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Early College Programs

Admission & Aid

Earn College Credit in High School

As you start to imagine your future, and you’re thinking about going to college, you could get a head start on your higher-education path by enrolling in credit courses at BCC while you are a student in high school.

There are a number of ways you can earn college credit while you’re still in high school. In some cases, you might take classes taught by your high school teachers, when successfully completed, can earn you college credit at NO COST.

You might spend your junior or senior years at BCC taking classes in person or online. BCC's Bridge to College programs allows high school seniors to take one FREE course at BCC.

All you’ll need to do is apply to earn college credit while in high school to find out if you’re eligible to enroll in these exciting opportunities. Get a jump on your college experience, and enroll at BCC while you’re in high school.

Contact Us

Early College team:

Beth Lapierre, Coordinator
Email: elapierr@berkshirecc.edu
Phone: 413-236-5251
Fax: 413-496-9511

Shelly Armstrong, Advisor
Email: sarmstrong@berkshirecc.edu
Phone: 413-236-1639

Apply to Early College

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can apply for Early College?

    To be eligible for Early College a student must meet the following criteria:

    • Be a local high school student, this includes home schooled students
    • Be a Massachusetts Resident
    • Shown to be at a college level by GPA placement (2.7 or higher) or by taking the Accuplacer
  • What are the different forms of Early College?

    There are three ways you can earn college credit while in high school

    • Bridge to College program is for High School Seniors. High school seniors are eligible for one free college-level course during their senior year. Student is responsible for cost of books and transportation.
    • Concurrent Enrollment, is when a student takes a high school course for college credit. The high school course must go through an approval process with Berkshire Community College. Check with your school or contact the BCC Early College Team to see if this is available at your school.
    • Dual Enrollment is when any high school student takes a college course and receives college credit. Student is responsible for cost of tuition and fees, books and transportation.
  • How do I know if I am eligible to take a course?

    Some courses have pre-requisites (requirements before taking the course), many you must be considered college-level reading and writing. Certain courses require a specific level of Math.

    You can demonstrate college-level reading and writing one of two ways

    • High School GPA of 2.7 or higher
    • Scored college-level reading and writing by taking our Accuplacer placement exam

    Depending on the Math requirement you may be place into the course based on High School GPA, otherwise the Accuplacer exam is required

  • What kind of classes could I take in Early College?

    You could take any college course that interested you as long as you meet the requirements of the course, this would be based on your Accuplacer score or your high school GPA. You should always check with your Guidance Counselor to see if you will receive high school credit for the course.

    The BCC Early College Team could help choose the best course for you.

  • Where would I need to go to take an Early College course?

    You could take a course on BCC's Main Campus, BCC's South County Center in Great Barrington, or any of our off-campus sites. You could even take an online course.

  • What are the 2019-2020 High School Concurrent Courses?

    Taconic High School

    • Health Technology Program - BIO-150 (3 credits)
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology - BIO-150 (3 credits)

    Pittsfield High School

    • Human Anatomy & Physiology - BIO-150 (3 credits)

    Lee High School

    • AP English - ENG -101 and ENG-102(6 credits)
    • AP Statistics - MAT-123 (3 credits)
    • Spanish 4 Honors - SPA-201 (4 credits)
    • AP Biology - BIO-105 (4 credits)
    • AP Physics - PHY-101 (4 credits)

    Wahconah Regional High School

    • Human Anatomy & Physiology - BIO-150 (3 credits)
    • Environmental Science - ENV-101 (4 credits)

    Monument Mountain Regional High School

    • Early Childhood Education - ECE-104 (3 credits)
    • Personal Finance - BUS-139 (3 credits)

Other Ways to Earn Credits

Are you in a vocational program at your high school? You too can earn college credits for classes you’re already taking! Check out the Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) program for a full list of classes at your high school.

Make transitioning to college easier

FREE Course!

Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

Spring 2020, January 21- May 14
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Frameworks, 437 North Street, Pittsfield
3 Credits
Free, books included
Hybrid course (online & in-person)

Actively build strategies for effective interpersonal communication with a diverse audience, conflict management, and self-advocacy by experimenting with language, non-verbal cues, and the art of listening. Expect presentations, active projects, guest speakers, and large and small discussions in this hands-on class.

22 spots available.

Apply Now for Your FREE Course

Contact Us

Beth Lapierre
Early College Coordinator

Email: elapierre@berkshirecc.edu
Phone: 413–236–5251

Shelly Armstrong
Early College Advisor

Email: sarmstrong@berkshirecc.edu
Phone: 413-236-1639