Elms College Bringing BA Program To Berkshire County
Elms President Mary Reap and BCC President Ellen Kennedy signed an agreement Wednesday that further builds a relationship the two schools already have.
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The chance from BCC students to earn a bachelor's degree from Elms College just got a lot closer — about 40 miles closer.
Officials from Berkshire Community College and Elms signed an articulation agreement Wednesday that will bring Elms human services professors to Lee Middle and High School to teach Saturday courses.
Starting in September, students who graduate BCC can go on to earn their bachelor's degree in social services without leaving the Berkshires.
"People who continue to pursue their education in the Berkshires, stay in the Berkshires," BCC President Ellen Kennedy said, adding that many students are unable to commute to Chicopee for the additional degree.
The off-site campus is the next step in a lengthy partnership the two colleges have had. Audrey Ringer, BCC human services professor, said the majority of her students who go on to bachelor programs, go to Elms. The two schools have worked collaboratively for the 16 years she has been there to align their programs.
"It's really the next step in a long-term relationship," Sister Mary Reap, Elms College president, said.
But still, not all of her students — particularly adults — are able to go out of the county for courses. So last year, the two started the conversation of finding a way to bring the courses closer.
"There are so many adults who want to get the degree and you have to be convenient," Reap said.
Officials from both colleges dug into searching for a place to host the course and other logistics and when Ringer heard that they were seriously considering something, "I felt could do cartwheels."
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President Mary Reap said the schools are very similar in a lot of ways and this agreement brings them closer together.
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Now Elms will bring not only professors but also a full support staff including academic advisers, program coordinators and professional tutors to Lee. Students will also have full access to online tutors and disability services offered by the college.
"They are fully enrolled Elms students," Reap said.
Classes will be held on Saturdays with a morning and an afternoon session. The students can earn their bachelor's degree in social work in 20 months. According to Elms Associate Academic Dean Elizabeth Hukowicz, there are already 12 BCC students enrolled for the Fall semester.
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Supranowicz said agreements like this help the county's economic development. The best way to improve the economy is to make sure the companies here have the right workers, he said. Business leaders have often said the county has a lack of skilled workers.
State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier echoed the same sentiment, saying county leaders have been working toward "raising aspirations" of residents and developing a stronger workforce.
"We are so appreciative for Elms to have this more formal agreement," Farley-Bouvier said. "This is a great opportunity."
Tags: BCC, college, higher education, social work,
