With 90 percent of classes online this fall, Northern Essex wants to be sure that students have the tools to be successful in online learning.

Starting this fall, all students will be required to have a laptop or personal computer that meets the technological requirements of the program they are enrolled in.

While a simple laptop will be enough for most programs, some majors, such as engineering, computer information science, and art and design, will require a more powerful laptop.

The college has created a $200,000 fund to help students cover expenses related to purchasing a laptop, which vary in cost from the Latitude 3310 at $415 to the MacBook Pro for Art and Design students at $1,699. This is a pilot program for the 2020/21 academic year that may become permanent if successful.

“It’s our goal to provide our students with as much financial support as possible,” said Jennifer Mezquita, assistant vice president for student affairs.

Since the college doesn’t know exactly what the demand will be, it is hard to determine how long the $200,000 will last.

“It is likely that we will be able to provide the full cost to those who have to purchase the lower cost laptop,” said Mezquita. “For those who need the higher priced laptop the funding will be supplemented with  scholarships, financial aid awards for those who qualify, and foundation funding.”

To be eligible for funding, students must be currently registered and enrolled in a major, and complete an online application  between now and Sept. 25, 2020 for the fall.

Students who are approved for funding will receive a college-funded bookstore credit. Laptops should be ready for pick up or delivery starting Aug 31, 10 days before the start of the fall semester.

Anyone with questions, should reach out to expectmore@necc.mass.edu, 978 556-3700.

Learn more about how Northern Essex is preparing for the fall:

College Invests $500,000 to Transition 200 Courses to Online Delivery

New Peer Ambassador Program will Help Online Students Succeed

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 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 or call 978-556-3700.