BCC to Provide Free College With MassEducate, MassReconnect

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer free community college to all Massachusetts residents without a bachelor's degree starting this fall after Governor Maura Healey signed the Massachusetts FY25 budge.
 
A new program called MassEducate will offer tuition- and fee- free community college to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of age, who have yet to earn a bachelor's degree. The budget also includes a continuation of funding for MassReconnect, which provides free community college for all Massachusetts residents over the age of 25 without an associate degree.
 
"This is truly an exciting opportunity for the people of Berkshire County," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "This moment is historic for making access to higher education even easier and removes one more barrier to ensure more students can achieve their dreams."
 
Both MassEducate and MassReconnect, in addition to providing free tuition, include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
 
To be eligible for MassEducate or MassReconnect, prospective students must:
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • If a student is not eligible to complete the FAFSA and is an approved "High School Completer" under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, they can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
  • Apply to BCC and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open year-round, and there is never an application fee. Fall semester classes start September 3, 2024.
  • Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of their first enrolled term.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent.
    • Early college high school and dual enrollment students are not eligible for MassEducate.
  • Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.
"We already saw a tremendous increase in enrollment in spring 2024 and now in fall 2024, thanks in part to MassReconnect," said Adam Klepetar, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "We saw an increase in the number of adult learners enrolling and persisting at BCC. MassEducate will only provide greater access to all students, which is really exciting."
 
MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student's account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.
 
All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through MassEducate and MassReconnect.
 
 
 

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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