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Know your vote

Regardless if you are pro-Trump or pro-Harris or against both, bear in mind that for voters in New England, the ballot is not only about the presidential election. It also includes different important positions such as candidates for the Senate or for state representatives or treasurer but for most of…

Two NECC students holding Massachusetts ballot booklets.


Latino evolution

Hispanic Heritage Month sparks discussions As Northern Essex Community College (NECC) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, students and staff reflect on how breaking generational cycles can empower future generations. With 47% of its student body identifying as Hispanic, NECC is fostering conversations about identity, tradition, and the pressures young Latino individuals…

Student reading a book in the library about Hispanic/Latino history in the US


Students honored

The PACE awards dinner was held on April 23. During this celebration, student members of PACE were recognized for their commitment and academic excellence. PACE which stands for Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence, is a student support services program funded by a TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of…

Emma Ruggiero receives an award by PACE program.


Food programs in jeopardy?

Students create petition about food, housing, civic engagement resources. On April 2, there was a petition spread by Student Government Association SGA about food and housing insecurity titled Saving Civic Engagement. It called for students to sign up on behalf of the services the Civic Engagement, Service-Learning, and Community Resources…

The text of a petition.


Trip of a lifetime: Student will study in the Netherlands

Maria Cubias, a criminal justice student, was selected among 20 students nationwide to attend a summer program in the Netherlands, and The NECC Fund granted the costs of the program. Mostly known as “Ampa” short name for Amparo, her middle name, she is a hardworking and committed student. Her full…


Thinking globally: Courses connect with students abroad

NECC students are connected with international peers virtually to team up on projects together. There are around seven courses with a special component, the International Virtual Experience IVE and Collaborative Online International Learning COIL where NECC students are paired with students at universities from Canada, France, Mexico or Palestine, to…


Holiday spirit: “A Christmas Carol” returns to NECC

“A Christmas Carol,” the classic season story is back in NECC Theater on Dec 8, 9 and 10. “Every year (it) puts me in the Christmas mood. The carols and theme. So, I love it. It's so difficult sometimes to get into that mood of holidays and it just does…


Professors and staff speak out about ‘fair pay’

Professors and staff are under “Work to Rule,” as of press time for the Observer, on Tuesday, Nov. 14.  They say they are protesting being underpaid, not receiving a raise since 2021 and currently working without a contract. Faculty and staff members of the Massachusetts Community College Council – MCCC…


Artificial intelligence: Friend or Foe?

AI promises to revolutionize the way we do everything, including coursework, but NECC faculty and some students have concerns about this future.  With a new semester underway, and new developments in generative AI technology made public at a regular pace, these concerns are renewed around our campus. Professor Devan Walton,…


Convocation celebration: Students return for fall semester

Students in PACE, SOAR and other programs took part in NECC's Convocation Ceremony on Sept. 5. The day began with a light breakfast before the ceremony. At breakfast, the students were given gift bags to be opened at the end of the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the Tech…