Lawrence, MA (August 13, 2025) — The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad (INDEX) and Northern Essex Community College are proud to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bolstering educational opportunities for the Dominican community in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This new pledge expands on the landmark agreement signed in 2024, making Northern Essex the first educational partner of INDEX in the United States.

The partnership between INDEX and NECC facilitates the promotion of information on projects, workshops, certificate programs, and educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of the Dominican diaspora. Through coordinated efforts, both organizations are leveraging their respective networks, social media platforms, and institutional relations to amplify these initiatives and ensure maximum outreach within the Lawrence community. The new MOU will allow for additional shared resources like classrooms and meeting spaces on the college’s Lawrence Campus.

INDEX Vice Minister Celinés Toribio trades lapel pins with Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations Naydeen González De-Jésus

“This is more than an agreement, more than a contract, more than a promise,” said INDEX Vice Minister Celinés Toribio. “It is a vision for the future that, together, we can create even bigger and better opportunities.”

“Thank you for ensuring that we continue to open up pathways to our students for the advancement of the Dominican diaspora,” remarked Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations Naydeen González De-Jésus before signing the agreement with Toribio.

Wednesday’s signing event included a tour of the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Health and Technology Center at 414 Common Street, Lawrence. Additionally, Reina Rosario, Director of Promotion of National Identity for INDEX, donated four books she authored on Dominican history and heritage to NECC’s libraries.

More than 40% of Northern Essex students are from or have direct ties to the Dominican Republic. Lawrence is home to 49,000 Dominican Americans, making it the second-largest Dominican diaspora in the country.

The Dominican Republic maintains a Consulate in Boston. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates the National Institute of Vocational Technical Training (INFOTEP), which governs professional technical training. INDEX supports INFOTEP’s Lawrence office by fostering collaborations and promoting its educational programs abroad.