Lawrence Riverwalk Campus

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Northern Essex Community College is offering a new program for un- and under-employed adults who want to prepare for careers in high demand technology and health care fields.

Those interested in the program are invited to an Open House at NECC Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, on Tuesday, October 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Students in the program can take advantage of a college and career navigator who will assist them with the college process and facilitate access to services including financial aid, tutoring, and advising.
Certificates can be completed in as little as eight months, and the curriculum will be strongly focused on the workplace, including an internship.  A new cohort of students will start every eight weeks with the next group starting October 29.

Certificates in help desk and computer applications are offered this fall.  In 2013, medical coding and billing will be added.
“This grant is helping us reshape our academic programs,” said Megan Shea, project director.  “It is designed to help students, especially clients of our one-stop career centers, gain a foothold in the job market.”

The $20 million grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to the Massachusetts Community College System.  Community colleges across the state are developing programs in targeted areas including life sciences and biotechnology, information technology, health care, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and financial services and entrepreneurship.

Funding from the grant will provide a seamless pipeline of supports and activities from the moment individuals are notified of their lay-off; to their completion of education/training; to their achievement of a new job or career.  “It will transform the way we deliver services in Massachusetts, benefiting unemployed individuals and local employers,” said Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex.

For more information, contact Renee Deyermond, college and career navigator, at 978 659-1223 or rdeyermond@necc.mass.edu.