Berkshire Schools Awarded Early College Grants

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire Community College, Southern Berkshire Public Schools, and Lee Public Schools were awarded funds to support partnerships between high schools and institutions of higher education. 
 
Governor Maura Healey announced the goal of enrolling 100,000 Early College students by 2036, the administration today is awarding $8.2 million in designated Early College grants that will support an additional 44 new partnerships between high schools and institutions of higher education. Early College allows high school students to take college classes and earn college credit at no cost to them or their families.  
 
In Berkshire County:
 
Early College Planning Grant Awardees (Fall 2026 launch) 
  • Pittsfield Public Schools and Berkshire Community College: $25,000
  • Southern Berkshire Public Schools and UMass Amherst: $25,000  
Early College Planning Grants Awardees (Applying for designation in Fall 2027) 
  • Lee Public Schools and Berkshire Community College: $23,839 
These funds will be used to support schools and higher education institutions as they design new Early College programs, expand existing programs, increase staffing and recruitment, and provide professional development. Early college programs are a part of the administration's "Reimagining High School" initiative, ensuring Massachusetts students are prepared for college or careers when they graduate high school. 
 
"Early College is one of the strongest tools we have to make higher education more affordable and accessible for our students," said Governor Maura Healey. "By doubling capacity in the next couple of years, we will be able to help more students—especially first-generation students and students of color—get a real head start on college and careers." 
 
The administration continues to expand designated Early College programs, adding 20 partnerships between high schools and institutes of higher education in 2025 and increasing the number of student participants by 3,700 since spring 2023, a 59 percent jump. More than 10,000 students are projected to participate in Early College this school year with the goal of providing Early College access to as many as 22,000 students by the end of the decade.  
 
Recently, the administration released new data analysis that shows the state’s investment in Early College is paying off, with 66 percent of Early College graduates immediately enroll in higher education after high school, with the majority enrolling at a public college or university in Massachusetts. Once enrolled in higher education, former Early College are also persisting - with 87 percent staying in college through a second term and 82 percent returning to college for a second year. 
 
This school year, there are 78 high schools and 32 higher education institutions participating in Early College. Families can use the Massachusetts School Finder to search for schools near them that offer Early College. 

Tags: college,   grants,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Luxurious Home for Hosting

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a luxurious home with tons of amenities? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 65 Johnson Road.

This 1998 single-family is newly remodeled and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is 4,298 square feet on more than an acre.

It is on the market for $1,075,000.

The home includes a two-car basement garage, a home gym with equipment, and a custom mudroom. There is also a salt water pool and outdoor fire pit. The kitchen has custom built-in freezer and refrigerator, perfect for hosting, and comes with countless built-in space and custom drawers, including a built-in Miele coffee machine.

We spoke with Mia and Melissa Mazzeo with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Barnbrook Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Mazzeos: What truly sets this property apart in today's market is the exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail throughout. The sellers didn't just update this home — they reimagined it with care, intention, and craftsmanship. Every improvement was carefully considered, creating a move-in-ready space that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

It was an instant 'wow' moment. We were immediately impressed — and we absolutely loved the open floor plan. The space feels bright, connected, and perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Yes — this home truly has it all. Since 2018, the property has been fully renovated with both luxury and long-term quality in mind. Major improvements include a new roof, new windows, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new mini-split systems for efficient heating and cooling, new vinyl siding, and Trex decking for low-maintenance outdoor living. The pool has been converted to salt water, and the professionally updated landscaping enhances the home's curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment.

Inside, the level of customization is exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully designed with built-in space for everything — including a dedicated coffee station, double dishwashers, a pullout shelf for your stand mixer, and custom drawers for cooking utensils. The large Sub-Zero refrigerator blends seamlessly into the cabinetry for a clean, sophisticated look. The dining room features a stunning built-in buffet complete with pullout refrigerator and freezer drawers, perfectly balancing elegance and functionality.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for the buyer who loves to host and entertain, but just as ideal for a family seeking space and thoughtful design. And for someone who simply wants a private, peaceful setting to come home to — this property delivers that balance beautifully.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home — every update completed, every amenity thoughtfully added, nothing left to do. Picture yourself soaking in the beauty of Berkshire County's ever-changing seasons through the windows of your all-season sunroom. Imagine the laughs and smiles that fill the air as you host loved ones in your chef's kitchen, designed perfectly for gathering and entertaining.

Now open your eyes… and you'll see 65 Johnson Road — the true definition of move-in ready.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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