Professor Kristi Arford leads a class for current and prospective NECC students at the school’s “College for a Day” event.

Whether you’re a high schooler or adult thinking about attending college, the number of unknown factors can feel a little daunting. That’s why Northern Essex Community College is pulling back the curtain on higher education at its annual “College for a Day” event. Visit the Haverhill campus on Wednesday, April 12 or the Lawrence campus on Wednesday, May 3; both events run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These events will give prospective students the opportunity to sit in on college-level courses, speak with current students, get a tour of the campuses and meet admissions staff who can help them start the NECC application process. “College for a Day” also takes place simultaneously with NECC’s Spring Jam, a celebration with spin art, henna, photo pennants, slushies, and music. Plus, many of the college’s clubs and organizations will be on hand with student representatives, informational materials and other goodies.

“College for a Day” is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the college’s website. To register for the event and/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 70 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Close to 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 6,700 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. Northern Essex is the only state college located in the lower Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.