December 11
Dr. Judith Josephs recently interviewed Dr. Dennis Camacho, director of academic success at North Shore Community College (NSCC), for her show “History of Success,” broadcasted by Lynn Community TV. Dr. Camacho leads tutoring and academic support for the College’s Lynn and Danvers Campuses.
The two engaged in a wide-ranging conversation on how NSCC helps students set and achieve their goals and start new careers.
“They come through our doors because they understand that they can do better: they
want to do better for their mom and dad, for their families, for their children. They
come to us with that dream, so we try to help them keep believing in that dream and
to not give up, regardless of the barriers they may face,” said Dr. Camacho.
Changing demographics and Free College programs have opened the doors to more students, and NSCC is doing its part to address the needs of its growing student population. Dr. Camacho described the College’s goal to “meet students where they’re at,” a philosophy that includes helping first-generation students transition into college and supporting bilingual students.
Dr. Josephs and Dr. Camacho discussed the significance of the College’s partners. These relationships with local businesses and organizations help place students in new careers, while partnerships with four-year universities like Salem State University and UMass Lowell have been invaluable for students who wish to further their education.
“A lot of these students are told, from pre-k through [grade] 12, that they don't belong—that they can't this, they can't that. We're here to show them that they can.”
Dr. Camacho also underscored how Early College can change students’ lives. The College has partnered with area school districts—including Lynn Public Schools—to give students access to a college education while they are still in high school; early college students simultaneously earn a high school diploma and college credits.
Programs such as these set students up for success by providing them the support and opportunities they need to achieve. NSCC is proud to help our community grow and prosper.