BCC Continues MassReconnect Information Sessions

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) continues its series of special community college information sessions for anyone either over the age of 25 without a college degree or for those pursuing a nursing degree. 
 
In both cases, thanks to the Commonwealth's MassReconnect and nursing scholarship programs, attending college at BCC can be completely free.  
 
Free information sessions will be held: 
  • Saturday, December 9: 10 am, Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield 
  • Tuesday, December 12: 5 pm, virtual  
  • Thursday, December 14: 5 pm, Brien Center, 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams  
To register for a session, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect-nursing.
 
Financial aid, admissions and advising staff will be on hand, and question-and-answer sessions will be held after the information sessions. 
 
MassReconnect is a program that pays the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. MassReconnect covers tuition and fees for eligible students, who also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies.  
 
Students are eligible for the MassReconnect 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 
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.  
 
Students are eligible for the Community College Nursing Scholarship Program if they: 
 
  • 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 
  • Are not in default on any state or federal student loans for attendance at any institution 
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually 
  • Are enrolled full-time or part-time in a nursing program at a community college in Massachusetts 
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) 
  • Demonstrate unmet need toward the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for 

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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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