CJay DiPrima General Studies: Art

When CJay DiPrima, co-founder of Stay Positive Apparel, transfers from NECC to Southern New Hampshire University this fall, he will take more than 80 college credits with him and a positive academic experience.

While attending Northern Essex and transferring into a four-year program wasn’t the Windham, NH, resident’s first plan, it eventually became his best plan. The 22-year-old was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Gray Zone Lymphoma just months after he began studying at a private, four-year college.

The intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment he endured to fight this rare cancer resulted in a sabbatical from CJay’s studies. When he did return to his college studies, it was at Northern Essex as an art major.

CJay’s personal mantra during his cancer ordeal was “Stay Positive.” It was a mantra that he and his best friend emblazoned on a t-shirt. The design was edited to “Stay+” so it fit neatly on the t-shirt. The t-shirts started to get noticed and an apparel business was born with 30 percent of all profits donated to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

This entrepreneur turned philanthropist credits NECC, in part, for the company’s success.

“I love Northern Essex. I’m always designing and I’ve been able to incorporate my business designs into school projects and vice versa.”

Transferring, says CJay, has been smooth and is making a bachelor’s degree affordable.

“Transferring has been great and easy,” he says. “Honestly, I think going to Northern Essex and then transferring to a four-year school is the way to go. You get a great education at a great cost. It’s an easy transition into a four-year college because NECC prepares you to be independent.”

To learn more about enrolling at Northern Essex for the fall, visit the website or contact Enrollment Services at, admissions@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3700.