It's no secret that the rising cost of college tuition, together with unprecedented
increases in the cost of living, creates a barrier for many people seeking to better
themselves through higher education. It's also no secret that this barrier can be
even harder to overcome for historically marginalized people. At Berkshire Community
College (BCC), we strive every day to break barriers and make quality education accessible
to all.
Now, college is even more accessible, because the majority of BCC students qualify
for free tuition. Two programs launched by the Commonwealth — MassReconnect and MassEducate — make getting an associate degree or certificate at BCC easier than ever.
MassReconnect, designed for Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older who have
not previously received an associate or bachelor's degree, can provide free tuition
and fees to eligible students. Similarly, MassEducate can provide free tuition and
fees for students of any age who have not earned a bachelor's degree, but it is also
available for those who have previously earned an associate degree.
The programs are quickly gaining in popularity, and the student population at BCC
is growing as a result.
Since the launch of free community college, BCC's enrollment has surged — up 34 percent
from fall 2022 to fall 2024, and 45% from spring 2023 to spring 2025. For many students
who dreamed of going to college but never thought they'd be able to afford it, their
dreams are becoming reality.
Pittsfield native Erin Laundry, a business major at BCC, is one of those students.
"Free community college is a wonderful opportunity to return to college and finish
my degree without placing a financial burden on my family. My son will be graduating
high school next year and heading off to college himself. Without free access to community
college, I would have had to put my education on hold to prioritize his education,"
says Laundry, who plans finish her associate degree at BCC and transfer to a four-year
college to earn a bachelor's degree.
"I am excited to take what I learn in my classes and apply it to my small business,"
Laundry says. She is the owner of Bottomless Bricks, a LEGO-themed retail store and
creative space in Pittsfield specializing in parties, STEM workshops and community
events.
James Burden, who lives in Berkshire County with his wife Meghan, is currently enrolled
in the Business Administration program at BCC. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, he served after finishing
high school, happy to work and learn on the job — but something was missing.
"I have traveled to many interesting places and met many amazing people. While I have
learned a lot from my work experience, I never made time to finish getting a degree,
and I felt as though I was missing that," Burden says.
Several months ago, he started thinking about continuing his education. The timing
was right, because he also became aware of the MassReconnect program.
"It seemed like the perfect time to rekindle my academic journey and keep learning,
reinforcing and sharpening my business education," says Burden, who is passionate
about the opportunity to go to college.
"I believe that one of the most important things we can do in life is to be curious
and to continue learning, to better ourselves, and to be able to help others," he
says. "The ongoing work at Berkshire Community College is helping me to bring more
value to the fabric of my life. I am excited to be part of this community, and I am
inspired by the people, both faculty and students, who bring amazing energy every
day."
One area of study seeing a surge with the advent of free tuition is BCC's nursing program. Now that so many nursing students can attend the College for free, BCC is ready
to accept more students every year and anticipates a larger, more diverse student
nursing population. Nursing students can choose from a wide variety of degrees and
career paths, with jobs in high demand in Berkshire County and beyond. Those interested
in a shorter path to the healthcare industry can earn a certificate in health information
management or medical coding.
Meanwhile, BCC offers scholarships and grants for students interested in short-term
job training opportunities through its Workforce and Community Education department. These courses fill needs in the local workforce and, in turn, significantly
boosting the economy of the Berkshires. With a new focus on teaching trades, BCC offers
training in HVAC, an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) certificate and a Class
B commercial driver's license (CDL) training course. And, because the local workforce
is always changing, BCC recently added paraprofessional training, beginner computer
training and a four-part social work series called Foundations of Substance Use. Most
students enrolled in these courses are eligible for financial assistance, with some
receiving full coverage.
Those are just a few examples of the wide variety of academic programs at BCC — all
of which can be explored for free. BCC is eager and ready to help people of all backgrounds
and experiences improve their work readiness, sharpen their job skills, find a new
career, earn a promotion, connect with employers or enroll in an associate degree
or certificate program.
"Free college opens doors that might have never been opened before. It makes the college
experience possible for almost everyone. Whether you're thinking about enrolling in
college full-time or taking just one evening class, whether you're looking to reenter
the workforce or change careers and learn a new trade, now is the time to do it,"
says BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "Come see us, and we'll talk to you one-on-one about
your interests and goals. We encourage you to explore all that BCC has to offer."
To explore the possibilities, visit BCC programs and classes, where you can browse programs of study or view a detailed course catalog. Or, attend
a free information session and learn how easy it is to get started. Ready to begin? Applying to BCC is free
and easy. Apply online, or drop in the One Stop Enrollment Center, located on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. Our staff and faculty
are ready to help you on your journey. Applications are accepted year-round, so don't
wait — apply today!
