Bridge to College

Berkshire Community College (BCC) offers free college courses for high school juniors and seniors!

Earn college credits in high school

Get a jump start on college while you are still in high school! Experience BCC and challenge yourself by earning college credit before graduating high school.

About Bridge to College

As part of the Bridge to College program, high school or home school students from Berkshire County, Massachusetts can earn college credit before graduating through dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment.

What is dual enrollment?

Dual enrollment involves a high school student enrolling in a college course for credit with a BCC professor. The course can be taken either in-person at Berkshire Community College, asynchronously (fully online), or hybrid (in person at BCC and online). In some cases, dual enrollment courses may be taught at a local high school by a BCC professor.

What is concurrent enrollment?

Concurrent enrollment involves a high school student enrolling in a course taught at their high school by a high school teacher who has had their teaching credentials and course syllabus approved for college credit. Application & enrollment processes are coordinated between BCC and the high school partner for concurrent enrollment.

Contact Us

bridgetocollege@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-1635

Learn More

  • Dual Enrollment Eligibility

    Dual enrollment eligibility:

    • Current (or rising) high school junior or senior.
    • Currently enrolled in a public or charter secondary school in Berkshire County, MA or a Berkshire County resident pursuing secondary education (including but not limited to home schooling or virtual schooling).
    • A minimum 2.0 high school cumulative GPA or school counselor authorization.
      • If a student's secondary education does not provide a GPA for grading, a high school counselor or home school advisor must submit a certification of college readiness.
    • Must meet all course prerequisites per the course policies of Berkshire Community College
      • Students are eligible to take any college 100 or 200 level course for which they meet the course prerequisites.
      • For placement into Math courses or courses with a math prerequisite, students must have a 2.7 cumulative GPA or meet placement requirements based on completion of the Math Accuplacer.
        • Students interested in taking Pre-Calculus or Calculus are required to take a Math Accuplacer regardless of their high school GPA.

    Tip: The courses that Bridge to College students take through dual enrollment at BCC can affect their Satisfactory Academic Progress (PDF) with the institution if the student chooses to matriculate to BCC post high school. Students should maintain good academic standing while taking dual enrollment courses.

  • Dual Enrollment Application & Enrollment Process - Fall 2026

    Fall 2026 Dual Enrollment Application & Enrollment Process

    STEP 1 - Application: Applications open on Mar. 30. There are 2 parts to the Bridge to College application, both due by Jun. 30.

    • Fall 2026 School Counselor Form: Students first discuss their interest in participating in dual enrollment with their high school counselor. Then, school counselors complete and submit this form to initiate the student’s application with BCC.
    • Bridge to College Program Application: New students also need to complete and submit this application with a parent/guardian.  Under "Application Type", students will select "Bridge to College". Returning Bridge to College students do not need to complete this application again.
    • The Bridge to College team will email students when their application materials are complete with information about how to sign up for orientation and set up their MyBCC portal/accounts.

    STEP 2 - Mandatory Orientation: Students attend a required Bridge to College orientation before they will be approved to register for their course(s), (sessions available April 24 – August 13, RSVP here)

    • The Bridge to College team will email students when they are approved to register, with information about how to register for their course(s) and get ready for the semester.

    STEP 3 - Registration/Enrollment: Students approved to register for their course(s) will do so themselves in BCC's Self-Service System during the registration/enrollment period for dual enrollment students, May 18 – Sept. 1*.

    • *Recommended Registration Deadline is Sept. 1: Classes begin on Sept. 8. Approved students will still have access to register through the end of the drop/add period at BCC, which is Sept. 15. 

    Please email bridgetocollege@berkshirecc.edu with any questions about eligibility, course selection, applications, or the registration/enrollment process. We are here to help!

  • Dual Enrollment Resource Guide

    Dual Enrollment Resource Guide

    The Bridge to College Dual Enrollment Resource Guide​ contains important information about the expectations, responsibilities, and application & enrollment processes, along with the resources available to support students through their dual enrollment experience. 

  • Important Dates and Deadlines

    Dual Enrollment Application & Enrollment Dates & Deadlines: Please see the Dual Enrollment Application & Enrollment Process - Fall 2026 section above.

    Academic Calendar: BCC classes follow BCC’s academic calendar, which is different from your high school’s academic calendar. If your high school has a school break but the college is in session, you are expected to be in attendance at your class(es). View the BCC Fall 2026 semester academic calendar on the Registrar’s Office web page under the Academic Calendars, Forms and Resources section, and be sure to review the complete Fall 2026 semester calendar for all important dates and deadlines. 

  • Bridge to College Student Commitment Form

    The Bridge to College Program Application includes applicants reviewing and signing the Bridge to College Student Commitment Form with a parent/guardian. A copy is included below as a helpful resource to refer back to. 

    Bridge to College Student Commitment Form

    • I understand that a complete Bridge to College application has additional requirements beyond completing this application. I also need to connect with my high school counselor about other requirements each semester for Bridge to College.  
    • I understand that BCC has course registration and change deadlines that need to be followed.
    • I understand that withdrawing from a course(s) and/or having a low-grade performance may affect my ability to access financial aid through BCC in the future as outlined in BCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
    • I understand that dropping or withdrawing from a BCC course(s) and/or having a low-grade performance may also affect my high school graduation requirements. I agree to communicate with my high school counselor regularly about my plans and progress in my Bridge to College coursework, and before dropping or withdrawing from a course.
    • I understand it is my responsibility to reach out to my professor/teacher, Bridge to College staff, or contact student services when I am struggling in a course and need help.
    • I understand as a BCC student participating in Bridge to College, I am expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct and Academic Policies as set forth in BCC’s Student Policy Guide.
    • I understand that BCC has the authorization to release information regarding grades, enrollment, and academic progress to my high school via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
    • I understand that any institution I attend in the future, not BCC, makes the determination of what transfer credit they will accept.

    If you are a student with a disability and need accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for more information.

    Additional Commitments: Dual Enrollment  

    • I understand I need to activate and check the MyBCC portal frequently, which houses BCC Email, Self Service, and Moodle.
    • I understand that I must attend a required Bridge to College dual enrollment orientation before I will be approved to register for my dual enrollment course(s). After I am approved to register, I will need to register for my dual enrollment course(s) in BCC’s Self-Service system each semester.
    • I understand that BCC has a different academic calendar than my high school and I am expected to attend class and turn in assignments when the BCC course(s) run, even if my high school is on break or is closed for the day.
    • I understand that for every hour I spend in my college class, I am expected to do 2-3 hours of work outside of the classroom (checking/responding to emails, studying, readings, homework, essays, quizzes, group work, etc.)
    • I understand that I am responsible for the purchase of books and course supplies for each college course I take.

    Additional Commitments: Concurrent Enrollment / High School Based BCC Courses

    • Upon completion of my Bridge to College application materials, I acknowledge and consent to being registered for the BCC course(s) provided by my high school counselor on the School Counselor Authorization form(s).
    • I understand that a concurrent course is a high school course that has been approved for BCC college credit, taught at the student’s high school. Enrolling in a concurrent course means that I am enrolling in a BCC course as a BCC student, and I will earn a BCC grade for each concurrent course I take.
    • I understand that if I withdraw from my high school course or leave my high school, I also need to withdraw from the concurrent BCC course. I can ask my teacher or Bridge to College staff at BCC for help with this process. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How many credits can I take per semester through the Bridge to College Program?

    Up to 15 credits per fall/spring semester (permitting a student's high school schedule) are covered under the Bridge to College Program. If a student wishes to take over 15 credits, they are responsible for the cost of the courses.

    How much does it cost to take college credit for dual enrollment?

    If a high school student meets the eligibility, they can enroll in qualifying BCC courses for no cost, up to a maximum of 15 credits per fall or spring semester.

    Please note, students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and any additional course fees.

    If a student wishes to take a college course over the January intersession or summer semester, the student is responsible for paying for all tuition, fees, and textbooks for the course(s).

    How much does it cost to take college credit for concurrent enrollment?

    If a high school student is enrolled in a participating public or charter secondary school within Berkshire County, MA, the student does not pay for the college credit.

    What is the minimum passing grade for a Bridge to College course to transfer credit to another institution?

    Most colleges and universities require at least a C in a class for the credit to the transfer. The receiving institution always makes the determination of what credit they will accept. If you are interested in attending a specific institution, it is best to consult with that school before selecting a course. The MassTransfer website allows you to review some common course equivalencies between state institutions.

    How do I find what classes I can take for Dual Enrollment courses?

    Students are eligible to take any college 100 or 200 level course for which they meet the course prerequisites. To check if you meet the prerequisite requirements for a course, use the BCC Course Catalog. Click here to view the courses available per semester.

    I have an IEP or 504 in high school; am I able to receive accommodations for Dual Enrollment courses?

    Yes! If you are a high school student who currently has an IEP or 504 plan, please contact BCC's Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to set up an appointment to create a plan to receive accommodations and support services for your college courses prior to the start of the semester.

    Please note, the process to receive accommodations takes time and we recommend reaching out to BCC's Disability Resource Center at the student's earliest convenience.

    I am in a vocational program at my high school, do I receive college credit for those classes?

    Yes, depending on which high school vocational program. To view the full list of classes offered at your high school that could double as college credit, visit the Career Technical Education (CTE) Linkages at BCC.

    How do I request an official college transcript from BCC to send to another institution?

    To send your BCC college transcript to another institution, you will need to request your official transcripts via Parchment. Official transcripts sent electronically cost $5 and a paper transcript costs $7.50. It is the student's responsibility to pay for their official college transcript(s). Learn more about how to request a transcript.

    How does my BCC transcript get submitted to my high school for graduation requirements?

    For dual enrollment students, BCC will send your unofficial college transcript to your school counseling office so your grade can be recorded for your high school graduation requirements.

    What is the time commitment and rigor of taking a college course versus a high school course?

    A college course involves a fast-paced and independent learning environment with strict deadlines where many faculty do not allow students to make up missed work or complete extra credit for not doing well on an assignment. For every hour spent in a college class, the student is expected to do 2-3 hours of work outside the classroom (checking/responding to emails, studying, readings, homework, essays, quizzes, tests, group work, etc.) For example, a 3-credit course meets 3 hours per week which equates to a student (minimally) doing 6 hours per week of work outside of the classroom for one course.

    Online (asynchronous) courses do not meet in-person or virtually, which requires the student to complete the course independently while meeting deadlines outlined in the course syllabus. An online course requires 7 – 10 hours per week to review recordings, complete readings, assignments, quizzes, tests, etc.