MCLA enrichment program nets funding

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North Adams - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has received federal funding to continue its Individual Enrichment Program (IE Program). The $1,071,944 grant has been funded at $267,986 per year for four years, a three percent increase over current funding. The Individual Enrichment Program (IE Program), administered through the Learning Services Center at MCLA is a TRIO Program, which helps students overcome academic, class, cultural, and social barriers to higher education by providing academic instruction, supplemental tutoring, and counseling. Specifically, MCLA's IE Program provides comprehensive services to students who are primarily first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged, and/or learning or physically disabled. Through a special four-week summer program, which is approved as an alternative admissions program for MCLA, students enroll in four classes and participate in education, training and culturally enriching experiences. This summer program provides essential preparation for students to be successful at MCLA. Specially trained college staff members remain in contact with the students, serving as their mentors and tutors, during their entire four years of College. This has been an important and successful program at MCLA for nearly 25 years. The three percent of additional funds will be used to allow for a slightly larger enrollment in the summer seminar. According to Program Director Terry Miller, "IE Program students tend to excel. They seek opportunities to be involved and advance their academic experience. The program was first founded in 1980 and, as such, has an impressive list of graduates who have entered college through the Program's summer seminar and have gone on to hold professional positions in all walks of life." MCLA President Mary K. Grant thanked Congressman John Olver and Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry for their support in continuing the federal grant for MCLA. "This is an extremely beneficial program for students who, without it, might not have the opportunity to continue their education. I am particularly pleased that our funding was continued during a time when federal funds for these types of programs have been cut. I thank our federal representatives for their continued support of MCLA." Senator Kennedy also commented on the importance of the program. "With these funds, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will be able to offer specific types of basic support to hundreds of students," said Senator Kennedy. "Students will have access to tutors, academic advisors, personal counselors, mentors, and other services that can make all the difference for their success in college and in their future careers, especially for low-income students, first generation college students, and students with disabilities." Congressman Olver commended MCLA on its Individual Enrichment Program by stating, "Providing a college education for everyone who wants one is a universally agreed upon goal, but, for some students, getting to college and then through college is a significant challenge. The Individual Enrichment Program meets that challenge and represents a great TRIO success story." Senator Kerry agreed saying, "I congratulate the Mass College of Liberal Arts community on its continued efforts to make higher education accessible to all students. By welcoming and supporting first-generation, disabled, and low-income students in college, the promise of opportunity is made real. With this federal investment, and the hard work of faculty and staff, the lives of these students and their families are forever improved."
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Senior Golf Series Returns in September

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Berkshire County Fall Senior Golf series returns in September with events on five consecutive Wednesdays starting Sept. 18.
 
It is the 22nd year of the series, which is a fund-raiser for junior golf in the county, and it is open to players aged 50 and up.
 
The series will feature two divisions for each event based on the combined ages of the playing partners.
 
Golfers play from the white tees (or equivalent) with participants 70 and over or who have a handicap of more than 9 able to play from the forward tees.
 
Gross and net prices will be available in each division.
 
The cost is $55 per event and includes a round of golf, food and prizes. Carts are available for an additional fee.
 
Golfers should call the pro shop at the course for that week's event no sooner than two weeks before the event to register.
 
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