Student Success Center
Institution:
Northern Essex Community College
State:
Massachusetts
Academic Level:
Associate
Issue Area:
Support Services
Program Focus:
Developmental Coursework, Summer Bridge
Key Personnel:
Contact Info:
Overview
The Student Success Center’s goal is student retention, and to eliminate barriers and build bridges for Latino student success. They aim to develop strong academic skills, positive behavior, and a support network to help manage challenges. They connect students to resources within the college and community to increase academic performance.
Program Description
The Student Success Center was created in 2011 to address the multiple needs of Latino students using a holistic and personal case management approach. Services include college prep programs, counseling referrals to social services, and career exploration and planning. The Student Success Center host a two week Summer Bridge Program for incoming Latino students to get them acquainted with the rigors of college, provide English/Math remediation, and build skills more appropriate for college-level work. Additionally, the center has an Early Success (Alert) program, designed to identify students with academic or personal struggles and connect them to resources to positively impact their academic performance and retention.
Outcome
The Student Success Center serves around 600 students per year, the majority identifying as Latino.
In Fall 2013, Latinos who use the Student Success Center services show an 8% higher course completion rate and a 19% higher retention rate.
The Student Success Center increased outreach and training on NECC’s Early Success Program; within 1-semester faculty participation in the program grew to 49%.
