Berkshire Bank STEM Academy for Incoming MCLA Students

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Applications are open for the 2023 Berkshire Bank STEM Academy for incoming first-year students at MCLA. 
 
The program accepts up to 15 students enrolled in a STEM major or who have expressed interest in STEM fields. The 2023 program will run from July 23 to July 27. The deadline to apply is July 1.  
 
Designed to introduce incoming students to careers in STEM, the residential, five-day academy includes networking opportunities with STEM faculty, students, and staff to aid in deepening the relationship with those in STEM careers in the Berkshires.  
 
Developed to serve low-income and first-generation college students, applicants are selected based on survey results taken upon college acceptance. Berkshire Bank STEM Academy alumni have pursued leadership roles at MCLA as residential advisors, tutors, and supplemental instructors, while graduates of the program have obtained careers at Raytheon, General Dynamics, Edge Pharma, and as public school teachers. 
 
During the residential program, students will explore concepts in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, environmental science, psychology, and physics through laboratory work and meetings with faculty. The program's goal is to encourage students to seek jobs in the Berkshires post-graduation with the hopes of staying in the community. There is additional programming planned throughout the year for the cohort. Past events have included networking opportunities, social gatherings, and workshops on college life and financial management.  
 
To apply, contact Sara Steele at Sara.Steele@mcla.edu, at 413-662-5518, or online: mcla.edu/STEMAcademy

Tags: MCLA,   STEM,   

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Letter: Save Notch Forest

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I'm writing in regards to the Save Notch Forest signs that I have seen.

As a proud Masshole native from North Adams, that has transplanted to Southwest Vermont, I was curious as to what the signs were about.

I am grateful that I checked out the site on the sign to learn of the extensive and heinous logging plans of the Mass Audubon society near the North Adams reservoir.

As someone who travels back down to Mass sometimes daily and ventures to the reservoir 95 percent of that time for just the peace and beauty of being able to just sit there in awe.

Each time I go, I am guaranteed to see the bald eagle that perches on the pine or birch on the eastern end of the reservoir. I've had quite a few joyfully, awesome experiences with watching it. Be when it was just chilling peacefully or swooping at the geese getting them all flustered but I loved hearing it's call after the beautiful Loons floating in the reservoir.

There was this time I could hear it calling and crying, but unable to see it. I then look up to see a hawk gliding back and forth along the reservoir, doing it's best to taunt and harass the Eagle. From the direction of the cries, I figured the bald eagle's nest must be somewhere behind that tree it usually sits on on the water's edge.

I just do not understand how Mass Audubon Society can intentionally destroy the bald eagle's habitat ... let alone the loons ... let alone all of the other heinous logging aspects that come with its proposal near the North Adams water supply. Way up mountainous terrain on already strained roads that are slowly sliding off the mountainside and near public habitation.

There are a million other places on Greylock, North Adams or Massachusetts in general, what about the other side in South Williamstown/New Ashford? More space, more direct, less people, no water supply or endangered species habitat to destroy for the fun of it.

Why does it have to be Greylock and North Adams you experiment with? Why experiment at all?

I'm grateful I stumbled upon the mighty little forest army fighting for what's good and right, let alone common sense. I am also eternally grateful for the abundant awe inspiring magic of Greylock and all she bestows.

Felicia Packard
Bennington, Vt.

 

 

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