BCC Institutes Debt Forgiveness Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced its plans to use $335,000 in federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) to erase outstanding balances accrued by students enrolled in credit degree or certificate programs from March 13, 2020 through May 31, 2021. 
 
HEERF funds were earmarked as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
 
Students affected by the program have been informed via letter, which states:
 
"We care about you, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help you continue to meet your educational goals at BCC. We appreciate the challenges of being a college student during the pandemic, and we are here to help you moving forward."
 
Debt forgiveness not only allows students to reapply for admission to BCC, but it also stops attempts from collection agencies and Intercept, a system used by the Commonwealth to attach student debt to tax returns, lottery winnings, etc.
 
"Even small amounts of debt can derail a student's ability to progress through their college career, which will negatively impact their ability to find high-wage employment later in life," said Adam Klepetar, BCC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "Getting students to graduation is something we approach holistically, and debt forgiveness aligns with our commitment to equitable student success."
 
While the current debt forgiveness program is specific to the pandemic, Klepetar explained that keeping education affordable has long been a priority at BCC. 
 
"Our strategy has been to provide long-term financial wellness coaching, offer credit courses in financial literacy, and create opportunities for paid internships," he said, noting that a recent gift from Berkshire Bank will help supplement these efforts.
 
To further help students with short-term and long-term financial strategies, BCC has also bolstered its financial coaching team and created cross-divisional alignments through its One Stop Student Success project.
 
For more information about debt or financial aid at BCC, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/financialaid or email onestop@berkshirecc.edu.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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