Margaret Swann Access and Empowerment Scholarship for Immigrant Students

Margaret Swann was an instructor in the Berkshire Community College (BCC) Adult ESOL program for many years. She passed away in 2021 after a courageous struggle with cancer. Anyone that knew Margaret was aware of what a special person she was. She touched the lives of everyone she met, especially her students.

Margaret lived a life of grace, gratitude, and compassion. She loved everything about teaching. In her eyes, immigrants were courageous souls. Somehow she knew, she felt the sacrifice they made by moving to this country. She was always there to help and she was committed to helping anyone who wanted support. Margaret was a colleague, a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and more. Her Spirit remains a powerful force of love and a reminder of hope.

A student who became a colleague

Through the Margaret Swann Access and Empowerment Scholarship for Immigrant Students, we are seeking to continue her goal of equipping immigrants with the knowledge, skills, and hope needed to achieve their goals. This scholarship targets immigrant students who are not eligible for financial aid due to immigration status. The Margaret Swann scholarship, a first of its kind at BCC, provides students with the flexibility to achieve real success in their educational and career dreams.

This scholarship may be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and materials for students who have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing either a degree or certificate at BCC, including students who are taking non-credit courses.

Please help us keep Margaret's gifts of knowledge and hope growing by donating to the Scholarship fund. There are several ways to donate to the Margaret Swann Access and Empowerment Scholarship for Immigrant Students.