Pittsfield Selects BCC Internship Program to Be Profiled

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has selected the internship program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) as one of the next American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded community partners to be profiled through city social media and other publicity outlets. 
 
Over the past several months, the city has been using its platforms to highlight ARPA-funded work being done in the community. Additionally, the profiles are intended to raise awareness about how these funds are helping city residents and/or small businesses who were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
 
The BCC Internship Program is available for BCC students who are residents of Pittsfield. Interns gain valuable knowledge, skills and professional experience by working outside the classroom with a Pittsfield employer. Interns work 10 to 15 hours per week for one semester and are paid a stipend following the completion of the internship, which is supplemented by an ARPA grant. 
 
"The ARPA funds and support have made a great impact on our students, with strong internships here in Pittsfield," said Dean of Students Celia Norcross. "The connections interns make with local companies looking to fill workforce needs are invaluable. We are
delighted to be selected for ARPA profiles, which will give recognition to the wonderful interns here."  
 
The paid internship program is yet another financial incentive at the College, complementing free tuition for eligible students through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect and MassEducate programs. 
 
ARPA funding was instrumental to BCC students in 2023, when the College was awarded a multi-year Community College Campus Hunger Program Grant. The ARPA grant was designed to increase access to academic opportunities for students of color and students experiencing food insecurity.  
 
ARPA Community Partner Profiles can be viewed on the city's website.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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