BCC Info Session At Berkshire Family YMCA

03:48PM / Tuesday, July 25, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a special community college information session at the Berkshire Family YMCA, located at 292 North Street in Pittsfield, on Wednesday, August 2 at 5:30 pm.

Financial aid, admissions and advising staff will be on hand to help students enroll at BCC, potentially for free through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect program.

To register for the event, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect. Refreshments will be served.

The event is part of MassReconnect, a proposed program designed to pay the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. The proposal, currently before the Massachusetts legislature, would cover tuition and fees for eligible students, who would also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies. Pending approval, the program is slated to begin in fall 2023.

"For the fall 2022 semester, nearly 40 percent of students who attended BCC were non-traditional students ages 25 and older," said Megan Lussier, BCC Director of Admissions and Recruitment. "MassReconnect, the new program the Commonwealth is proposing, will have a positive impact on our most populated part of our student body to allow those students financial freedom when it comes to their education."

MassReconnect will consider students eligible for the program if they:

Are 25 or older on the first day of classes
Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college
Have not previously earned a college degree
Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Are a Massachusetts resident

Further information, including full program guidelines, will be forthcoming.

For questions regarding the MasssReconnect program, contact the BCC Admissions Office at admissions@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 499-4660.

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Co-op Supports Berkshire Nonprofits with Cash Cube Events

02:49PM / Friday, January 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) successfully concluded its year-end community giving initiative, combining direct donations with interactive "Where's the Action Cash Cube" events to benefit local nonprofits across Berkshire County this holiday season.

Each participating not-for-profit organization received a $500 contribution from Co-op Bank, along with an on-site Cash Cube visit that gave them the opportunity to catch up to an additional $500.

All events were held at the nonprofits' locations and shared on Co-op Bank's social media channels to spotlight the essential services they provide throughout the region.

Through the Cash Cube events, the nonprofits grabbed the following additional amounts:

Pittsfield Community Food Pantry: $75
UCP of Western Massachusetts: $87
Christian Center of Pittsfield: $187
BC Arc: $151
Girl's Inc of the Berkshires: $219
Elder Services: $137
BFAIR: $394
Berkshire Choral International: $211
Hinsdale Food Pantry: $231

"These events were more than just moments of enjoyment, they created meaningful opportunities for our members to feel seen, valued, and connected to the broader community, while also shining a light on the important work happening every day," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts. "The support from Co-op Bank, both financial and through visibility, helps strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Berkshires."

Co-op Bank contributed $4,500 in direct donations, with an additional $1,692 raised through the Cash Cube events, bringing the total combined contribution to $6,192 in support of Berkshire County nonprofits in December.

"We are incredibly grateful to Co-op Bank for their Cash Cube initiative and for their generosity in supporting our mission. Watching our staff and students rally behind Abby was a powerful reminder of the community spirit that helps to define the Brigham Center. Congratulations to Abby on raising an additional $219, each dollar raised strengthens our ability to support children and families in our community," said Girls Inc. CEO, Kelly Marion.

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