Designed for self-improvement, vocational or recreational purposes, these initiatives are offered on-campus, throughout the county and beyond. The College also participates in the economic development of Berkshire County through various collaborative efforts and an active business and industry development team.
Community Education
BCC’s Office of Community Education develops, coordinates and implements noncredit workshops and programs. Regardless of your age, background, or interests, if you are looking to expand your horizons, you’ll find an array of rich year-round educational opportunities throughout the Berkshires. Noncredit workshops and seminars are offered throughout the year both on- and off-campus.
Learn a new language, develop a skill to take your career to the next level, earn an industry certification, or follow your passions and take a class purely for the joy of sharing a new experience with like-minded people. Flexibility and close working relation- ships with community organization, private industry and the public keep the division responsive to the needs and interests of the entire community. Visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops to learn more.
Kid Academy
Throughout the year, BCC’s Office of Community Education provides workshops designed for kids from kindergarten to age 16. An array of course offerings for the “Inquisitive Mind” include programs on such topics as nature, photography, culinary, finance, golf and Safe Sitter training. For more information, call 413-236-2127 or visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.
Noncredit Instruction
A complete list of noncredit offerings is mailed to the public three times a year in BCC’s spring, summer and fall semester booklets. An up-to-date listing of current offerings can be found at www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops. This website also allows individuals to register and pay online for a noncredit workshop.
In addition to the workshops held in classrooms throughout Berkshire County, online noncredit courses are also offered through MindEdge, and ed2go. Senior citizens may register for most noncredit workshops at a 20 percent discount. For more information, call 413-236-2127.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BCC
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC is a volunteer-run membership organization that provides exciting educational and social experiences designed especially by and for people fifty years old and up. OLLI offers four semesters of classes each year in the arts, literature, science, history, politics and other subjects, with no grades, tests or homework. In addition, OLLI offers a lively Distinguished Speaker Series, engaging special events and exciting educational trips to locations like West Point, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and more.
Based at BCC, OLLI also partners with Williams College, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, and over thirty cultural and community organizations in the Berkshires.
Membership information and OLLI’s latest class catalog can be found online at www.BerkshireOLLI.org. You may also call 413-236-2190 or e-mail olli@berkshirecc.edu for more information.
Road Scholar
Thought-provoking community education also takes place through BCC’s participation in the national Road Scholar pro- gram. The College offers eight to ten programs each year at the Berkshire Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield where more than 300 people from the United States, Canada and beyond enjoy a week of college-level courses, field trips, lively discussions and stimulating company. Course topics include art, dance, music and much more. Local residents over 55 are invited to “commute” at a fraction of the already reasonably priced tuition. For more information, call 413-236-2127.
Berkshire Innovation Center
The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) is a collaborative learning and research system in support of Advanced Manufacturing. The system was primarily funded by an award from the Massachusetts Life Science Center. The Center will house hi-tech manufacturing equipment and training programs designed to assist member companies enter and advance in the medical device field. BCC is a partner and also has representatives that serve as board members, as well as members of the Education and Training Committee.
BCC has been working with the BIC since its inception, partnering with McCann and Taconic Vocational Schools by awarding stackable college credit for Massachusetts Advanced Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) Certification and other approved Vocational/ Technical stackable pathways that lead to a BCC certificate and associate degree.
The BIC is an overall partner with BCC for the coordination of the annual Robotics Competition for middle and high schools in Berkshire County.
Workforce Development and Corporate Training
BCC’s Office of Workforce Development and Corporate Training responds to requests for general and customized training for Berkshire County businesses. With experienced instructors possessing cutting-edge, industry-specific skills and campus centers strategically located through Berkshire County, BCC is positioned to develop and deliver training initiatives designed to support the human resource development goals of business and industry.
Examples of training topics include, but are not limited to: computer training at all levels, technical and business writing, work- place Spanish, conflict resolution, leadership and management skills, OSHA certification, hoisting license preparation, First Aid/CPR/AED certification, advanced manufacturing training and healthcare certifications. In addition to training for business and industry, this department also coordinates grant-funded training programs for various populations including unemployed and incumbent workers. For more information, call 413-236-2125.
Berkshire AHEC
Berkshire AHEC advances access to high quality healthcare & healthy lifestyles through academic and community partner- ships. For more information, call 413-236-4500.
www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops