About BCC

Vision:

Berkshire Community College will provide equitable, accessible and transformative learning opportunities focused on the current and evolving needs of our diverse community.

Mission:

Berkshire Community College is committed to providing an exceptional education and a wide range of opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our community through college transfer, workforce and career pathways, partnerships and lifelong learning.

Values:

• Student-Centered: We work to provide access and opportunity for our students, and we support them in exploring and attaining their academic and career goals.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to exploration and development of the BCC community, in which we value diverse perspectives, identities and experiences to ensure individuals are welcomed, acknowledged and celebrated for their authentic selves.
• Purpose-Driven: We create and do meaningful work that enhances the well-being of our community.
• Responsiveness: We create innovative and accessible ways to adapt to changing needs of our community through inclusive teaching practices, community partnerships and individualized student experiences.
• Sustainability: We promote and foster conscientious social, civic, economic and environmental sustainability.

Quick Facts:

• Founded in 1960, Berkshire Community College (BCC) was the first community college established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today, there are 15 community colleges throughout the Commonwealth.
• During its first 12 years, BCC was located in downtown Pittsfield in a former junior high school made available by the city. There, enrollment grew from 153 to 1,222 students.
• In 1972, the College moved to its present location, occupying a magnificent 180-acre site four miles from the center of Pittsfield. Twelve years later, a satellite facility known as the South County Center opened in Great Barrington. While the Center sold in 2020, BCC continues to offer in-person educational opportunities in South County though its ESOL programming for adult learners, Workforce Development and Community Education, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes.
• Each year roughly 1,500 students enroll in day or evening credit courses at the main campus, off-campus sites and/or online.
• The cost to attend BCC for Massachusetts residents for day courses — and to all students, regardless of residency, for evening and online courses — is $223 per credit.
• Each year, more than 80% of BCC students receive an average award of $5,000.
• There are more than 200 scholarships, totaling $400,000, available to BCC students.
• The vast majority of BCC students (96 percent) are Massachusetts residents, with 91%residing in Berkshire County. More than two-thirds (67%) of the students are women. Part-time students account for 75% of the student population on average, and 29% are non-white students. Additionally, roughly half of students are non-traditional by age (23 years or older).
• The BCC mascot is the Falcon, the fastest animal in the world, so named as part of the College's alma mater — in the second verse saying: "When the Falcon soars in the golden sunlight," by Craig Cusson, class of 1964.
• BCC has offered its associate degree in nursing for more than 50 years.
• BCC has the distinction of being the first community college in the Commonwealth to offer an Environmental Science degree.
• Whether you have attended a class or a semester, completed a certificate program or received your degree at BCC, you are a BCC alum and a Falcon for life!
• BCC's main campus comprises:
  • The Susan B. Anthony Building (SBA)
  • The Field Administration Center
  • The Koussevitzky Arts Center
  • Hawthorne Hall
  • Melville Hall
  • The Ralph Hoffmann Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Center
  • The Jonathan Edwards Library
  • Paterson Field House
  • The Gene Dellea Community Turf Field
  • The Jonathan Lambert Nature Trail
• The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC has over 1450 members and offers non-credit courses and programs for lifelong learners, in-person and online. OLLI at BCC has over 200 volunteers offering 100+ courses and 75+ events per year along with mentoring and social opportunities. Membership is open to adults 55+ and scholarships are available.
• Workforce and Community Education offers short programs for local community members, as well as non-credit training opportunities leading to regional employment. Many of the Workforce programs are cost-free. There are options to explore in Manufacturing, Food and Culture, and Health and Wellness. The College is planning new programs focused on Tech and Innovation, as well.