2025 - Page 6 of 12

Center for Adult Education End-of-Year Celebration

July 1, 2025/in Students/by bhough

On Thursday, June 26, the Northern Essex community gathered to celebrate the Center for Adult Education’s Class of 2025 in a moving and joyful ceremony.

The event recognized 24 High School Equivalency (HSE) graduates, 6 HiSET Subtest passers, ESOL program completers, newly naturalized U.S. citizens, and—for the first time—15 students inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society.

President Lane Glenn on stage giving opening remarks to the crowd at the CAE End-of-Year Celebration

President Lane Glenn welcomed attendees with remarks that included a brief message in Spanish, expressing his deep admiration for those learning English as a second language, as it is no easy task.

Guest speaker Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña shared words of encouragement and pride for the graduates, many of whom come from immigrant and working-class backgrounds. He praised their resilience and the vital role adult learners play in strengthening the local community.

Two student speakers concluded the speaking portion of the evening. Angela Del Rosario, a Spanish HSE graduate, fought off tears as she thanked her professors and family for their support during her educational journey.

HSE Valedictorian Joseph Hardacre delivered an emotional and inspiring speech, closing with a message of perseverance: “I am not here because I always had the best grades. I am here because I chose not to quit. This one’s for all the late bloomers—turns out we bloom just fine.”

Before the traditional walk across the stage, the audience was treated to a surprise performance by the group of new U.S. citizens. In a touching tribute to their new home, they performed “God Bless America,” accompanied by live guitar music. The heartfelt rendition drew enthusiastic applause and emotional reactions from the crowd.

The evening concluded with cheers, tears, and hugs as graduates and their families shared cake and celebrated accomplishments that, for many, once seemed out of reach.

NECC’s Center for Adult Education (CAE) offers free educational programs to help adults reach their personal, academic, and professional goals. Dedicated teachers and staff support adult learners in developing essential skills for school and work, helping them to be more effective in their communities.

Learn more about the Center for Adult Education at NECC here.

Enterprise Bank VP Joins Foundation Board

June 30, 2025/in Press Releases/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (June 30, 2025) — Enterprise Bank Senior Branch Relationship Manager/VP, and Northern Essex alumna, Christina St. Onge is the newest member of the NECC Foundation Board. St. Onge graduated from Northern Essex in 1991 with an associate degree in Paralegal Studies. Since then, she’s had a successful career in banking, with roles at Santander Bank, People’s United Bank, and Lowell Five Bank before joining Enterprise Bank in 2020.

St. Onge is also a dedicated volunteer, particularly in her hometown of Methuen. She is a current member of the Methuen Exchange Club, the Women’s Business League Methuen Chapter, and the Methuen Retirement Board. She also serves as an advisory board member for Debbie’s Treasure Chest and regularly sponsors and volunteers for events at other area nonprofits. In 2022, St. Onge was one of the women honored at the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts’ Annual Tribute to Women. Now, she says she’s looking forward to giving back to her alma mater.

“I am a graduate of NECC, as is my husband. My daughter began her college education there as well. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, and the programs are well-aligned with real-world needs. I am impressed with the college’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education. NECC plays a vital role in the community, helping students build strong foundations, whether they are preparing for a career or transferring to a four-year institution. I cannot recommend NECC enough.”

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.

Whittier Tech and 11 Communities Unite to Launch New School Building Effort

June 17, 2025/in Headlines/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (June 16, 2025)– In a show of regional unity, Whittier Tech and its 11 partner communities have taken a bold step forward in reshaping the future of vocational and technical education. Monday, at the 50-yard line of the Whittier Tech stadium, community leaders gathered to officially sign a letter of agreement, entering the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process—a critical milestone that opens the door to a new, state-supported school building.

“I’m grateful to our 11 communities for their partnership and commitment to the future we’re building—for both our students and the regional workforce,” said Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “We’ve come a long way together, and this moment marks a major milestone. The work is just beginning, and as we plan ahead, we remain focused on the commitment we’ve made to these communities and our students.”

One of the options under consideration is a shared Whittier Tech campus located on the grounds of Northern Essex Community College —a first-of-its-kind model in Massachusetts. Leaders say this partnership could dramatically expand access and opportunity, opening doors for high school and college students alike.

“The potential of this project represents a new vision for career readiness for the state of Massachusetts,” said Lane A. Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College. “One which involves community leaders collaborating to share resources while creating new opportunities for students and employers to build the workforce of the future.”

The agreement marks the start of the MSBA’s Eligibility Period, which is designed to evaluate and confirm a district’s readiness to enter the state-supported construction pipeline. If successful, Whittier Tech could receive substantial financial support from the Commonwealth—a key to making a new building project economically viable for its 11 member communities: Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury.

“The Newbury Select Board unanimously supported signature confirmation of our willingness to take the three specified actions required by the MSBA Eligibility Period Letter,” said Newbury Select Board Chair William DiMaio. “We recognize the tremendous opportunity this will present to students and the potential for cost savings for the member communities.”

The act of coming together to pursue this vision reflects a powerful shift. In recent years, communities have grappled with tough questions about cost, capacity, and the future of vocational education. Today, however, the district stands aligned in purpose.

“Our communities have undergone a lot of debate these last few years, and so it’s encouraging that the 11 different cities and towns are on the same page and willing to move forward for our Whittier students,” said Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Grove. “I’m especially excited about the potential partnership with Northern Essex Community College and the opportunities that will create for our students.”

“Our kids deserve a school where they can receive the best vocational education available, and we know there is a demand to expand access to this education and grow the local workforce,” said Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett. “Haverhill is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort alongside the 10 other communities in the district, Whittier, and NECC to explore a shared campus model, which would be a first in our Commonwealth. This will be a long process, and Haverhill is committed to seeing it through in the name of doing right by our kids and benefiting our local and state economy.”

The Whittier Tech Working Group—composed of representatives from each member community—will continue to meet regularly to guide the process, share progress, and maintain alignment. For ongoing updates, project milestones, and opportunities to get involved, visit the webpage.

In the News: Proposed Changes to the Pell Grant Program

June 11, 2025/in Headlines/by mbouse

The House budget bill, passed in May, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes substantial changes to the Pell Grant program. The Pell Grant is a federal, need-based entitlement grant awarded to eligible students who are enrolled for a minimum of 3 credits and have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree. Currently, students from low-income families can receive up to $7,395 in federal Pell grants for enrolling in full-time courses, which is defined as a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Students who take fewer than 12 credits may be eligible for a lower, prorated amount.

Proposed changes in the current budget bill include raising the minimum credit threshold for a full award to 15 credits and requiring students to take at least 7.5 credits to qualify for any funds. Students taking fewer than 7.5 credits would not be eligible for any Pell money.

A separate bill also includes a proposal to lower the maximum Pell award to $5,710.

As Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn told the Boston Globe, if these changes are enacted, they could have devastating effects on community colleges. At NECC, two-thirds of students attend part-time, and the most common number of credits taken in a semester is six. “Students tend to be older, not just out of high school, and they’re balancing jobs and families with going to school,” he said.

President Glenn has shared his thoughts with national publications Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He also published commentary in Community College Daily and the CommonWealth Beacon.

Glenn and college leaders from across the country are now calling on Senators to reject the changes to Pell as they debate the bill.

If any of the proposed changes are enacted, they would not impact awards for the 2025-2026 academic year. NECC students with questions about current financial aid awards can find more information here.

NECC Early College Students Honored

June 10, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 15, 2025) – More than 460 graduating seniors from 21 local high schools earned college credits in addition to their high school diplomas this year as participants in Northern Essex Community College’s Early College Program.

The students and their families celebrated at an Early College Recognition Ceremony on May 15, held on Northern Essex’s Haverhill Campus.

Joshua Gonzalez of Lawrence High School

The students earned a total of 8,174 credits while in high school, an average of 17 credits each, which translates to a full college semester. The students will transfer their credits to various public and private colleges. At least 75 have plans to attend Northern Essex.

Lawrence High School student Joshua Gonzalez is heading to Northeastern University in the fall. He shared how Early College helped him realize what he wanted to do in the future. “Before Early College, I was kind of going with the flow, taking my normal classes. Everything was fine,” he said. “However, once I was in the program, I felt more confident in myself, academically and personally. It gave me a sense of direction.”

NECC is one of 22 colleges and universities participating in the statewide Massachusetts Early College Initiative. This initiative partners high schools with colleges and universities for designated programs. NECC has designated programs with Haverhill High School, Lawrence High School, and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Students from these designated programs earn college credits for free while they’re still in high school. Plus, the classes count toward both students’ high school graduation requirements and their future college degrees. Students spend part of their day at the high school and travel to the college campus by bus for morning or afternoon college-level courses.

In addition to its state-designated partnerships with Haverhill, Lawrence, and Whittier, Northern Essex offers its Early College Program to students from 25 other local high schools. These students can earn credits at a 50% discount.

Northern Essex also offers the NECC Promise Scholarship Program to students from Haverhill, Lawrence, Whittier, and Seacoast area high schools. That allows students who earn at least 15 credits and a 3.0 GPA in Early College to continue at Northern Essex for free.

The Early College Program at NECC continues to see tremendous growth. In 2018, about 250 students were enrolled. This past semester, more than 1,000 high school students took Early College classes.

If you are interested in learning more about Early College opportunities at NECC, visit the webpage or contact pk12@necc.mass.edu.

Spring 2025 Dean’s List

June 4, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Congratulations to the Northern Essex Community College students on the Spring 2025 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 2025 Dean’s List here.

From NECC to the Ivy League

June 2, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Good grades didn’t always come easily for Victor Van, ’25 of Haverhill. As a student at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, an undiagnosed sleep disorder made concentrating in the classroom nearly impossible.

“I used to go to classes every day on two, three, or four hours of sleep. Hence, I didn’t do very well in school due to severe chronic sleep deprivation.”

He managed to graduate on time in 2019 and enrolled at Northern Essex Community College for the fall semester. But he still ran into many of the same issues with studying and failed his math class. He decided to take a break from full-time school and focus on his health.

That break proved to be just what he needed. In that time, he was diagnosed with delayed sleep phase syndrome. The diagnosis allowed him to develop some new strategies for success, and, armed with reassurances from his close friends about his capabilities, he re-enrolled full-time at NECC in the fall of 2022. His course load included that same math class he failed back in 2019.

“This time, I passed with an A and my GPA shot up,” he remembers. “The next semester, I took precalculus.”

Van soon started making connections on campus that helped fuel his interests, including fellow student Shaun Bertel, who was studying physics. Van joined Bertel as a peer math tutor after finishing Calculus 1. He balanced classes, peer tutoring, and a new diagnosis of long COVID, which meant driving once or twice a week to a clinic for heart and postexertional malaise treatment in Boston.

As he helped his fellow students succeed, he began to think of what his own next steps should be after graduation. He figured he would transfer to a four-year college or university, but he wasn’t sure where. Computer Science Professor Devan Walton had a suggestion. “I was taking his class, and we were talking about schools to apply to. And he said, ‘Hey! What about Columbia University?’ And I replied, ‘Yeah, that’s obviously a good school. There’s no question about that. Would they accept me? That’s a different question.’”

Coincidentally, Van’s good friend, NECC alumna Alana Comeau, told him about one of Columbia’s undergraduate schools, meant for nontraditional students. With that information and Professor Walton’s encouragement, Van applied early priority action to Columbia University at the end of 2024. After three months of waiting, he got some unbelievable news in his inbox. “It was March 19, 2025. The email said there was a status update on my application. So I went to the portal and skimmed the first line and read ‘I want to congratulate you…’ and I started celebrating. But then I had to stop myself and make sure I read the rest of the email because what if it said, “Congratulations for trying?’”

But it was, indeed, an acceptance. Van couldn’t wait to share the news with his friends and professors, particularly his fellow peer tutors Berthel, Liam Tamulonis, Ryan McManus, Paulitte Nganga, and Gemma Tamagnini. “I’d also like to express my appreciation for the professors I’ve had from the math department, particularly Lori Heymans, Lilianna Brand, Rachel King, and Habib Maagoul. I would not be where I am today without my professors and fellow peer tutors.”

Victor Van shakes hands with NECC President Lane Glenn

As a first-generation college student, Van says the acceptance is especially meaningful. And he’s determined to make the most out of his time at Columbia. He wants to double major in math and physics with a minor in East Asian Studies. Columbia will accept 60 NECC credits. He plans to eventually get his PhD in math or physics and eventually become a professor.

Having just earned his associate degree in General Studies, Van is spending his summer applying for scholarships and preparing to move to New York City. He’s already visited the Columbia campus a couple of times and is excited to settle in this fall.

Van hopes that this experience will encourage other students to take advantage of tutoring and academic coaching at NECC. And to reach outside of their comfort zones.

“If you want something, don’t self-deny. Even if you don’t think you’re qualified, if you don’t apply, you won’t get in, no matter what. And even if there is a 99% chance you won’t get something, there is a 1% chance you will.”

Hundreds of Area Students Contribute to Peace Poetry Contest & Reading

June 2, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 20, 2025) — More than 800 people, many of them K-12 students, submitted works to this year’s Peace Poetry Contest & Reading at Northern Essex Community College.

Fifth grader Mackenzie Tobin reads her poem

This is the 17th year for the contest, which solicits works of poetry and artwork from students and individuals affiliated with local schools. A committee of Northern Essex faculty and staff selected winners in each age group and invited those winners to a reading at NECC on May 20. Dozens of young authors shared their works on what peace means to them.

“We believe that children cannot learn to speak the language of possibility, or envision a culture of peace, if they do not have the opportunity to identify such moments and values within themselves, and their relationships,” says Elle Yarborough, professor of English at Northern Essex and coordinator of the Peace Poetry Contest & Reading. “Through this contest, we seek to help students find a way to embrace the concept of peace and to disavow violence and bullying in all forms.”

About 225 of the submissions were published in a bound book, which was distributed to each of the poems’ authors at the event.

The Peace Poetry Contest & Reading is a program offered under the Service Learning umbrella at NECC. This contest is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts, the English Department, and Service Learning Committee. Learn more by visiting the Peace Poetry webpage.

Northern Essex Graduate Awarded Full Scholarship to UMass Boston

May 27, 2025/in Students/by bhough

Nate Hutchings, a business transfer student, is the latest Northern Essex student to be awarded the prestigious Foster Furcolo Scholarship, a full-tuition transfer award to UMass Boston. This scholarship is granted annually to one graduating student from each of Massachusetts’ public community colleges, recognizing academic excellence and the embodiment of the community college system’s mission.

This scholarship, as well as his time as a student at Northern Essex and through the encouragement of his professors here, reignited Hutchings’ passion for learning after some bumps along his path toward higher education.

Initially, Hutchings enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with aspirations to pursue marine biology. However, he soon realized that a traditional four-year program was not conducive to his well-being and mental health. “I thought I knew what I wanted” Hutchings said, “but I realized I wasn’t making my own path and was still basing it off of my parents.”

This led him to reassess his entire educational path and consider alternative routes that aligned better with his personal and professional goals. Hutchings decided to move home and reconsider his path.

Growing up in Amesbury, Hutchings developed a lifelong passion for reading. “It was my favorite escape and only hobby” Hutchings remarked. This love for literature inspired him to dream of opening a small bookstore. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to pursue a degree in business at Northern Essex to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to manage his own business effectively.

At Northern Essex, Hutchings thrived by progressing at his own pace, a flexible approach that has significantly benefited his learning experience. His dedication and hard work are evident. He became an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Beta Gamma chapter, the international business honor society. Professor Pam Donahue, educator and the faculty member who established Northern Essex’s chapter of this honor society, encouraged Hutchings to join, recognizing his potential and commitment to his studies.

In discussions with his business professors, Hutchings was advised to focus on improving his GPA to qualify for the Foster Furcolo Scholarship. Taking this advice to heart, he dedicated himself to his academics, resulting in a GPA that met the scholarship’s rigorous requirements. “I knew I could get my GPA to where it needed to be, especially with this support” Hutchings said.

The financial aspect of higher education has been a significant consideration for Hutchings. “There was no way I would get my bachelor’s degree if it meant being in debt,” he said. “That’s just not something I was okay with.”

The prospect of graduating from UMass Boston without the burden of substantial debt was a motivating factor in his decision to apply for the scholarship. This opportunity will allow him to continue his education without the financial strain that often deters students from pursuing further studies.

Looking ahead, Hutchings plans to transfer to UMass Boston this fall, where he will continue his business education and work toward his lifelong goal of becoming a bookstore owner. “I know it won’t happen right away” Hutchings explains. “I just feel lucky to be able to pursue a degree in a subject that I know I am good at and can help me achieve that goal one day.”

NECC Joins Consortium Dedicated to Enhancing Hispanic Student Success

May 23, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 22, 2025) — Northern Essex Community College is now part of a unique consortium dedicated to enhancing Hispanic student success and opportunities in higher education. The college has recently joined Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS), a nonprofit comprised of 40 higher education institutions in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America.

Founded in 1993, HETS strives to help member institutions harness the latest advancements in technology to reach all learners. HETS offers training, certifications, and best practice sharing to faculty at member institutions to improve teaching, especially in hybrid/online environments that serve Hispanic students. HETS also helps institutions adopt and implement innovative technologies to better serve underserved populations, including adaptive learning, mobile tools, and digital platforms.

“Student success is at the heart of everything we do at NECC, and with 47 percent of our students identifying as Hispanic, it is critical we continue to ensure we’re serving students in the ways they need it most,” says NECC President Lane Glenn. “Joining HETS opens up new opportunities for collaboration and advocacy that will benefit our students and our communities for years to come.”

NECC became New England’s first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2001. Since then, Hispanic student enrollment at NECC has nearly doubled; the success gap between Hispanic students and majority students has closed considerably. The proportion of Hispanic graduates at the college tripled from 10% of the graduating class in 2001 to more than 34% in recent years.

For more information on HETS, contact Vice President of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations Naydeen González-De Jesús.

About NECC

Northern Essex Community College is an educational 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 www.necc.mass.edu.