BCC Offers Info Sessions with New President

07:54AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer two free community college informational sessions for prospective students:

Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. at the Lee Public Library, located at 100 Main Street, Lee, MA
Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Adams Public Library, located at 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA

Hara Charlier, who joined BCC as its new president on July 1, will meet prospective students, who will learn about degree and career training programs as well as how to qualify for free tuition.

To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/freecollege.

Information sessions provide an overview of how the Commonwealth’s financial assistance programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend BCC for free — no tuition and no fees. The programs also include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students.

Applications to BCC are open all year long, and there’s never an application fee. For more information, contact the BCC Admissions Office at admissions@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 499-4660.

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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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