A Bridge of Hope for Adult Learning
Mission
Promoting quality of life through education
Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, The Notre Dame Education Center-Lawrence (NDEC-L) is an inclusive community of learning where diverse, underserved adults enrich their lives through education and gain the tools necessary for enhanced professional opportunity and community engagement. NDEC-L provides English language and citizenship classes, skills training and leadership development – tuition free or low-cost – in a learning environment that is welcoming, respectful and dignified.
About Us
Educating for Life and Work
Notre Dame Education Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. We are proud to work with 350+ immigrant and low-income adult learners each year to reach their English language, education, and job-related goals. NDEC-L students bring their talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm to our center. Their voice and lived experience informs our work and our path forward.
Vision
Bridge of Hope
Notre Dame Education Center at Lawrence is a bridge of hope transforming lives through education for life.
Core Values
NDEC-L is guided by the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community.
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We celebrate the goodness in each and every person by being a place of hope and opportunity.
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We treat adult learners equally, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person.
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We work in a manner that is collaborative, supportive, welcoming, caring and inclusive.
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We foster innovation, teamwork, and student directed initiatives.
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We seek to understand the educational and employment needs of the local community and respond to them.
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We emphasize academic persistence, dedication, and rigor in all of our programs.
Our Origins
In 1859, five Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur came to St. Mary's Parish in the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, to establish a ministry of education, social services and pastoral care for the diverse Italian and Irish immigrant population. Over the course of 100 years, they established several elementary schools and St. Mary's High School.
When St. Mary's High School closed in 1996, the Sisters of Notre Dame, eager to continue their work with the immigrants of Lawrence, established the Notre Dame Education Center. Together with the Lawrence community, we are making known in our time that “God is good,” a message imprinted in the hearts of many for over 160 uninterrupted years of presence and service from the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for the people of Lawrence.
Notre Dame Education Center was established by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1997. We are proud to be a bridge of hope for adults in the Greater Lawrence area, seeking to improve their lives and those of their families through education and community engagement.
Our Board
Meet Our Staff
Noel Badia
Essential Computer Skills Teacher