BCC Partners With UAlbany's Atmospheric Science Program
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Timothy Mulcahy of the University of Albany and BCC President Ellen Kennedy signed an articulation agreement to link their atmospheric science programs. |
He loves everything about how the atmosphere works. So he went through the University of Albany's atmospheric science program to become a meteorologist.
Now teaching at Berkshire Community College, he hopes to show others fascinated with weather how to get a career studying it.
On Wednesday, BCC President Ellen Kennedy signed an articulation agreement with the University of Albany to create a seamless transition for students from the two-year atmospheric science study at BCC to finishing off a bachelor's degree at UAlbany.
"Students can do their first two years of their bachelor of science degree here, close to home in a community college setting with great savings. And then they can transfer directly to the University of Albany," Kravitz said.
Previously, those from Berkshire County who knew they could pursue a career in atmospheric studies had to go to four-year institutions out of town.
Kravitz knows there are others who are like him and are fascinated with the climate in the Berkshires. But he doesn't think all of them know there are jobs in the field.
"There are a lot of people in Berkshire County that are interested in climate change. There are a lot of people who are just obsessed with anything to do with weather - they are called weather weenies. I am a weather weenie," Kravitz said.
He said only 5 percent of meteorologists are in broadcast, which is what most people think of when they hear the term. But, he said there are jobs forecasting for private companies, the National Weather Service, or the military. There are research jobs. There are jobs in the energy sector.
"It used to be the focus was on weather and weather forecasting. Now, climate science has taken on more prominence. I know UAlbany has taken on a whole slew of facility that are experts in the field of climate change," Kravitz said.
The two colleges are aligning their programming so that BCC's classes provide the base needed to complete the program in Albany. The credits will smoothly transfer from one school to the next.
"These two institutions bonded and have a bond of confidence in each other," said Timothy Mulcahy, interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost for the University of Albany.
Mulcahy says the agreement is about giving students a clear "trajectory" to careers into the field. BCC President Ellen Kennedy said the agreement gives BCC students more opportunities once they graduate.
"We are excited at the possibilities and opportunities that it will give our students, who will become students at the University of Albany," Kennedy said.
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Joseph Kravitz says many people don't know the opportunities that the field offers. |
In Albany he said the school brought in "the top young people" to teach and they are "scary good."
He said the program is in an "unbelievable state" and there are more and more career opportunities in the field.
"This really is an incredible field. The opportunity is tremendous. It has always been that way and it is going to be that way in the future," Idone said.
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce President Jonathan Butler thanked BCC for bring the additional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs to the county.
Butler hopes the students who go through this program will eventually find jobs back in the Berkshires.
State Sen. Benjamin Downing added that it is partnerships like this one that helps students "make the most of their talents." And state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier said "its all about teamwork, partnership and collaboration" that makes opportunities like this possible.
Also in attendance was state Rep. Paul Mark, state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli and Dan Johnson from Congressman Richard Neal's office, and an array of school officials.
