BCC to Hold New Student Orientation

07:49AM / Tuesday, August 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a New Student Orientation on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The free session, open to all registered students, will be held on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/orientation.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Koussevitzky Arts Center. The schedule for the day is as follows:

8–9 a.m.: Check-in, Breakfast and Resource Fair. Start your day with a warm welcome. Check in, grab a light breakfast and ease into the morning. Meet friendly representatives from campus offices who are here to support your success.
9–10 a.m.: Welcome Address. Hear from campus leaders and get inspired as you begin your journey at BCC.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions. Choose from a variety of engaging 30-minute sessions designed to help you start strong at BCC. Topics include:
- Meet your BCC Faculty and Deans
- Navigating Your First Week of Classes
- Time Management Tips for Success
- You may also customize your experience based on what matters most to you.
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Lunch and Connections. Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with BCC faculty and fellow students in relaxed, small-group conversations.
1:30 p.m.: Formal Program Ends. Not ready to leave? Stick around for a campus tour, get your student ID and explore.

For more information, email studentengagement@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-1603.

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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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