The US Navy has selected NECC as a potential partner to provide educational programs.

Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill and Lawrence, MA) has been selected as one of 119 community colleges throughout the country to partner with the United States Navy in establishing the United States Naval Community College (USNCC).

According to information released by the U.S. Naval Services, the USNCC was created as a result of a survey that found that the talent and intellectual potential of America’s enlisted sailors and marines was not being fully utilized.

A request for proposals was shared nationally and 250 colleges responded, including Northern Essex.

The Navy was looking for accredited colleges that offered programs providing in-demand skills such as computer science, cyber security, engineering, business, and organizational leadership. They also wanted flexible delivery options, ensuring courses were accessible to a global workforce.

“This is an endorsement of our cutting-edge programs and our strong online options,” said Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex. “As the son of a career Marine, I am excited that Northern Essex will be able to play a role in strengthening the skills of our military.”

Now that the colleges have been selected, the Navy is requesting more detailed information. The next step will be to begin procuring services for education and training.

Plans are to launch the USNCC in January, 2021 with a pilot group of approximately 500 sailors and Marines. The program is expected to grow each year reaching full-scale operations of up to 25,000 students in January 2023.

“While it remains to be seen how significant this partnership will be for the college, we are pleased that the US Navy recognized our high quality online courses and we welcome the opportunity to serve members of the Armed Forces,” said Bill Heineman, vice president of academic and student affairs.

Meeting the needs of veterans, service persons, and their family members has always been a priority at Northern Essex. More than 200 veterans or military-connected students are currently enrolled at the college, and the college has a Veterans Center, where student-veterans can learn about their benefits and access services such as advising.

Anyone with questions about the NECC Veterans Center, can visit the website or contact Kalyn Ryll, NECC’s veterans center director, kryll@necc.mass.edu.

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.