Gov. Charlie Baker gave shout outs to Northern Essex Community College and Merrimack College during last night’s State of the Commonwealth address.
During a part of Baker’s address on the state’s education reform law and recent action to send $1.5 billion more to communities, the governor said the appointment of Jeff Riley as receiver/superintendent in Lawrence was “transformative for the kids and families in that community.” He said, “The money didn’t change in Lawrence…Lawrence worked well because everything else changed.” He pointed out early college programs helped make all of the difference.
“To date, 154 Lawrence High School students have graduated with more than 2,600 college credits at no cost to them or their families through our early college program. Dozens earned full scholarships at area colleges. Joining us today are 11 of them—six who attend Merrimack College and five who go to Northern Essex Community College,” Baker said.
Baker recognized the students and Lawrence mayor Daniel Rivera.