PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Sharon Hardens of Operation Bootstrap speaks during the Listen to Lynn meeting at North Shore Community College and introduces some of her students. Behind her from left, Yuderka Martinez, Bunnarith Chhoeun, Sovannary Touch and Sockanny To.
BY JACKIE CULWELL
There is a saying that a rising tide floats all boats and that is the opportunity North Shore Community College scholars hope to apply in Lynn.
The college hosted more than 100 local residents for a Thursday night discussion that mapped out the connection between adult education and good-paying jobs.
North Shore Community College, Lynn Public Schools and Salem State College have partnered with 11 organizations to raise the standard and quality of living in Lynn, with financial assistance provided by Working Cities Challenge Massachusetts.
Speakers who attended the meeting, including elected officials, stressed that money to pay for local education programs must be a component in improving opportunities for local residents.
“If we have better resources for education in Lynn, it will encourage more people to not only educate themselves, but their children too,” said School Committee member Jared Nicholson.
Lynn-based Operation Bootstrap provides English as a second language training but meeting participants told the North Shore audience to offer other ideas for linking education to improving economic opportunity.
Lisa Wallace, a West Lynn resident who founded One Community One Voice, stressed the connection between education and community involvement. People who improve their skills can turn around and improve their community, she said.
“Education is the factor that helps achieve economic security and an understanding on how to be civically engaged. That’s what we need,” Wallace said.
School Committee members Maria Carrasco and Lorraine Gately, City Councilor Brian LaPierre and Ward 6 Councilor Peter Capano also attended Thursday’s meeting.