Lupema

Lupema is a TORCH alum and a Northfield Teaching Fellow through the Grow Your Own grant. She started her path to higher education by taking classes at the NCCC for 1.5 years, before transferring to Winona State University. She continues to work towards completing her education major.

Bachelor of Arts,
expected May 2027

Naidine

After completing her associate degree at the NCCC, Naidine transferred to St. Catherine University. She will be the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree when she graduates in 2026 and she hopes to continue her education in a master’s program for library science.

Bachelor of Arts,
expected June 2026

Arturo

“The NCCC is not just a place to attend my classes, but a place that has helped me with so much more. It’s a place where I have felt accepted and listened to. They have provided support every step of the way!”

Associate of Arts,
graduated 2022

Samantha

“Without the hands-on support [of the NCCC], I probably would’ve dropped out the first year. They meet you where you’re at.”

Samantha is on track to graduate with her associate degree in May 2026.

Current Student

Ridwan

“I am so lucky to be part of the NCCC because they have been my biggest strong support. It is amazing how far an individual can go when the NCCC believes in them, like they did with me.”

After completing her associate of science in nursing in 2023, Ridwan decided to pursue her bachelor’s at Minnesota State University.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, expected May 2026

Jennifer

The most rewarding parts of Jennifer’s NCCC experience were getting a scholarship, going to class with friends, meeting new people, and getting support from staff. She graduated with her associate of arts from Riverland Community College in May of 2024 and is currently studying business at Minnesota State University.

Bachelor of Arts,
expected December 2026

Ashley

Ashley graduated with her associate degree in May 2025 and started at Metropolitan State University later that summer and is currently working towards her bachelor’s.

Associate of Arts,
graduated May 2025

Natalie

Natalie graduated with an associate degree in May 2022! She will continue studying and working in the field of education.

Associate of Arts,
graduated May 2022

Yailyn

After earning her associate degree at the NCCC, Yailyn pursued her bachelor’s at The College of St. Benedict’s. With continued support from the NCCC, she majored in communications and graduated in 2023.

Bachelor of Arts,
graduated May 2023

Nicole

Nicole is currently pursuing an associate of science in accounting degree through NCCC’s partnership with Riverland Community College.

As a student parent, Nicole shared that the available childcare makes a huge impact on her: “I think if I did not have that help, I would not have continued in college. I appreciate it a lot because taking care of 1-4 years old is a lot of work. Their patience is awesome!”

Current Student

Andres

After graduating high school in 2015 and taking time away from school to focus on raising his family, Andres returned to continue his education in 2022. He graduated with an associate of science degree in 2026 and is currently pursuing his goal of becoming an A&P engineer.

“Being able to return to school while still showing up for my children made a huge difference and helped me stay motivated to finish.”

Associate of Science,
graduated May 2026