BCC Receives Funding for ESOL Classes

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced that it has received funding from 1Berkshire for two cohorts of adult students enrolling in BCC's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program.

1Berkshire will provide $15,000 per cohort for the spring and fall 2025 semesters, allowing ESOL students to receive full tuition assistance.

BCC's ESOL classes are designed to assist non-native English speakers, primarily immigrants, in assimilating into the community and achieving their academic and career goals. Classes focus on English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, while also integrating critical thinking, digital literacy, civics, and navigation of systems skills. Students learn not only the English language but also how to access the resources necessary to thrive in their community and workplace.

"This is outstanding news, because we currently have about 150 students on the ESOL waiting list. That means BCC can now offer more access to more students for ESOL language learning," said Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont. "I'm super excited about the partnership with 1Berkshire."

Clairmont explained that the program will include a bridge between workforce ESOL students and the for-credit Humanities 101 ESOL class. The Humanities 101 ESOL for-credit class will be offered to advanced ESOL language learners who are currently on BCC's waiting list or who have completed the ESOL program.

"We are eager to offer advanced language learning to people who may have earned a college degree from their home countries," Clairmont said.

The first cohort will begin at the end of January. Classes will be held on the BCC campus during the early evenings, one night a week, for three hours per class.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.