1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program Accepting Applications

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program, open to all current sophomores in the Berkshires, selects a cohort of up to 30 students from all backgrounds for this ten-month experience that will allow them to explore the regional economy and develop their leadership skills.

Once selected, students will begin the program with a 3-day, 3-night retreat in June near the end of their sophomore year. At the retreat, students will meet for the first time, begin to build connections, and learn about their individual leadership styles.

Over the following ten months, students will reconvene for eight full-day sessions, held at various locations across the Berkshires (or virtually, in the case of severe weather conditions). During these sessions, students will meet with business leaders and dynamic community members to learn about a sector of the regional economy, including but not limited to advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, healthcare and wellness, outdoor recreation, the creative economy, and hospitality and tourism. Students will develop leadership traits through activities within the sessions, and as a class, will develop and execute a collective impact project that will enhance life in the Berkshires. 

"The Youth Leadership program provides an amazing opportunity for students to grow as individuals and as members of a community spanning the Berkshires," Kevin Pink, deputy director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire and program coordinator of the Youth Leadership Program, said. "The sessions allow students to explore key segments of our regional economy, gaining a deep understanding of career opportunities available to them in the Berkshires and working together on a project that makes a positive impact in the place they call home."

This program is made possible through the ongoing financial support of Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Camp Becket Chimney Corners, NBT Bank, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and others. The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer Youth Leadership Program Steering Committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

Until the Feb. 13 deadline, sophomores from any school in the Berkshires, and equivalent-aged home-schooled students, may submit an application for the program. Apply here. Contact economicdev@1berkshire.com with any questions.

State Auditor DiZoglio Pushes for Beacon Hill Transparency

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Monday, September 28, 2026

The state auditor called on voters to support Question 1 on the November ballot, which would bring most legislative and governor's office records under the public records law. 

DALTON, Mass. — Transparency is not a one-party issue, and democracy is also "under attack" here in Massachusetts, not just at the federal level, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said during a presentation to the Dalton Democratic Town Committee.

 

More than a dozen people filled Nessacus Regional Middle School's auditorium Thursday as DiZoglio outlined her belief that power on Beacon Hill has become concentrated among a small number of House leaders, limiting legislative debate and creating what she described as a system of "rewards and punishment" to influence lawmakers.

 

"That system is really destroying democracy here in Massachusetts," she said.

 

The system was designed with a system of checks and balances, including giving the people a right to create laws at the ballot box, DiZoglio said.

 

"We have the right to vote for our elected representatives and senators to represent us and to be our voice at the state house. The people have constitutional rights in this commonwealth, but the people's rights are being ignored over and over and over again," she said

 

"This isn't about liberal, moderate, conservative. This is an everyone issue. That's why you see so many people coming out and supporting these transparency issues, regardless of party affiliation."

 

Since being elected in 2022, DiZoglio has been advocating for more transparency and accountability within the Legislature, specifically through the 2024 Question 1 ballot question which authorizes the state auditor to audit the Legislature.