ABE Transition to College Program
Prepare for College With This FREE Program
If you passed your High School Equivalency Test (GED or HiSET) and want to improve your academic skills to prepare for college, this free program is for you! You can also take advantage of this program if it has been more than five years since you graduated from high school.
The Transition to College Program Provides:
- Two semesters of academic preparation in reading, writing, math and computers for success in college
- Time management, computer, note taking, technology and study skills
- Help completing the NECC application and Financial Aid forms
- Career exploration and advising
Earn College Credits with This Program
Upon successful completion of the program, you will have earned 6 college credits via a three credit college success course and a three credit computer course.
Program Schedule:
Morning program: Wed, Fri, Sat: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; days subject to change.
Evening Program: M, T, Th: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Information Sessions
Please email Sandy Devita sdevita@necc.mass.edu for additional information.
Location
Classes are currently being offered remotely. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the resources required and available for online learning.
Program Funding
This program is funded by the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education
Contact Us
Sandy Devita, Transition to College Coordinator
Email:sdevita@necc.mass.edu
Susan C. Chory, Education and Career Advisor
Email: schory@necc.mass.edu
Student Success

Noel Badia, Information Technology-Networking and Security Associate Degree Program
After long months of hard work and dedication, the celebration of success is the best reward.
Hello, My Name is Noel Badia, I am from the Dominican Republic. After being out of school for almost ten years, I have successfully prepared to return to college thanks to the Transition to College Program.
Transition to College helped me to improve my English, reading, listening, writing, and math skills. I improved my vocabulary, comprehension, time management, understanding of the U.S.A. college system, and I learned how to make better decisions. Computer Applications taught me that no matter how easy it looks, there is always more to learn.
I am currently enrolled at Northern Essex Community College in the Information Technology-Networking and Security Associate Degree Program. Thanks to the Transition to College Program, I am one step closer to my dreams.

Ayat Althayer, interested in Business and Accounting
My name is Ayat Althayer. I am originally from Amman, Jordan. I would like to study Business and Accounting in college. In the Transition to College Program at NECC, I learned about the culture and expectations of college. The Transition Program also helped me to become academically prepared to succeed in college.

Karin Stacy, Transition to College participant
The Transition to College Program helped me very much. I was out of school for a long time and always wanted to go back to college but I was hesitant because English is not my first language (I was born in Brazil). The program helped me with everything I needed to succeed; writing, reading, math, time management and computer applications. Today I have the confidence I can take a class in legal Studies and do well. I’m thankful for the chance I had to participate in this program and to the teachers that really care about our success.

Yadira Vasquez, interested in Business Management
I’m Dominican and I want to study Business Management. A relevant lesson I learned in the Transition to College Program at NECC is that, whatever you want to accomplish, you can do it. No matter how hard your situation is, always trust your potential.