PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is pleased to announce its fall 2026 enrollment is 2,100 students, the highest headcount since 2014. College administrators attribute the success to a number of factors, including the Commonwealth's free community college initiatives, strong enrollment efforts targeting local high schools and the community, and retention efforts to keep current student.
At the same time, the College is seeing a huge jump in enrollment in Workforce and Community Education programming with certificates and trainings being offered that fill immediate hiring needs in Berkshire County and beyond.
Our enrollment growth is much more than a number. Behind this statistic are unique individuals, each with a name and a story. Every one of them came to us with hopes for a better future. As that number grows, it tells us that more and more people in our community identify Berkshire Community College as their college. I'm thrilled to be part of an equation that allows us the privilege to touch more lives, to be inspired by more students, and to strengthen the communities we are so proud to serve.
Adam Klepetar, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said the jump in enrollment "isn't just about making college affordable. It's about making college possible. By building meaningful relationships with students and families, expanding our presence in local high schools, community centers, and libraries, and simplifying the path from interest to enrollment, we're reaching students who might never have imagined that college was an option for them."
Klepetar also noted the success of BCC's "Powered by the Berkshires" marketing campaign, which focused on BCC alumni making a difference in the Berkshires.
Beyond the 2,100 students taking credit classes at the College, BCC's Workforce Development department has seen an impressive growth of 52.4% over the last two years, with enrollment numbers rising from 233 in 2024 – 2025 to 355 in 2025 – 2026. The department has also secured funding from new partners, including the non-profit group All Within My Hands, to help support the EMT certificate program and other areas of study that provide a much-needed boost to local employment. All Within My Hands is a philanthropic organization created by the members and management of the rock band Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.
Learn more about BCC's course offerings, how to apply and free community college.
