Nursing Scholarships Provide Free Tuition at BCC

08:00AM / Wednesday, November 01, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nursing students planning to enroll at Berkshire Community College (BCC) may now receive free tuition, thanks to a grant from the Commonwealth.

The Community College Nursing Scholarship program is designed for students who intend to enroll in and complete a credential or degree in nursing.

The program provides "last dollar" financial assistance to ensure that all eligible students have adequate resources to fully cover the direct costs of tuition and fees towards a certificate or associate degree at a public community college. An allocation for books and supplies is also provided.

Those eligible for the program must:

Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term and be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or have an approved eligibility status designated by the Board of Higher Education;
Have not earned a prior degree;
Not be in default on any state or federal student loans for attendance at any institution;
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, or an alternative application designated by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education;
Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a nursing program at a community college in Massachusetts;
Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP); and
Demonstrate unmet need toward the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for.

"It's noteworthy that the state is backing community colleges, specifically associate degree in nursing programs, which shows an understanding of the importance of getting nurses out into the field," said Dean of Nursing Lori Moon. "Also, obtaining a bachelor's degree after an associate degree in nursing is not complicated and usually can be done completely online. This program makes it even easier for nursing students to continue their education."

At BCC, several areas of study are covered by the program, including Pre-nursing; Practical Nursing Certificate for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs); Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for Registered Nurses (RNs); and the LPN to ADN Bridge Program.

To enroll in the Community College Nursing Scholarship Program at BCC, submit an application at www.berkshirecc.edu/apply, complete the FAFSA form, and contact the One Stop Enrollment Center at OneStop@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 499-4660 to complete the registration process. Advisors are on hand to help with FAFSA forms and applications.

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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