Northern Essex Community College Alumni

The Latest edition of NECC Now: Through the generous support of the Cummings Foundation, Northern Essex Community College will receive $195,000 over the next three years to support the creation of the Family Learning Collaborative (FLC).

NECC Awarded Cummings Grant to Boost Family Literacy Northern Essex Community College Foundation, Inc. is one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year.

A mother and son crossed the stage last month to become Northern Essex Community College Class of 2026 graduates. Congratulations, Rocio and Izeah!

When Rocio Rivera first walked onto an NECC campus in 2013, she never imagined her son Izeah would one day be walking across the commencement stage right alongside her. This spring, that's exactly what happened ⬇️

Rocio's road to her Associate in Human Services spanned 13 years. A first-generation immigrant, a mother at sixteen, a career change, chronic illness, housing instability— she faced obstacle after obstacle and kept showing up anyway. Not just for herself, but with a deeper purpose in mind: she wanted to clear a path so Izeah wouldn't have to fight for every foothold the way she did. She wanted him to be able to choose freely, confidently, knowing support existed and that he was worth using it.

And he did! Izeah graduated this spring with an Associate in Liberal Arts: Psychology, found his people in NECC's PACE program, and is on his way to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

THIS is the power of community college. It's not just about degrees. It's about what happens when a place truly meets people where they are, at every stage of life, and gives whole families the chance to rise together. Stories like Rocio and Izeah's remind us what's at stake, and they strengthen every corner of our community.

"Growth doesn't happen in a straight line. I wanted him to see that setbacks don't have to be the end of your story. Perseverance matters more than perfection."

Congrats to Rocio, Izeah, and every member of the NECC Class of 2026. 💛

🔗Read their full story: https://heyor.ca/SL61bC

Special guest speaker at the Greater Haverhill Chamber’s Winning Opportunities for Women mixer to be held on Wednesday, June 17 is Northern Essex Community College’s Professor Brianne Beatrice

Beatrice to Speak at Winning Opportunities for Women Series AM Mixer Northern Essex Community College Professor Brianne Beatrice speaks at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Winning Opportunities for Women’ series AM Mixer. Beatrice addresses the topic of public speaking. Organizers describe the mixer as a safe space for women to connect, netw

Congratulations to Northern Essex Community College alumnus Michael Bastien, named a 2026 Rising Star Awardee by the Lawrence Partnership.

Announcing our 2026 Rising Star Awardees 💫 LP Annual Meeting: bit.ly/LPAnnualMtg26

Michael Bastien is the Founder & CEO of Brothers in Arms Men’s Support Circle, a community-rooted organization advancing men’s mental health, restorative practices, and generational transformation. Since 2022, the organization has served over 250 men and youth in-person through circles, leadership development, and community-based programming.

Under his leadership, Brothers in Arms has grown from $36,000 to over a quarter million in one year, expanding its reach, programs, and impact. He is also Co-Founder of the Juneteenth Arts & Awareness Festival, which draws over 1,000 attendees annually.

Michael leads organizational strategy, partnerships, and program development, with a focus on building sustainable systems that drive long-term community impact. A key initiative is the Fatherhood Relief Fund, where he is currently leading a crowdfunding effort with over $10,000 raised to support fathers facing financial hardship—paired with financial literacy, life skills, and long-term empowerment. His philosophy is simple: teach fathers how to fish, not just feed them.

He is currently a LEADS Fellow and has completed Tier 1 & 2 Restorative Justice Training at Suffolk University. Michael is also a graduate of Northern Essex Community College and the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Core Certificate Program.

Looking ahead, he is exploring ways to integrate technology with in-person programming to expand access while maintaining a strong, community-centered approach, with a long-term vision to reach one million men nationwide.

The latest edition of NECC Now: Northern Essex Community College and Greater Lawrence Technical School are among 29 new Early College partnerships recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration.

Greater Lawrence Tech Now a Designated Early College Partner Northern Essex Community College and Greater Lawrence Technical School are among 29 new Early College partnerships recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. “This is the largest expansion of Early College in Massachusetts history, and it reflects our commitment to creating more opp...

Northern Essex Community College's spring 2026 edition of alumnecc is in mailboxes and online here: https://necc.edu/newsroom/issue/spring-2026/

Congratulations to Northern Essex Community College's Engely Geraldino Diaz, and all the Student Recognition Awardees to be honored at the Lawrence Partnership Annual Meeting.

On June 16th, please join us in celebrating our Student Recognition Awardees:
- Amabeli Mejía Mejía of Lawrence High School Campus
- Marioly Guzmán of Central Catholic High School
- Engely Geraldino Díaz of Northern Essex Community College

2026 LP Annual Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 10:30am-1:30pm
Central Catholic High School

REGISTER 🔹 SPONSOR 🔹 DONATE: bit.ly/LPAnnualMtg26

Northern Essex Community College Class of 2026 – Congratulations, Yulissa Diaz Arias, recently featured in NECC News!
https://necc.edu/newsroom/2026/06/08/graduate-turned-self-doubt-into-success-at-northern-essex/
Wishing you all the best as you pursue your bachelor’s degree at Suffolk University.

Congratulations, Rebecca Heathman, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student Award!

Read more about Rebecca and the award: https://necc.edu/newsroom/2026/05/19/alumni-board-announces-2026-outstanding-graduating-student-award/

Northern Essex Community College alumni, thanks for sharing your advice with the Class of 2026.