Greylock Federal Celebrates First Class of Wealth Ambassadors

10:35AM / Thursday, June 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This spring, Greylock Federal Credit Union held a ceremony to celebrate the first class of its Wealth Ambassador Program, a months-long youth-centered financial literacy program.

The 2026 class of Wealth Ambassadors included 16 individuals ranging in age from 11 to 19. The event, which was attended by several ambassadors, their relatives, members of Greylock's leadership team and Board of Directors, marked the culmination of the program that began in September 2025 and ended this past May.

The program, developed to expand the ambassadors' knowledge around financial literacy and deepen their connection to the Credit Union, included a blend of online and in-person sessions throughout the year. Participation required a Greylock membership and submission of an application outlining why financial literacy is important.

For their commitment to the program, participants received a stipend and letter of commendation.

"Being a Wealth Ambassador is about having the financial knowledge and tools to be able to carve out the life that you want," said Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Vice President, Marketing, who oversees the program and worked in collaboration with Greylock's financial wellness team. "I'm proud to know that this first class was eager to learn how to make good decisions with their money, and we look forward to welcoming the second cohort this fall."

Lucy Grant, a student at Wahconah Regional High School, was one of the participants and said the Wealth Ambassadors program made an impact on her life.

"It's definitely made me feel like I know more than most people my age in terms of how to save money, how to build credit, which I think is really valuable," she said. "If someone asked me if they should do the Greylock Wealth Ambassador Program, I would 100% tell them yes, of course, because it's education. You'll meet amazing people. It's information that will carry you through your life, and it's so valuable."

The program can accommodate up to 20 participants up to the age of 22. Applications for the 2026-27 class are now available here: greylock.org/wa

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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