PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the first community college in Massachusetts, Berkshire Community College (BCC) joins Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) to hold an all-day First-Generation Student Celebration on Monday, Nov. 8.

 

First-generation, or "first-gen," students are the first in their families to attend or graduate from college. 

 

The celebration also allows an opportunity for students to visit MCLA on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The event is held in collaboration with TRIO (Talent, Resources, Initiative, Opportunity) Student Support Services, the Center for First-Generation Student Success, and the Berkshire Community College Foundation.

 

Participants, who can partake in most activities in person or via Zoom, will have the opportunity to hear about student success stories; learn about TRIO, library, and other student success resources; participate in a strategic planning meeting; attend a student art show; and visit MCLA.

 

To register for events and to access Zoom links, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/firstgen. The first five students who register and attend will receive a $25 gift card.

 

Monday, Nov. 8

 

"Generations of First Generations" Panel, 10–11 am: Hear about the experiences of first-generation peers from MCLA and BCC (forum credit). This event will be held in the Koussevitzky Arts Center, Room 111 and on Zoom.

 

BCC Student Support Resources Fair, 11 am–1 pm: Learn about all the student support resources available at BCC. This event will be held in the Koussevitzky Arts Center lobby and on Zoom.

 

Conversation with the BCC Strategic Planning Team, 12–1 pm: Share your ideas by participating in strategic conversations. It's resume-worthy, too (forum credit). This event will be held on Zoom only.

 

First Generation Art Fair, 10 am–5 pm: Come view first-generation student art in the Koussevitzky Arts Center lobby.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 10

 

MCLA Campus Tour, 12–1:30 pm: Tour the MCLA campus, join an admissions information session, and enjoy a free lunch with MCLA TRIO students and campus partner guests.