BCC Recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2025 Leader College

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities.
 
"Achieving the Dream has been coaching faculty and staff at the College for years on how to prioritize student success," BCC President Ellen Kennedy said. "To be named as a Leader College and to join the other incredible institutions across the country who are dedicated to improving the lives of our community college students through access and student support is truly humbling. We are thrilled to accept this designation."
 
Leader Colleges play a role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies, according to a press release. 
 
BCC is part of the ATD Network, made up of more than 300 colleges committed to supporting student success and promoting economic vitality in their communities. BCC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2020.
 
"We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success," said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. "These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network."

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Public Meeting about Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has scheduled a public meeting to discuss disaster preparedness and solicit input on the city's updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, located at 330 North Street, will address potential natural hazards affecting Pittsfield, including flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes. The plan also outlines actions to mitigate the impact of these hazards.

The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), consisting of city leaders, will present information on vulnerable areas within the city and discuss strategies to minimize potential damage. The city aims to gather public input to prioritize risks and develop effective solutions.

A FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan enables the city to access pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding from FEMA.

A virtual meeting option is available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82500118599. Call-in options are available by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering Meeting ID: 825 0011 8599.

Questions regarding the plan can be directed to Thomas Sammons, Fire Department Chief and Emergency Management Director, at 413-448-9764 or tsammons@cityofpittsfield.org.

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