Who is eligible for this award?
The individual must work in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The nominee must be 39 or younger as of April 1, 2020. Anyone who does not meet our geographic or age requirements will not be included in the pool of nominees submitted to our panel of judges.
Who can nominate?
Nominations can be submitted by a co-worker, peer, or family member. We suggest that you let the nominee know that you plan to submit his/her name. That way you can get the details you need to make a strong nomination. Following your nomination, nominees will be asked to provide a resume.
How do I submit a nomination?
Fill out the online form at www.berkshirecc.edu/40underforty.
What’s the deadline for nominations?
Applications will open in the fall of 2021.
On what criteria will the judges base their scoring?
A panel of judges will review nominations based on the following areas:
- Career path — How fast has the individual risen? How unusual is their ascendency?
- Commitment to the community — Does the individual volunteer? In what capacity?
- Outside recognition — Has this individual been recognized by any industry or community groups?
- Overall nomination — Is the nomination complete? Is it thorough and thoughtful?
We also take into consideration the individual’s age, as younger candidates will have the opportunity to re-apply in future years.
What happens next?
The winners will be contacted directly on or about January 13, 2020. Nominees who are not selected will NOT be contacted. Also, we do NOT contact the nominators of the winners.
What will happen if my nominee is selected?
We will profile the 40 honorees in a special section of the Berkshire Eagle in early March of 2020. Each winner will complete a standard bio form which will be included in the issue. Winners will be required to take a headshot on the BCC campus.
Due to COVID-19 we were unable to honor the esteemed individuals who are part of the 2020 cohort earlier this year. We will hold an awards celebration on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Pittsfield.
I’m confused about the nomination process. Who do I contact?
Please contact the Office of Advancement, at 413-236-2185 or 40under40@berkshirecc.edu.
I’m interested in being an event sponsor. Who do I contact?
Please contact Shela Levante, Director of Development, at 413-236-3070 or 40under40@berkshirecc.edu.