BCC Accepting Applications to Fire Science Program

10:58AM / Wednesday, July 08, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is now accepting applications for entrance into its Fire Science program.

The associate degree program is shared with Greenfield Community College. All Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree can attend BCC for free.

The program focuses on fire prevention and fire protection principles and techniques. Students also take general education courses, including human behavior and written and oral communication. All coursework is aligned with Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) standards. The program covers material on the most recent developments in the field and provides excellent preparation for those who work in a variety of occupations in fire science.

"The Fire Science program at BCC is an excellent way to gain credentials for people who want to become firefighters, emergency managers, fire inspectors, insurance underwriters and more," said Daniel Garner, Fire Science program advisor. "With a demonstrated need in the Berkshires for these professions, graduates of the program tend to find jobs quickly and earn competitive salaries."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters in Massachusetts earn a median hourly wage of $34.78 and an annual mean salary of $72,330.

For more information, or to apply to the program, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/firescience.

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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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