Academic offerings, financial aid and proximity to home attracted Ally Powell ’26 and Joseph Spero ’26 to Merrimack College after they earned their associate’s degrees from Northern Essex Community College (NECC).
However, the opportunities and support they have received at Merrimack helped them realize their passions. Powell is studying human development and human services, as well as teacher education, and hopes to be a special education teacher in communities such as Haverhill, Mass. or Lawrence, Mass., while Spero is doubling down on his love of sports through the sports management program.
“The campus and community at Merrimack are a great fit for me,” said Powell. “I don’t know how else to describe it other than it matches my vibe. Transitioning to Merrimack has been an incredible experience. All of my classes transferred and the change was really smooth.”
Powell and Spero shared their transfer experiences during a special event at NECC’s Haverhill, Mass. campus on Monday, Feb. 24, where Merrimack and NECC announced a new joint admissions and transfer partnership agreement.
“It is an honor to be here today sharing my experiences with you all,” Spero said to a crowd of more than 50 senior leaders, administrators and faculty from both institutions. “I would 100 percent recommend the path I took to others. For students who are comfortable at home and are still looking for a challenge, Northern Essex is a perfect fit. And now, I’m a junior at Merrimack and I love it.”
The agreement ensures a seamless transfer process for NECC students who receive their associate’s degree to Merrimack College to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Students can also opt in to simultaneous admission to NECC and Merrimack and NECC students will receive priority for Merrimack merit scholarships.
“Now more than ever, we must ensure that any student who dreams of earning an associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree can do so,” said Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “And this agreement will make that dream more accessible to more students. We know first-hand the transformative impact higher education can have on its students and the communities they go on to serve.”
During the event, President Hopey also announced that NECC students who transfer to Merrimack College after they earn their associate’s degree will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship, or a $5,000 scholarship if they enroll in the Bachelor in Humanities program.
Merrimack College and NECC have enjoyed a long-standing partnership focused on accessibility and opportunities for learners in the Merrimack Valley and beyond. Over the past five years alone, about 400 NECC students have transferred to Merrimack College.
The institutions have worked to grow early college programs and are exploring the establishment of an innovation corridor in the Merrimack Valley.
“Merrimack remembers its roots,” said NECC President Lane Glenn H’15. “Merrimack remembers the importance of service to our communities and ensuring accessibility to and affordability of a high-quality education. This joint admissions agreement is another significant step forward because it makes the process much simpler.”
