October 3
North Shore Community College's Lynn Campus.
A dual language program at North Shore Community College has been recognized for its impact on students, serving as inspiration to other institutions and programs who seek to support all learners. In August, the national organization Excelencia in Education named the Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer Degree (DL LAT) pathway a 2025 Examples of Excelencia Program to Watch, a recognition that spotlights innovative up-and-coming programs.
Bilingual Student Success
Students in the DL LAT pathway take courses taught in Spanish and English with bilingual support, strengthening their skills in both languages while earning an associate degree in liberal arts. This degree positions students to transfer to a four-year institution to achieve even more.
“The DL LAT is one of the few programs in the nation—and the only one in Massachusetts—that offers a dual language transfer degree, demonstrating how intentional equity-focused design can enhance institutional excellence,” said Professor Irene Fernandez, dual language faculty fellow.
Launched in spring 2022 at the College’s Lynn Campus, the DL LAT pathway helps address the growing need to support bilingual students. As a multicultural community, many of Lynn’s residents speak languages other than English, and as a Hispanic-Serving Institution with more than 35% of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino, the College constantly strives to support these populations.
The College’s DL LAT program recognizes that bilingualism is a strength, not a deficit. “Many students express that the program helps to strengthen their cultural pride and sense of belonging,” said Fernandez. “They often share that DL courses support their confidence in navigating academic environments bilingually, encouraging them to persist in higher education and beyond.”
Program Growth
The DL LAT program started as a handful of classes, but thanks to the dedication and skill of its faculty, it has grown to an entire pathway. Students from other programs can take DL LAT courses, as can area high schoolers through the Early College program.
The College is a proud member of the Excelencia in Action network, a key component of Excelencia in Education. Excelencia in Education promotes evidence-based practices and policies that improve access and achievement for Latino students, though the organization understands that equitable educational practices support students from all backgrounds.
“This honor demonstrates that intentional equity work—centered on Latino students—can set a model for institutions nationwide to improve outcomes for all students. It motivates us to continue strengthening the program, expanding access, and sharing this innovative approach as part of a broader movement for inclusive, transformative education,” said Fernandez.
You can find more information on the DL LAT program here.