MCLA Launches After-School STEM Program for Brayton

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has recently launched an after-school initiative for Brayton Elementary's third-grade students to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities.

The program will take place in MCLA's Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation through the "Help Yourself" program.

The college was approached by the Help Yourself Foundation to host a hands-on, inquiry based program for youth at MCLA.

The Help Yourself foundation was founded in 2005 by the president emeritus of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. Roger H. Hull. Hull developed after-school programs that allowed school-aged children to come into college campuses a few times a week to participate in STEM-focused activities in the Capital Region.

"The Help Yourself Foundation thought this would be a natural extension of the work that they've already done, and would provide a unique format and location here at MCLA," H. Jake Eberwein, dean of graduate and continuing education, said. "We're replicating in great part the model that's been used in the Capitol Region, but we'll be supporting students in North Adams."

Supported by MCLA staff, students and North Adams public educators, the first 20 third graders began their activities at MCLA.Two times a week the third-graders will travel to MCLA campus with a teacher or tutor for Help Yourself's program.

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:25AM / Sunday, March 15, 2026

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 

 

The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.

 

"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.

 

A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 

 

Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 

 

Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 

 

They will submit those with a school picture to the governor.