NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is making higher education more accessible and affordable for regional students through expanded Dual Enrollment and Early College programs that have saved families more than $880,632 to date.
The college's two-pronged approach connects students with college-level coursework earlier in their academic careers while significantly reducing the financial burden of higher education. Between this summer and fall, more than 150 students have taken their first college course, earning 450 credits at a savings of $218,700 to families through MCLA's Dual Enrollment program, which has expanded outreach across the Commonwealth and neighboring states.
"These programs demonstrate MCLA's commitment to serving as a community anchor and making college accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity," said President James Birge. "By reaching students earlier and reducing costs for families, we're investing in the future of the Berkshires and beyond."
The Dual Enrollment program reaches students MCLA hasn't traditionally interacted with, creating greater opportunities for counselors to connect with prospective students.
Through MCLA's Early College partnership with Drury High School, students can earn 30 or more college credits either concurrently during high school or on campus alongside MCLA's matriculated students. Through the spring 2025 semester, MCLA has successfully awarded 1,362 credits to 170 students, resulting in a savings of $661,932 for Drury High School students based upon MCLA's per credit tuition and fee rate.
Students and families interested in learning more about MCLA's Dual Enrollment and Early College programs are encouraged to attend the open house on Nov1. For more information, visit Plan Your Visit.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Mount Greylock Regional School seventh-grader Scarlett Foley Sunday beat two opponents from Division 2 Longmeadow to capture the Western Mass Tennis Individuals Championship. click for more
Looking out at that scenery doesn't have to end when you go indoors with Marvin scenic doors, transforming any space by bringing the outdoors in.
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Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
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