Alan Boisvert, owner of Keon’s 105 Bistro in Haverhill, watches his executive chef, Rob Giallongo prepare Pan Seared Scallops. Boisvert is one of several local restaurant owners who are advising Northern Essex Community College. in planning for a new culinary arts training program. Photo by Carl Russo, Eagle Tribune

State Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) President Lane Glenn are pleased to announce $2 million in new state funding for Northern Essex Community College’s expansion into downtown Haverhill.

The funding will assist Northern Essex Community College with a new hospitality and culinary arts center in downtown Haverhill, which the college has been planning in partnership with Endicott College, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Merrimack Valley employers.

The $2 million will be used to create new culinary instructional facilities including culinary labs, a computer lab, classroom space, and multi-use function space and retail space in the downtown dining district of Haverhill.  The anticipated opening of the new facility is the fall of 2018.

This new funding is coming from the FY18 budget and it will be in addition to $1 million in funding which was secured in the FY17 state budget for the space.  The college also received $150,000 in Workforce Skills Capital Grants funding from Governor Baker’s administration to purchase equipment for the culinary arts program, and is seeking private funding to help fund the project.

The college currently offers an Associate of Science Degree in Business Management: Hospitality Option and is planning to offer a Culinary Arts Certificate program.  These programs will address the growing workforce needs in the hospitality sector while providing students with experience in the field and career opportunities.

“I am excited that we were able to secure funding that will bring Northern Essex Community College downtown and expand upon the Haverhill campus,” said State Representative Brian S. Dempsey. “Training in the restaurant and hospitality fields is in high demand right now and I’m happy that we are introducing new and exciting educational opportunities and bringing an energized and vibrant student life to downtown Haverhill.”

Northern Essex President Glenn said “We are thrilled that Representative Dempsey and our state legislature have recognized the very positive impact this program will have on the Merrimack Valley economy, and we’re looking forward to having a presence in downtown Haverhill and preparing local residents for culinary and hospitality careers.”

Glenn anticipates there will be 200 students enrolled at the downtown Haverhill location between both Northern Essex and Endicott.  Currently, 13 students are enrolled in the business management: hospitality option and the college anticipates the first culinary class will include 20 students.

For more information, contact Kelly Sullivan, dean of technology, arts, professional studies & science, ksullivan@necc.mass.edu.