Paul Cavan, coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program, teaching a class.

Prospective students will have a chance to test drive the community college experience this April as Northern Essex Community College hosts “College for a Day.” The annual event, which will be held on the Haverhill campus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, is free and open to the public.

“College for a Day” offers all interested participants the unique opportunity to live a day in the life of a community college student. Activities include sitting in on college-level courses, speaking with current students, taking part in guided tours of the campus, and meeting with members of the admissions staff to learn about the NECC application process.

The event coincides with NECC’s campus Renaissance Fair, titled “A Knight’s Realm,” which will play upon the Northern Essex mascot to transport students to another time. Attendees are invited to engage in a range of games and crafts — including archery, a scavenger hunt, and a “create your own shield” station — as well as enjoy live music, converse with faculty, staff, and students, and eat complimentary food options. Many of NECC’s student organizations will be on site with informational materials and giveaways. All are welcome to participate.

For additional information on “College for a Day,” please visit the college’s website. To register, or request a sign language interpreter, call 978-556-3721 or email admissions@necc.mass.edu.

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Each year 8,500 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.