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A Top College, Again: The MCLA Community Reflects on Success

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As a top ten public college, MCLA has a lot to offer: more than 100 scholarships, a liberal arts curriculum that helps students learn across academic disciplines, tons of student activities, and support ranging from student-led tutoring to the TRIO Program, which focuses on helping low- income, first-generation, or disabled students get the most out of their college experience.
 
These are all important facets—and no doubt part of why MCLA also continues to appear on U.S. News’ list of best colleges for social mobility—but the MCLA community, who work here, live here, and learn here, has more to say about why MCLA has been named a Top Ten College for nine of the last 11 years, and keeps climbing the rankings lists each year.
 
"I think MCLA is a top college because of the quality of education it provides," said Domenica Gomez ’23, who attends MCLA while working as an admission ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. "Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from professors that genuinely care about your educational success and
make long-lasting connections that will help shape my future."
 
Kayla Hollins ’12, MCLA’s director of admission, came to MCLA from New York City and has helped thousands of students learn more about the College before they apply. 
 
"MCLA is a top ten college because it is filled with true trailblazers—first generation students, students who live far from campus, undeclared students, and more," she said. "These are students who took a chance on our small community—and our community continues to deliver a quality education. MCLA is a place for all students to learn how to be a leader. As an alum, I pride myself on being a Trailblazer, and as the director of admission, I hope to recruit more of us to the institution."
 
MCLA professors bring their classes to experience everything in the Berkshires, from tracking salamanders in the MCLA forest and Mount Greylock State Reservation to working with museum staff on arts and education projects. 
 
"We have incredible access to the arts," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski. "MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country, is one of our teaching labs. I think that experiential element related to the arts, the environment, and the beauty of the land is what continues to make us a top ten school."
 
"I think the institution, meaning the people who are at its core, understand and stay true to the ultimate mission: providing a quality affordable liberal arts education to a student population that is not especially advantaged," said Dennis Ducharme ’82, president of the MCLA Alumni Association. "The college provides amazing support through a great student to faculty ratio and with many layers of services geared to maximize retention and graduation rates. The result is an educational experience that puts our students on an upward trajectory, both financially and as engaged members of their communities."
 
Want to learn more about MCLA? Talk to the Office of Admission, or plan a visit, at www.mcla.edu.

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Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, pride night, free days, and more.

Editor's Pick

The Great Ladybug Release 
The Apple Barn, Bennington Vt.
Friday and Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join The Apple Barn to learn about ladybugs and why they are good for the environment. Enjoy a storywalk with the kids and you will also be able to release some ladybugs as you enjoy the farm.

More information here.

Multiple Days

2026 Berkshire Yoga Festival
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
June 11 to 14

Another year of yoga in the Berkshires is back featuring yoga teachers from around the world sharing their knowledge as well as local vendors, hiking, art, and more.

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

North Adams Pride Night
Main Street
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Come downstreet for the annual Pride Night featuring a drag story hour, local food vendors, dance parties, and more.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your crafts and work on them with others in the community.

More information here.

Lebanon Valley Drift
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 
West Lebanon, N.Y.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

All driving levels are able to participate in the drift or just come to watch others. The food stand will be open to sit and enjoy the show.

More information here.

Saturday

Fair Gardens: Family Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.

Design a little home a fairy would love to reside in. Open to ages 8 to 18 with family, bring your own garden type supplies or use from the library.

More information here.

Mass MoCA Free Day

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