Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Supports Flying Cloud Institute

08:08AM / Tuesday, September 14, 2021Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) announced funding from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts to support its Young Women in Science program in Southern Berkshire County and Pittsfield.

For over twenty years, FCI has offered Young Women in Science (YWIS) programs free of charge to underserved female-identified youth in Berkshire County in the form of after school Girls Science Clubs, youth mentorship programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Summer workshops, and conferences for Women in STEM.

"Coming out of this pandemic year, there has never been a more important time to engage our youth in empowering, hands-on investigations with authentic role models in order to build up their identities as capable, curious learners and to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders," said Executive Director Maria Rundle.

The programs focus on girls who might have an inclination for STEM but find little encouragement and little to no opportunity to interact with women STEM professionals who would serve as role models— all while facing the social stigma that girls are not good at STEM.

The societal barriers for women and girls in STEM have been persistent, especially for minority women and in the fields of engineering, mathematics, and physics. FCI's program is built on the body of knowledge derived from research, using the strategies of mentorship, hands-on engagement, and intentional identity-building practices to create a pathway for girls from grade 3 to 12 that offers continual support and opportunities for leadership. These programs are life-changing and open doors to economic independence in lucrative careers as well as building up the voices of our future female leaders.

One graduate noted that because of her participation in YWIS from a young age, she never even considered that science wasn't for her and that by the time she got to college and found she was the only woman in her engineering class, "It was too late to be afraid because I already knew I belonged there."

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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer.

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said.

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward."

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio.

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units. A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched.

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.

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