BCC Announces Hire of Two Staff Members

07:01AM / Wednesday, August 05, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Justin Maaia and Evan Mayotte

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of two staff members.

Justin Maaia joins Berkshire Community College as Special Programs Coordinator, TRIO. Maaia has been teaching and advising students since 2005, first at Saint Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield and, most recently, at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching religious studies and philosophy courses, he has mentored teachers as a visiting scholar and now consultant for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education. Maaia holds an MA from Boston University and a BA from Suffolk University. A native of Berkshire County, he loves to hike with his wife and daughters and have dinner at home with close friends.

Evan Mayotte joins BCC as a Maintainer I. Mayotte was born in Pittsfield and has lived here his whole life. A self-proclaimed huge sports fan, he especially enjoys football. His favorite team is the Miami Dolphins. Mayotte also enjoys reading, music, games and spending time with friends and family.

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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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