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.
