A Northern Essex Community College student success service has been changing students’ lives for decades and does not plan to change that tradition any time soon. This impactful student success service is the TRIO Program, or to the dedicated members, they know it as the PACE Program. The program stands for more than a Pathway to Academic & Career Success, they are “a family on campus” says the director of the program Kristen Arnold. As the director for the past seven years, Arnold’s mission is to help participants “persist, get their degree, transfer, reach milestones [and gain skills] to be successful wherever they go,” she said.
To help with the transfer process Jessica Rocker, the program’s transfer adviser for the past six and a half years, says transferring “is a big part of PACE” so she makes it her goal to provide “one-on-one” assistance for students. Rocker helps students be aware “of their options” such as “private and public schools, the FAFSA packages, scholarships and the location and [possible] commuting distances.”
She also “plans field trips to colleges” that provide students with “the full experience” of a four-year school said Rocker. Student involvement and dedication to the program does not go unnoticed. As the program’s Data Specialist Christine Carbone tracks students’ engagement in the program, recruits students to join the program and provides one-on-one support that meets participants’ needs. For example, she helps search for “special scholarships” that PACE students are eligible for said Carbone. Carbone took on the job three years ago because not only did the position pique her interest, but because she “loves [interacting] with students [the most]” said source. Moreover, she believes the PACE program helps students navigate and enjoy their college experience because they are a tight-knitted “group [that provides] a gentle guide for [participants] to be successful” said Carbone. The PACE program’s newest academic adviser, Esther Peralta who became a part of the program in August of 2023, helps students create “academic plans” that “work best for them” in order to stay motivated and “on track.”
Her main goal when working with students “is to make a schedule that is realistic,” said Peralta. This involves getting to know the students’ lifestyles and preferences, which Peralta says she enjoys.
With the program’s open-door policy PACE students can come together to participate in weekly workshops, transfer field trips, culture field trips to museums, the yearly PACE awards and alumni panel, school wide events and their first-generation party that takes place in November.
For more information about the program students can contact Kristen Arnold karnold@necc.mass.edu, Jessica Rocker jrocker@necc.mass.edu, Christine Carbone ccarbone@necc.mass.edu, and Esther Peralta eperalta@necc.mass.ed
