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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Pittsfield West Side School Project Feasibility Study Advancing
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Planners will soon consider exactly how a new West Side elementary school would look.
On Tuesday, the Schools Building Needs Commission will see an overview of the Preliminary Design Program for the project involving Crosby Elementary School, Conte Community School, and possibly Stearns Elementary School.
The PDP is the initial feasibility phase that documents space needs, existing conditions, and evaluates design options. It will be submitted at the end of January 2027; a new school on West Street is estimated to be at least five years out.
At the SBNC’s Sept. 1 meeting, designers TSKP Studio introduced themselves and outlined next steps for the feasibility study as Pittsfield applies for funds from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
"We are going to prioritize this," Superintendent Latifah Phillips said about Crosby.
"…The building is in a really challenging condition, so we want to move responsibly quick. We don't want to move too quickly where people feel left behind. We also need to acknowledge that that building is holding on."
The design team has completed nearly 60 school projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, including three net-zero-verified schools.
An existing conditions assessment and site development requirements were completed, and educational visioning is to wrap up in October. The educational plan and design options will be evaluated for the remainder of 2026.
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