All posts by Bailey Orio, Features Editor

Features, Home Page News Bytes

NECC’s budding cannabis courses

 

College offers certificates focused on jobs in the industry

Since its legalization in 2016, following the decriminalization of cannabis in 2008, Massachusetts has emerged as a leader in the recreational cannabis sector, becoming the 18th state in the nation to embrace this progressive change.

A graph showing predictedgrowth in cannabis industry jobs
A graph shows the annual job growth in the cannabis industry. Photo courtesy cannabis.necc.edu

The legalization has not only reshaped public perceptions of cannabis but has also ushered in numerous benefits for residents, particularly in terms of job creation and economic growth.

A recent study from the Leafly Jobs Report highlights a remarkable 27% increase in cannabis job growth across states where cannabis has been legalized.

As of February 2023, Massachusetts reported approximately 28,000 cannabis-related jobs, underscoring the industry’s rapid expansion.

This burgeoning market presents a wealth of career opportunities, making it an exciting time for those looking to enter the field.

Recognizing the need for skilled professionals, Northern Essex Community College (NECC) has stepped up by offering three specialized certificate programs aimed at equipping aspiring cannabis industry workers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

These online programs cater to various aspects of the cannabis supply chain, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the diverse roles within the industry.

One of the flagship offerings is the Cultivation Specialist Certificate Taught by industry experts, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of cannabis cultivation, covering essential skills for both indoor and outdoor growing operations.

Graduates earn an official Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate backed by the GF Institute, a recognition that opens doors to employment opportunities within the thriving cannabis market.

The GF Institute Employer Network connects graduates with an array of cannabis companies eager to hire individuals with this specialized education.

Andrew M., a recent graduate, shared, “Not even two weeks after starting the courses, I already had a job lined up because I was taking courses and showing the initiative.” 

According to the NECC website Such testimonials reflect the program’s effectiveness in facilitating swift job placements.

NECC also offers a Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate, designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the retail cannabis environment.

This course emphasizes product knowledge and customer engagement, essential for providing top-notch service in a competitive landscape.

Graduates receive a Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate, also backed by the GF Institute, ensuring they are recognized as qualified professionals in the field.

For those interested in the production side, the Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist Program offers in-depth training on developing and manufacturing cannabis products.

Students learn safe and effective extraction methods and gain insights into various cannabis-infused product types and business models within the cannabis manufacturing sector.

This program also culminates in a certificate recognized by the GF Institute, further enhancing graduates’ employability in a rapidly evolving industry.

The cannabis industry’s growth in Massachusetts has not only transformed the job market but has also provided individuals with access to credible cannabis education that was previously lacking.

As Brittany N., another satisfied student, remarked, “Taking this program has changed my life.

“I’ve always known cannabis is my calling; I just didn’t have access to credible cannabis education.” According to the NECC website 

In conclusion, the recreational cannabis industry in Massachusetts is not only a vibrant sector of the economy but also a catalyst for personal and professional growth for many residents. With educational institutions like

Northern Essex Community College is leading the way in providing relevant training and resources, the future looks promising for those eager to embark on a career in this dynamic field.

The ripple effects of cannabis legalization continue to benefit the community, creating opportunities for economic advancement and individual empowerment.

For more information about these

offered courses

https://cannabis.necc.edu/

Home Page News Bytes, News

Trump proposes to defund Dept. of Education

 

Plans spark nationwide concern from students, parents and teachers

In a surprising move that has left many Americans baffled, Donald Trump has announced his plan to defund the Department of Education, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for students, parents, teachers, and professionals across the nation. CNBC reports that Trump had mentioned this plan during his campaign, yet many were still taken aback when he took action just days after regaining control of the office.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, expressed deep concern about the potential impact on students with learning challenges, such as those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. These plans provide critical support for students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal educational opportunities. Without federal funding, states and local offices would bear the financial burden of supporting these students.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) currently provides $15.4 billion in funding to support students with disabilities. Defunding the Department of Education would jeopardize this vital program, leaving disabled students without necessary resources.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which received $140 billion and ensures students are not subjected to discrimination, could also be affected. OCR’s role in fielding complaints, overseeing compliance reviews, and working with schools to develop corrective actions is crucial for maintaining educational equity. Additionally, Title IX, which protects against sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, may face threats under the Trump administration, particularly for the LGBTQIA community.

While Congress would need to approve the defunding of the Department of Education, the proposal has raised alarms about the future of public education. Many see it as an attack on public education and a threat to students who rely on financial aid and grants to access higher education. Historically, the Department of Education has existed since 1867 to ensure quality education for all students. However, 64% of Republicans and Republican-leaning Americans hold a negative view of the department.

The proposal to dismantle the Department of Education is part of Project 2025, a collection of policy plans developed by the right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation and supported by over 100 right-leaning companies. Despite Trump’s claims of not being involved, this plan aligns with his administration’s broader goals to cut spending.

Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt, a prominent supporter of the plan, stated, “It’s time to rethink our approach to education and focus on state and local solutions rather than federal oversight.”

The Department of Education currently manages federal student loans, issues Pell Grants, and provides funding for Title I schools, which support low-income students. Without federal support, there would be significant disparities in education quality across states.

Concerns about student loan forgiveness and public service job programs also loom large. The Biden administration’s efforts to provide student loan relief may be reversed, impacting young adults’ higher education and career paths.

Tessa Fiszer, a student at NECC (Northern Essex Community College), shared her thoughts on the potential impact of defunding the Department of Education.  She said, “Higher education should be funded by federal taxes. As it is, every state has its own separate department of education; the Trump administration is defunding the federal one.

“The state DOEs receive funding through property taxes and state income tax. Ergo, the quality of every state’s education is determined by property value. I don’t call that equitable. This is a personal belief of mine, but I implore you, reader, to consider this: education should not be privatized.

“Everyone, no matter the wealth, should be going to public school. Everyone deserves the same quality of education. If a wealthy parent is displeased by education quality, they should invest in their public school of choice.” Fiszer added, “Capitalism is doomed to always end in de facto plutocracy, a system of government in which a select group of wealthy individuals rule. If a wealth tax or other leveling measures are not drafted, implemented, and enforced, our country will always be this way. I’m not suggesting socialism or communism, I’m advocating that the American people get their money back from he who might become our first trillionaire. If something is not fundamentally changed about the wealth distribution on a federal level, someone else will simply take the current Plutocrats’ place(s).

“Moreover, the act of defunding such a crucial piece of infrastructure sets a dangerous precedent that can, and likely will, be followed.”

She concluded, “I find it demeaning and oppressive. Most of us are already having to work full or part-time and sacrificing our focus on education to afford college tuition, adequate transportation, and/or rent, and Trump and his cronies decided to make it harder for us. They’re kicking us while we’re down and they know it.”

Campus Life, Home Page News Bytes

Career Fair offers valuable insights

 

On Oct. 1, students at the Haverhill campus had the privilege of attending the annual Career Fair. 

This event featured a diverse array of employers from sectors such as health care, education, business, and technology, providing students with the chance to explore various career paths. 

Students interested in fields like health care or business were able to gather essential information about the qualifications and skills required for success.

One attendee, Tristan “TJ” Taylor, shared their experience at the fair. 

Although Taylor did not find direct alignment with their career aspirations, they discovered unexpected value in their interactions. 

“Enterprise Bank provided a wealth of useful information,” Taylor remarked. 

“Even though no company directly matched my career interests, their representative offered extensive insights into communications roles available at companies like Enterprise Bank.”

The fair allowed students to engage with employers and gain insights into the current job market. 

While the event did not fully meet Taylor’s expectations regarding job opportunities in their major, they appreciated the guidance received. 

“Most representatives were approachable and offered advice on how to break into the communications field,” Taylor explained.

Despite the limited direct relevance to their field of study, Taylor found new areas of interest they had not initially considered. 

“Enterprise Bank piqued my interest, especially when their representative discussed their communications department,” Taylor shared.

Reflecting on the experience, Taylor emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind during events like the Career Fair. 

“The key takeaway is that some companies may not initially seem relevant to your interests, but they might offer unexpected opportunities. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep all doors open when considering future prospects,” they concluded.

While not every student left with a clear career path, the Career Fair succeeded in providing valuable networking opportunities and underscoring the importance of adaptability in the job search process. 

Through these interactions, many students gained new perspectives on how to approach their career goals.

Campus Life, Home Page News Bytes

Enhancing accessibility on campus

 

Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill Campus is a hub of academic and social activity, but for students with disabilities, navigating its spaces can sometimes present unexpected challenges. 

While efforts are made to ensure accessibility, some students and faculty say recent incidents have highlighted the need for better communication and proactive measures.

DJ Rosado, a student who uses a wheelchair to get around at NECC, shared his experiences with accessibility on the campus, emphasizing both positives and areas for improvement. 

“My experience with accessibility on the campus is OK, but there are times when I feel like they should’ve done stuff sooner,” Rosado remarked.  

Rosado went on to say, he recounted an incident where he was stuck in an elevator, the elevator just stopped working.  This underscores the need of how important it is for the elevators to work properly and when concerns are reported, that timely assistance and support from campus facilities are addressed.  

Rosado’s concerns extend beyond isolated incidents. “Last year, when I was taking two theater classes, they  wanted to fix the elevator and without prior warning, they disrupted me in class to inform me that they would be shutting the elevator down and I had to leave the class.  It upsets me because I wasn’t given advanced warning, and I lost valuable class time,” Rosado said. The lack of communication left him and his peers feeling frustrated and inconvenienced.  I myself rely on the use of elevators for accessibility. The elevators in the C building and the Student Center are unreliable and at times hinder my ability to get to class.  

My class had to be moved in the fall of 2023,  because of the elevator not working, and I didn’t get notified until the last minute. So you can see that these issues have been going on for a while. Rosado and my experience further emphasizes the critical need for improved facilities,  communication, and proactive measures to address accessibility concerns on campus. Northern Essex Community College is a great school with many great faculty members that want to see all students succeed.  By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and administration, we can continue to make NECC a campus environment that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. 

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

Hurricane Diane play revival takes NECC by storm

 
A group of women
The poster for Hurricane Diane.

In a dazzling display of talent and creativity, the Northern Essex Community College  theater scene was electrified by the remarkable production of “Hurricane Diane.”

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) selected the production as a finalist for the Region 1 Festival, taking place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.

“Festival,” as it’s called, brings together hundreds of college theater students, professors, and professionals from New England and New York to showcase their work and share their expertise. Hurricane Diane was one of just six finalists chosen out of 60 productions, including shows from many prestigious, four-year schools. 

After competing in the festival, the production of the play was remounted at NECC. 

Directed by the visionary Brianne Beatrice, this extraordinary performance on Feb. 25 brought together a stellar cast to deliver a modern twist on Greek mythology that left audiences spellbound.

At the heart of the production is the character of Diane, portrayed with depth and charisma by the incomparable Mirrorajah Metcalfe. 

Diane, a contemporary incarnation of the Greek god Dionysus, emerges as a butch, permaculture gardener navigating the complexities of the modern world. 

Metcalfe’s portrayal captivated audiences, infusing the character with both vulnerability and strength.

Metcalfe’s portrayal is winning accolades too. 

She was nationally awarded top three students across the country as “Outstanding actor for a Performance.” 

Metcalfe will attend the national awards cremonies on April 25 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. 

Accompanying Diane on her journey are the hilarious New Jersey housewives, portrayed with comedic brilliance by Olivia Barberian, Gwynnethe Glickman, Jessica Newey, and Ana Barrera. 

Their dynamic performances added layers of humor and depth to the production, providing moments of levity amidst the stormy narrative.

What sets “Hurricane Diane Encore’’ apart is its commitment to inclusivity and representation. 

The LGBTIA community is showcased in all its diversity and vibrancy, with the cast delivering authentic and nuanced portrayals that resonate deeply with audiences. 

From moments of solidarity to poignant reflections on identity, the play celebrates the richness of queer experiences with grace and authenticity.

The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, their performances complementing and elevating each other to create a truly ensemble piece. 

From poignant monologues to uproarious ensemble scenes, the actors’ commitment to their roles shines through, drawing audiences into the world of the play with irresistible charm.

Beatrice’s direction brings coherence and vitality to the production, seamlessly blending elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary into a cohesive narrative. 

Her bold artistic choices and keen eye for detail infuse the play with energy and urgency, resulting in a thoroughly engaging theatrical experience.

As the curtain falls on “Hurricane Diane the revival,” it leaves an indelible impression on the NECC theater scene, reminding us of the transformative potential of art to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.