Haverhill, MA (August 4, 2025) – Northern Essex Community College gave local teens a glimpse of college life by hosting a summer field trip, organized by Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. (MAN Inc.) and Debbie’s Treasure Chest. This week, they visited the college’s Haverhill and Lawrence campuses, meeting with leaders and seeing first-hand the opportunities available so close to home.

“I want our young people to know about the educational opportunities available to them,” said Linda Soucy, founder of MAN, Inc. “There are so many resources right in our own backyard, and Northern Essex tops the list.”

NECC President Lane Glenn met with visiting students

Soucy explained that the group, which is made up of 14 and 15-year-olds, has been participating in MassHire’s Career Curriculum Summer Youth Program. Part of this program includes visits to community sites, meetings with officials, and learning about local resources.

“Whether it’s through Massachusetts’ free community college program, or our convenient locations in Lawrence and Haverhill, I appreciate the partnership of MAN, Inc. and Debbie’s Treasure Chest in communicating the accessibility of higher education in the Merrimack Valley,” said NECC President Lane Glenn.

Recognizing that many young people in the community have never stepped on a college campus, organizers wanted to give students a real look at a local institution. The group kicked off the day by touring NECC’s Lawrence campus, meeting with Dean of Health Sciences Kathy Hudson, and hearing from Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations Naydeen Gonzalez De-Jesus.

NECC Vice President of the Lawrence Campus Naydeen González De-Jésus speaks with visiting students.

“It takes a village to increase college attainment, and today’s engagement, in which our deans, faculty, and staff came together with community partners, helps to build a bridge that connects young minds to the possibility of a better future through education,” said González De-Jésus.

Following their visit to Lawrence, the group travelled to the NECC’s Haverhill Campus for a tour. While there, they met with President Glenn, Director of Athletics Dan Blair, and Lawrence City Councilor Vivian Marmol ’07, a NECC alumna.

“No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, Northern Essex isn’t just a place about learning,” said Marmol. “It’s about discovering your power, your purpose, and your place in the world.”

Marmol spoke about how NECC changed her life, including how courses in public speaking helped instill a confidence that allowed her to eventually run for office.

“It was exciting to have these students see the varied possibilities, facilities, and programs all available through Northern Essex,” said Linda Harvey of Debbie’s Treasure Chest. “What’s more, they heard first-hand how education can change lives, and they left inspired. At the end of the day, that’s the most important gift we can give them.”

To learn more about the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. and its programs, visit www.methuenarlington.org.

Lawrence City Councilor and NECC Alum Vivian Marmol met with visiting students

NECC Director of Athletics Dan Blair spoke with visiting students