of cobbling and textiles in our home communities of Haverhill and Lawrence.

“This is a wonderful step forward for manufacturing in the Merrimack Valley,” says Alex Eberhardt, President and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber.

“We’re excited to walk alongside NECC to flip this program to our members in the fashion and retail sectors.”

“We’re pumped that this new program pairs perfectly with NECC’s program offering stipends to students working in unpaid or underpaid internships,” adds Allison Dolan-Wilson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at NECC.

“This new program really gives the college a strong foothold within the local manufacturing economy.”

NECC History Professor Rich Padova will host a kick-off event walking through both cities’ contributions to shoe manufacturing. He’ll also give a boot camp on the origins of April Fool’s Day. April Fool’s Day everyone! To learn more about the amazingly shoe-perb and real programs that NECC offers, please visit necc.edu

NECC Chosen as Founding Member of MassSkills Coalition

March 27, 2024/in Press Releases, Programs, Headlines/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (March 27, 2024) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has named Northern Essex a founding member of the newly created MassSkills Coalition. The coalition brings employers from across industries together to collaborate on strategies to recruit and retain talent. The coalition, launched last week at the Massachusetts Business Roundtable’s Board Meeting, builds off the executive order signed by Governor Healey in January instituting skills-based hiring practices for the state’s workforce.

“I instituted skilled-based hiring across our administration to make sure we have a strong, diverse workforce and to lower barriers that far too many job applicants face. I also called on the business community to join us in these efforts, and the MassSkills Coalition will put that commitment to work,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is home to an incredible business community, world leading educational institutions, and strong labor unions – and this coalition will bring these groups together to collaborate on how we can make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable.”

Northern Essex President Lane Glenn has long advocated for skills-based hiring practices. “Rethinking these hiring practices and focusing on applicants’ skills, knowledge, and abilities will help to keep workers in our communities and the Commonwealth and help to ease critical labor shortages,” said Glenn.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson and President Glenn will represent NECC on the coalition. Efforts will include:

·       Re-writing job descriptions;
·       Rethinking how companies source talent;
·       Reviewing existing assessment tools and adopting new interview processes;
·       Rethinking which jobs require degrees;
·       Developing and publishing transparent job advancement pathways;
·       Strengthening supportive work environments;
·       Creating new training modules; and
·       Recognizing and rewarding employees that earn credentials or certifications.

The Coalition will be co-chaired by Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development; Tonja Mettlach, Executive Vice President at the Massachusetts Business Roundtable; Jerry Rubin, Eastern Bank Foundation and Harvard Fellow; and Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO. A full list of founding members can be found here.

Other higher education founding members are Bunker Hill Community College, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and Northeastern University.

In addition to degree programs, Northern Essex offers a variety of certificate and non-credit programs designed for people who want to learn a new skill or complete training or for employers who wish to upskill their workforce. Additionally, Northern Essex can help secure funding. In recent years, NECC helped six companies obtain over $800,000 in Workforce Training Fund grants. For more information, visit the webpage.

NECC Becomes First U.S. Educational Partner of The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad

March 27, 2024/in Programs, Featured, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Lawrence, MA (March 28, 2024) – The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad (INDEX) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) are proud to announce the signing of a collaboration agreement aimed at bolstering educational opportunities for the Dominican community in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in fostering cultural integration, strengthening community bonds, and advancing professional education and training initiatives between the US and the DR.

Oscar Guerrero, Senior Leader at INDEX Boston, Noemi Custodia-Lora, NECC VP of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations, Carlos de la Mota, Vice Minister of External Affairs, MIREX, and Pablo Asencio, MIREX Director of Research and Studies

With a large population of Dominicans living abroad in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the collaboration between INDEX and NECC holds significance. Notably, NECC becomes INDEX’s first educational partner in the United States, highlighting the pioneering nature of this partnership and its potential for impact. The majority of Hispanic students at NECC have family ties to the DR.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to support the Dominican community by providing access to educational resources, workforce training programs, and opportunities for skills enhancement.

The partnership between INDEX and NECC will facilitate the promotion of information on projects, workshops, certificate programs, and educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of the Dominican diaspora. Through coordinated efforts, both organizations will leverage their respective networks, social media platforms, and institutional relations to amplify these initiatives and ensure maximum outreach within the Lawrence community.

NECC, known for its dedication to educational excellence and community engagement, will play a pivotal role in promoting educational attainment, workforce training, digital skills, and English language acquisition among Dominican residents in Lawrence. By collaborating with INDEX, NECC aims to create pathways for personal and professional development, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and empowerment of the Dominican community.

Dr. Noemí Custodia-Lora, Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations at NECC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration represents a powerful synergy between the college and our community. By joining forces with INDEX, we are not only expanding educational opportunities but also fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the Lawrence community.”

Carlos de la Mota, Executive Director of INDEX, emphasized the collaboration’s importance in promoting cultural integration and enhancing the socio-economic prospects of Dominicans in Massachusetts. “I’m excited to sign this collaboration agreement to promote easier access to educational programs for the Dominican community in Lawrence.”

The Dominican Republic maintains a Consulate in Boston. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates the National Institute of Vocational Technical Training (INFOTEP), which governs professional technical training. INDEX supports INFOTEP’s Lawrence office by fostering collaborations and promoting its educational programs abroad.

The collaboration agreement between INDEX and NECC is a testament to the power of partnership in driving positive change and creating a more equitable society. As both organizations embark on this transformative journey, they remain steadfast in their commitment to empowering individuals, enriching communities, and building a brighter tomorrow for all.

New Certificate Addresses Needs of Local Senior Citizens

March 26, 2024/in Community, Headlines, Programs/by mbouse

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (March 26, 2024)—Northern Essex Community College is offering a new certificate course this fall to support the ever-growing aging population in our surrounding communities. The Senior Care Specialist Certification Program will provide students with the ability to provide person-centered care and support that addresses the specific age-related needs of adults over the age of 65.

“This certification may be taken by family caregivers who seek a better understanding of the social and developmental needs of their aging loved ones under their care,” says Lisa Fabbri-Lopez, assistant professor for Human Services at NECC. “Additionally, those already working with this population without any credentials or formal training would benefit from this skilled credential that will set them apart from their co-workers.”

Fabbri-Lopez says a survey of Human Services students showed that 63.64% were “extremely interested” and 27.27% were “somewhat interested” in taking the Senior Care Specialist Certification. All 19 credits required for the certificate can be applied to the Associate Degree in Human Services.

“We saw a real need for this type of certification in our local communities. Only one other school within a 60-mile radius offers a similar program, and it’s much more expensive than ours. We’re able to make this certification accessible and affordable, so individuals can get the skills they need quickly,” remarks Fabbri-Lopez.

Time is of the essence. By 2030, people over the age of 65 are expected to outnumber people under the age of 18 by 1%, and that number will steadily increase with each passing year. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs says, “Massachusetts already has more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 20.”

Fabbri-Lopez points out that creating this academic path will cultivate Human Service professionals who are in tune with this population’s unique needs. In turn, the aging adult who has been supported by someone with this Certification will be empowered to maintain their active role as a citizen in their community, “enhancing the cultural and economic life of our region.”

A full description of the Senior Care Specialist Certification Program can be found here. Registration for fall classes opens on April 1.

The Stories of Us: Liberal Arts Major Helping Others Achieve Their Goals

March 26, 2024/in Alumni, Programs, Students/by mbouse

This article is part of a regular series called “The Stories of Us,” highlighting the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work of Northern Essex Community College students, faculty, and staff.

Northern Essex Community College liberal arts major Nayeli Almanzar-Lizardo is just 18 years old, but she already knows the importance of giving back to her community. She’s lived in Lawrence since her family emigrated there from the Dominican Republic when she was five years old. Though life was very different from what they were used to in the Dominican Republic, they quickly felt at home in their new city.

“It’s like a mini–Dominican Republic – it’s very sentimental,” says Almanzar-Lizardo. “This is a city of loving people who are working hard each day.”

Almanzar-Lizardo took that spirit of hard work to heart, becoming a standout student and a participant in the Adelante Program at the Lawrence YMCA. The program provides educational and scholarship support to middle school students interested in developing into stronger students and helps students who wish to apply to a private high school.

Liberal Arts major Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo at her high school graduation

Through this program, Almanzar-Lizardo attended Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen, which was acquired by Notre Dame Cristo Rey the following year. Almanzar-Lizardo continued to excel in the classroom and started working with Groundwork Lawrence as a junior counselor, educating youth about access to healthy food and agriculture. When junior year rolled around, like her classmates, Almanzar-Lizardo also devoted much of her time to applying to college. And like many of her classmates, she was accepted to many four-year institutions. However, those acceptance letters came with a sobering realization.

“When I finally got my letters, I was emotionally distraught because I knew I would have to pay thousands and thousands to attend university. I was in a state of panic. So many of my classmates were getting offers, and I struggled deeply. I realized I would need to borrow at least $100,000 [to afford the schools], a burdening amount of money I could not surmount,” remembers Almanzar-Lizardo. “I have many goals. I aspire to earn my PhD, and I thought, ‘How am I going to get there?’”

Almanzar-Lizardo had heard of Northern Essex and knew it was an affordable option for college. She started doing some more research and decided to apply. She was already sold on the savings but says her decision to enroll was solidified by her experience taking a dual enrollment English Composition class at NECC during her senior year of high school.

“The exposure was just what I needed. Being in the small class made me realize the support that’s available to students at NECC. And because it’s located in my hometown of Lawrence, I recognized this is where I belong.”

Almanzar-Lizardo enrolled at NECC in the fall of 2023 as a Liberal Arts major and participates in NECC’s Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence Program (PACE), which provides wrap-around services to first-generation and low-income students. She is on track to graduate in 2025 with her associate degree. She plans to transfer to a four-year school and eventually get her PhD in psychology.

“I realized the school was offering just as many opportunities as other colleges. I recognized this is a place where I can grow and succeed,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Almanzar-Lizardo continues to help her community. She now works for the Lawrence YMCA as an Adelante program advisor, mentoring middle school students and presenting and speaking to various groups about educational opportunities.

“I see a version of myself in each of my students; they inspire me every day. I remind them that everything works itself out in the end. I can’t imagine where else I’d be.”

Two Students Recognized by the New England Newspaper and Press Association

March 25, 2024/in Students, Featured, Headlines/by mbouse

Waltham, MA (March 23, 2024) – The New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) recently honored two student staff members of the Northern Essex Community College Observer student newspaper. Observer News Editor Daniela Valdivia-Terres of Chelmsford won first place for best news story and Editor-in-Chief/Opinion Editor Kim Zappala of Haverhill won second place for best opinion page in the college division of the Better Newspaper Competition awards banquet March 23 at the Westin in Waltham. They were competing against students from colleges and universities throughout New England. Finalists in their categories included students from Northeastern University, Bowdoin College, Framingham State University and Quinnipiac University.

Observer News Editor Daniela Valdivia-Terres and Editor-in-Chief/Opinion Editor Kim Zappala

“I am so proud of Kim and Daniela. They work so hard on their stories for the Observer and these awards recognize their dedication to the craft of journalism,” said Mary Jo Shafer, NECC Journalism/Communication program coordinator and faculty adviser to the NECC Observer. “Daniela puts in long hours covering the news stories that are important and relevant to our students. Kim manages double duty as editor-in-chief and opinion editor and her opinion pages always offer a vibrant, factual and feisty take on the politics of the day, highlighting the importance of civic engagement.”

Shafer said it is particularly exciting that their work is being honored alongside students from universities and colleges throughout New England.

“It shows how strong Kim and Daniela’s work is and the important role the Observer plays in our campus community,” she said.

Observer News Editor Daniela Valdivia-Terres, Faculty Adviser Mary Jo Shafer, Editor-in-Chief/Opinion Editor Kim Zappala, Sports Editor Daniel Henrick and Arts and Entertainment Editor Shaun Hood

Observer Arts and Entertainment Editor Shaun Hood of Groveland and Sports Editor Daniel Henrick of Haverhill also attended the NENPA convention on March 23, taking workshops on topics including data journalism, an introduction to using artificial intelligence, fact-checking and the election, mobile storytelling and investigative reporting. They also attended a screening of the documentary “Bad Press,” about a fight for press freedom against state-censored media and a Q&A session with the reporter featured in the film and its director.

The Observer is published monthly during the academic year by NECC journalism students. Observer staff works to inform the college community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Observer also serves as a public forum for the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses and accepts letters and guest columns from the college community.

The NECC Observer is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advertisers, Inc., the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and the New England Press Association.

To learn more about NECC’s Journalism/Communications program, visit the website or contact Mary Jo Shafer via email.

An Unforgettable #WeekAtNECC!

March 25, 2024/in Events, Headlines, Students/by mbouse

The week of February 11 was anything but ordinary at Northern Essex Community College. And we have the pictures to prove it! We (the Marketing Communications Department) embarked on a special photo project, asking faculty, staff, and students to submit their day-in-the-life photos. With more than 100 submissions through email and social media, followers got a glimpse into each other’s extraordinary lives. Thank you to all who participated and showed what makes NECC so special- YOU!

You can scroll through the submissions here and by searching #WeekAtNECC on social media. Stay tuned for the next Week at NECC this fall!