Prospective Northern Essex Community College students who want to attend, but don’t think they’re quite ready to commit to a full certificate or degree plan, still have an option: the Bridge to College and Careers program, specifically designed to give adult English language learners a free pathway to higher education.

An offering of the school’s Center for Adult Education Programs and Preparation, the Bridge program is an intensive two-semester program designed to improve students’ English reading, writing, and math skills so they’re better-equipped to handle the Accuplacer placement test.

Those interested in exploring careers in information technology, health care or business may qualify for the Bridge to College and Careers program. A placement test is required upon registration. Registration days for fall 2017 enrollment are Tuesday, April 25 and Tuesday, May 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at NECC Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Entrance K, Room 309. Classes are held Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Bridge to College and Careers program is funded through the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation grant and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

For more information, contact program coordinator Marsha Parinussa Flynn at mparinussaflynn@necc.mass.edu or 978-659-1279, or academic advisor Risobel Lourido at rlourido@necc.mass.edu or 978-659-1274.