PACE

Scholarships

PACE supports students in finding and applying for a wide range of scholarship opportunities. NECC and PACE offer scholarships and financial assistance specifically for PACE students, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

When completing the General Scholarship application, be sure to answer “yes” to the question, “Are you a PACE Student?” This helps ensure you are considered for scholarships available to PACE participants.

PACE staff are also available to help students explore outside scholarship opportunities, navigate the application process, and identify resources that can help make college more affordable. We encourage PACE students to take an active role in searching for and applying for scholarships throughout their college journey.

PACE Workshops

PACE offers Student Success Seminar workshops every fall and spring semester, providing students with practical strategies, resources, and information to help them succeed throughout their college journey. These seminars are designed to support students at every stage—from staying engaged and reaching their academic goals to graduating, successfully transferring to a four-year college or university, and preparing for future careers.

To make these opportunities accessible and convenient, PACE workshops are offered in a variety of formats. Students can attend workshops in person on campus, participate virtually through Zoom, or access workshop materials and resources 24/7 through the PACE Brightspace site. This flexibility allows students to take advantage of valuable support and information both inside and outside the classroom.

Past workshop topics are listed below as examples of the types of support PACE provides. Workshop offerings vary each semester, so current PACE students should check Brightspace regularly for the most up-to-date information on workshops, schedules, and available resources.

Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

The NECC/PACE Scholarship opening day is right around the corner. Get a head start on learning what you should include in your personal essay to wow the selection committees!

Completing the NECC/PACE Scholarship Application

Join the workshop today to go through step-by-step what you need to do to submit this year’s application. Please bring your completed personal essay with you if you have it.

Summer Internships & Opportunities

Want to secure a PAID internship or research position? NOW is the time to fill out applications. Join us for this workshop to learn about different opportunities and the steps to apply!

Get Organized for College & Life

Learn tips & tricks to get yourself organized for school, work, and beyond. Gain skills to manage the constant stream of information coming at you.

CliftonStrengths

Did you know that NECC is a strengths-based institution? We value each individual’s strengths and believe everyone has something to share. Come learn about your strengths and how to apply them every day in class and your career. *Please see PACE to obtain a code to take the CliftonStrengths for free before this workshop.

External Scholarships

In addition to NECC scholarships, many scholarships are available through outside organizations. Today’s workshop will highlight some of our off-campus partners and provide you with tips and information on which applications make the most sense for you to complete.

Online Learning

Online learning can be very challenging; throughout this workshop, you will learn more skills on how to stay organized and focus while taking online courses.

Reasons to Transfer

If you’re undecided or unsure about transferring, come to this workshop to learn about all the benefits of having a bachelor’s degree.

Pathways to Success: Mastering MassTransfer & Articulation Agreements

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Join us for "Pathways to Success: Mastering MassTransfer & Articulation Agreements," where you'll learn how to make the most of transfer opportunities and confidently navigate your path to a four-year college.

Bulking Up Your Notes

How are your note-taking skills? Join us for this workshop to learn about the best five note-taking methods and see which one you can adapt or get better at.

Understanding Different Leadership Styles

Join this workshop to understand different leadership styles and why they matter. Leadership is everywhere: in government, schools, work, and even individually. This workshop will help you learn more about leadership style to help you understand the leaders around you and even yourself as a leader.

Mastering Essay Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlock the essentials of essay writing in this interactive workshop designed to help you craft clear, concise, and well-structured essays. From developing a strong thesis to writing effective introductions and conclusions, you'll gain the skills needed to improve your writing with confidence.

Green Thumbs and Green Wallets

Green Thumbs & Green Wallets is a workshop that seamlessly blends the joys of home gardening with essential financial literacy principles. Hands-on activities and insightful discussions will empower attendees to grow their green thumbs and cultivate financial wellness through sustainable home gardening practices.

Draw Your Day

Join us for this workshop to learn about the technique of “drawing your day” to help you de-stress during a busy and challenging time of the semester.

Transfer Advising and Field Trips

PACE provides comprehensive transfer services and has a full-time Transfer Advisor dedicated to supporting students throughout the transfer process. Through PACE, students receive personalized assistance as they transition from NECC to a four-year college or university. This support includes individualized transfer advising, help completing college applications, guidance on essay writing, support in securing letters of recommendation, and more.

In addition to individualized advising, PACE students have the opportunity to visit more than 10 four-year colleges and universities. These visits allow students to explore different campuses firsthand, participate in campus tours and information sessions, and connect directly with transfer admissions staff. As a result, students can gain a better understanding of each institution and make more informed decisions about their transfer options. For example, past PACE college visits have included UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, UMass Amherst, Merrimack College, Boston University, Boston College, Salem State University, Southern New Hampshire University, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State University, Worcester State University, Harvard University, the University of New Hampshire, Bentley University, Tufts University, and more.

Academic Advising and Support

One of the most beneficial parts of being in PACE is the individualized advising you receive. PACE advisors are here to support you every step of the way—from registering for classes and developing an academic plan to communicating important information from your professors. They help you stay on track, successfully complete your courses, and reach your goal of graduating with your degree.

Because PACE serves only 258 students, our advisors have the opportunity to truly get to know you—not just as a student, but as an individual. They take the time to understand who you are, learn about your goals, and help you connect the dots between where you are today and where you want to be.

Career Advising and Support

PACE offers a variety of opportunities to help students discover their strengths, explore career options, and prepare for the workforce. PACE has a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and students are encouraged to complete the online CliftonStrengths assessment. This assessment helps identify each student’s unique talents and natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Career development is an ongoing process of understanding your interests and strengths and learning how to use them to achieve your goals. PACE offers workshops, some in collaboration with NECC Career Services, to help students better understand their strengths and learn how to apply them in college, in the workplace, and throughout their future careers. PACE also offers professional etiquette events and other opportunities designed to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce.

PACE students also have opportunities to explore careers outside the classroom through field trips to local companies and organizations. These visits give students a firsthand look at different industries, help them learn about potential career paths, and provide valuable networking opportunities. In the past, PACE students have visited early education programs, manufacturing plants, consulting firms, and technology companies.

Meet the PACE Staff & Contact Information

Locations & Contact Information

PACE has offices on both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses.  We offer in-person and virtual appointments. 

Stop in to learn more and see if you are eligible to join. Participation is voluntary and free.

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Main Contact:

Phone: (978) 556-3403

Email: pace@necc.mass.edu

Locations

PACE Staff

Kristen Arnold, PACE Director

Email: karnold@necc.mass.edu
Phone: (978) 556-3418

Christine Carbone, PACE Data Specialist

Haverhill Campus
Email: ccarbone@necc.mass.edu
Phone: (978) 556-3403

Jessica Rocker, PACE Transfer Advisor

Email: jrocker@necc.mass.edu
Phone: (978) 556-3736

AnaCristina Bedoya, PACE Academic Advisor

Email: abedoya@necc.mass.edu

Phone: (978) 556-3420

PACE is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.