BCC Fall Semester Starts Sept. 8

10:39AM / Thursday, August 20, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) begins its fall semester Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

A variety of learning options are offered, including in-person, online and hybrid. Prospective students may register any time online at www.berkshirecc.edu/apply or by walking in without an appointment to the One Stop Center. There, applications are processed for instant acceptance to the College. While many students qualify for free tuition, financial aid assistance is also available.

Students may choose to take a full slate of classes in anticipation of earning an associate degree; a short series of classes to earn a certificate or training; or a single class to jumpstart their academic journey.

After completing an application and receiving acceptance into BCC, students take an Accuplacer exam or submit official high school transcripts to be evaluated for course placement. Students who previously attended another college or university should submit official transcripts to BCC, which may provide exemption from testing. BCC staff is on hand, ready to assist with all aspects of the application process and to explain how to apply for financial aid, if needed.

A new student orientation, open to all registered students, will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/orientation.

To learn more about applying to BCC, including viewing an admission checklist, browsing a course catalogue, filing a financial aid form or scheduling a tour, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/fall. To speak with an advisor, call (413) 499-4660 or email onestop@berkshirecc.edu.

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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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