MCC and LYLP Partner to Expose Campers to College Experience

After connecting with the leaders of the Lowell Youth Leadership Program (LYLP) at an event in Lowell, Middlesex Community College President Phil Sisson was interested in building a partnership between the two organizations. Founded by MCC alum Andres Lopez, LYLP’s mission aligns with MCC’s to offer an accessible and equitable experience to all students.

“We were thrilled to be able to support this amazing free program to help kids who might never be able to afford to attend a summer camp get that experience,” President Sisson said. “They wanted to expose their older campers to the concept of going to college, so we invited them to visit our Lowell campus and learn more about what the college experience at MCC provides. I also had a wonderful time meeting with the campers and talking to them about leadership during a recent visit to their location at the Greater Lowell Technical High School.”

LYLP is a leadership camp serving campers ages 10 to 16, junior counselors ages 16 to 20, and counselors ages 21 to 25. Lopez graduated from MCC in 2006 as a Liberal Arts and Sciences major and was excited to reconnect with the college. He believes MCC “provides what we search for in our instructors – ‘high quality service at no cost.’”

“One reason why LYLP felt to partner with MCC is it really mirrors the community we serve – diversity in socioeconomic status and culture,” Lopez said. “They are in the center of Lowell and they are a resource that some of our campers and counselors could benefit from. We want to assure we can provide services that could help in their journey to becoming community leaders.”

In addition to meeting with President Sisson, the campers took a tour of the Lowell campus and met with members of MCC’s Wellness Resource Center and Success Scholars Program teams. They enjoyed a demonstration from MCC’s Dental Assisting program in the college’s recently renovated lab and a guitar performance from MCC Music faculty member Raley Beggs. To end the day, they enjoyed a pizza lunch in MCC’s cafeteria.

“We designed a series of workshops for the campers to learn about some of the opportunities and benefits MCC offers to students,” said Jeffrey Tejada, MCC’s Director of International Admissions & Compliance. “The campers were engaged, curious and excited to be on campus.”

Lopez also enjoyed returning to MCC’s campus during LYLP’s visit. From stepping into the cafeteria where he would spend time with his classmates to standing in front of a classroom as a presenter rather than a student, he felt a rewarding sense of nostalgia.

“I always felt a connection to MCC,” Lopez said. “It’s where I learned the habits that propelled me in my journey to pursuing higher education. Thank you for welcoming our future community leaders to something more than they are accustomed to."