Boston Foundation Honors Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College (NECC), a New England Council member, has been awarded the Deval Patrick Prize for Community Colleges by the Boston Foundation, also a Council member. The annual award recognizes a community college program that connects students and employers.

NECC was awarded $50,000 for its PIES Latinos de NECC program, which targets individuals in the Merrimack Valley who work in low-wage, low-skill jobs because their credentials from other countries are not accepted or understood. Working with more than 600 immigrants, this program helps immigrants with college credits or high school diplomas from other countries to access further training or certifications.

Lane Glenn, President of NECC, explained, “Community colleges are strengthened by the diversity and experience of our students, as we work to launch them on a road to future success. PIES Latinos de NECC ensures that immigrant students not only get the credit for academic and work experience that they deserve, the program helps them navigate the best possible path to their personal, professional, and academic goals.”

Paul Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation, said, “We applaud NECC for its creative and effective approach – knowing that it is just one example of the remarkable work going on at the Commonwealth’s community colleges.”

The Council commends Northern Essex Community College for its critical work with the newest residents of New England, and the Boston Foundation for supporting its efforts.