Lawrence, MA (July 27, 2026) — Twenty-two high school students from in and around Lawrence participated in the inaugural Rising Stars Academy, hosted by Northern Essex Community College Lawrence Campus and Community Relations (LCCR). The weeklong program is designed to help students explore career and college opportunities following high school. Participants are grouped into cohorts and spend time learning about all aspects of college, including academics, financial aid and student life. The Rising Stars Academy at NECC was created as part of the Educational Attainment Task Force in Lawrence, which aims to increase bachelor’s degree attainment in the city by giving students early exposure to higher education. 
Students first visited the NECC Lawrence and Haverhill Campuses. In Lawrence, Dean of Health Professions Kathy Hudson led an engaging and interactive tour of the El Hefni Allied Health & Technology Center. Learning came to life as students interacted with infant simulators, learned just how many germs can linger on their hands and climbed inside an ambulance to explore what it’s like to work in emergency medical services.
Once on the Haverhill Campus, NECC Director of Student Recruitment Hillary Dandurant welcomed students and introduced them to the many student resources, support services, and campus activities available at NECC. Katrina Bennett, Director of Student Financial Services, then guided the group through financial aid opportunities, highlighting how MassEducate has made community college more affordable than ever. Students also toured several campus buildings and visited an art exhibition in the library, giving them a broader perspective on campus life.
Seeing the inside and out of NECC was impactful for all students. As one student put it: “I never realized how much community college truly offers, and it made me realize that getting a good education does not have to be expensive.”
Rising Stars Academy participants continued their college exploration at Regis College and UMass Lowell, which allowed students to compare campus environments, academic offerings, and the cost of attendance.
Beyond campus visits, students also connected education to career. They met with professionals from the Lawrence community who shared their educational and career journeys. Through these conversations, students learned that success is rarely a straight path. As one panelist reminded them, “Stay focused and don’t let opportunities pass you by.” The discussions reinforced the importance of perseverance and embracing unexpected opportunities.
The program didn’t stop at exploration — students also became innovators. NECC Vice President of LCCR Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus led the entrepreneurship component, where students worked in five teams to design creative solutions to real community challenges.
Several groups focused on social impact. One team developed an initiative designed to provide teenagers with safe, affordable spaces to socialize by connecting them with neighborhood organizations and community projects. Other teams tackled the region’s housing challenges, while one group proposed an innovative way to improve school bus rides during the summer by using roof-mounted solar panels to power air conditioning.
Rising Stars staff will continue to connect with students well beyond their initial week. Throughout the school year, they will stay connected by helping them find mentors, encouraging the completion of their financial aid applications, and navigating the path from high school to college.
For more information on the Rising Stars Academy or the Degree Attainment Task Force, contact LCCR Program Manager María Aybar.
