Student Support Services

Counseling Support


NECC students can access free, confidential short-term counseling for stress, anxiety, personal challenges, and other concerns. In-person and virtual appointments are available, along with referrals to additional resources when needed.

Connect with an NECC counselor

Email counseling@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3730

Food Support Services

Food insecurity is a common challenge for college students in Massachusetts and across the country. Northern Essex Community College cares about our students and knows hunger can impact academic success. We have several initiatives aimed to help.

Knights’ Market provides grab & go food and other essentials to students who are food insecure or at risk of food insecurity. Knights’ Market is located on the Lawrence Campus in the lower level of the Dimitry Building (L020). Students can also find information on additional support, including SNAP and WIC, local food pantries, free meal programs, grocery assistance, and other community resources in the Market. Food vouchers will be available on both campuses.

Transportation Support

NECC offers shuttle service between the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses, helping students access classes, academic services, and campus activities at both locations. Students can also ride MVRTA routes at no cost by showing a valid NECC ID.

Academic Support Services

If you are looking for help with selecting classes, setting up learning accommodations, or getting academic coaching or tutoring for classes, go to the Academic Support Services pages.

Academic Coaching offers personalized one-on-one meetings with a trained academic coach who can help you improve your skills and performance. Working with an academic coach can help a student study smarter by developing skills in time management, goal setting, and test preparation.

PACE is a student support services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. PACE provides assistance with scholarships, transfer, and overall student success. You are eligible for PACE if you are a first-generation college student and you meet federal financial guidelines.

The SOAR (Seize Opportunities, Aspire to Rise) program is a student support program created to help you succeed! SOAR provides opportunities for you to strengthen your academic skills, explore career and transfer options, express your identities, and gain leadership experience.

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services has five distinct programs and services – Disability Service Specialists, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Accessibility Technology, MAIPSE, and TOPs. CARS helps students, who have a documented disability or are deaf or hard of hearing, navigate college successfully.

Financial Services

If you need assistance with your bill or have questions about your account, visit Student Affairs.

We also offer a variety of scholarship funds. Visit Scholarships to learn about what’s available and how to apply.

International Student Support & Special Populations

Learn more about the admissions process for international students. NECC offers information and advising designed to make your experience as an international student as successful as possible.

Veteran and Military Services

NECC has staff and on-campus space dedicated to supporting the academic success of U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their eligible beneficiaries.

Resources in the Community

Sometimes life gets in the way of your success in college. We’ve gathered together information of some of the local resources that are available to you. We are also here to assist you with referrals.

Technology Help

Are you are first time student, new to online classes, or need help with log ins or setting up email?

If you are looking for support with academic technologies like Brightspace and Microsoft Office, help with printing and scanning, and other general computer & technology questions read more on our Computer Labs page.

Free TextBooks (OER)

Are you frustrated by the high costs of textbooks? Now you can choose from forty NECC courses that don’t use traditional textbooks, but instead use free Open Educational Resources (OER).

Child Care Services in the Community

Do you need local child care? View the professional childcare services available in both Haverhill and Lawrence for children ages 4 weeks through age 7. You can also find more resources for childcare and elder services on the Family Resources and Child Care page.

If you need additional help with referrals, fill out the Community Support Services Referral Form on the Resources in the Community page.

Academic Preparation

Do you need extra help preparing for college level courses? The academic preparation courses help you improve your skills so you can succeed in college-level courses. Academic ESL prepares you to use English at a college level.