Impact Reports

Dear friends,

It is a tremendous honor to introduce my first BCC Impact Report as president. Since arriving at BCC, I have spent much of my time listening and learning — meeting students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, donors and community members throughout Berkshire County. As someone newly discovering the many ways the College changes lives, I have already learned one thing with certainty: BCC is defined by people who believe in one another.

That spirit is what drew me to BCC, and it's why I am so excited to be part of this remarkable institution.

Because my career began in the classroom teaching biology, I have always believed that education is ultimately about people and relationships. My own journey to earning a college degree was anything but straightforward, so I know firsthand how important it is to have people who encourage you through life's inevitable challenges. That experience continues to shape my leadership and strengthens my belief that no student should ever walk alone as they navigate college.

I also recognize the extraordinary foundation built under President Ellen Kennedy's leadership. BCC is an indispensable partner to the Berkshires, expanding opportunities for students while deepening the College's connection to the community it serves. I am grateful for President Kennedy's deeply dedicated service, and I'm excited to build on that legacy.

As shown throughout this report, BCC is the gateway for student success, whether those students are seeking to further their education at a four-year university, complete a certificate or start a new career. We prepare nurses, first responders, skilled trades professionals, educators, business leaders and countless others who strengthen our regional workforce. We welcome students from every background and create pathways to opportunity through exceptional teaching, personalized support and meaningful partnerships across Berkshire County.

The expansion of free community college has made higher education more accessible than ever, as proven in our recent record enrollment. But while tuition may no longer be a barrier for many students, success is never truly free. BCC students continue to face challenges with food and housing insecurities, transportation, childcare, textbooks and other essential needs. Meeting those needs, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, requires the continued generosity of our community.

For these reasons, the BCC Foundation plays a critical role. Every gift, regardless of size, helps provide emergency assistance, scholarships, academic support and life-changing opportunities that allow students to persist and achieve their goals. Your investment is not simply a gift to the College. It is an investment in the future of our students and the vitality of Berkshire County.

Thank you for believing in the transformative power of BCC. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting each of you. In the meantime, I invite you to explore the stories in this report and consider how you can help impact the future of our College, our students and our community.

With gratitude,
Hara Charlier, President

Jeremiah's path to becoming BCC's 2026 valedictorian wasn't a traditional one. After earning his high school equivalency diploma, Jeremiah arrived at BCC unsure of his direction and uncertain of his academic abilities. Through hard work, perseverance, and the support of faculty and classmates, he excelled in BCC's nursing program while working at Berkshire Medical Center. Today, Jeremiah is preparing to continue his education in an accelerated bachelor's and master's nursing program with the goal of becoming a nurse educator. Reflecting on his journey, he says, "Education means challenging myself and facing things that scare me. College became an opportunity to grow, improve, and ultimately pursue something meaningful."

Read Interview with Jeremiah Reagan

The BCC Foundation exists to help students succeed. Through the generosity of alumni, friends, businesses, and community partners, the Foundation raises and stewards philanthropic support that expands access to education and creates opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive.

Over the past two decades, Foundation assets have grown from $5.43 million to more than $21.5 million, a reflection of our donors' enduring commitment to BCC and the future of our region. Today, these resources provide more than $400,000 in scholarships each year, support innovative academic and workforce programs, strengthen campus initiatives, and sustain lifelong learning opportunities through programs such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Every gift, large or small, represents an investment in our students and their potential. Together, our donors are helping remove barriers, create access, and ensure that BCC remains a place where people of all backgrounds can pursue their goals and build brighter futures.

Every scholarship awarded, every program strengthened, and every life changed begins with people who believe that education has the power to transform lives.

First and foremost, thank you to our BCC alumni for their generosity this year. Your gifts directly support BCC students working to receive their education. This is an invaluable means of assistance.

We have much to be proud of this year!

In February, we published a print edition of the alumni newsletter, which had not been produced in more than three years. The newsletter featured profiles of alumni working for BCC, campus updates, and interviews.

We held 14 events where alumni had the opportunity to gather and connect, both on campus and off, culminating in an all-class reunion at Balderdash Cellars in June. We were thrilled to welcome a total of 330 alumni throughout the year's events.

We also received a total of 34 new applications for Alumni Association membership and two new Alumni Association Board Member applications, demonstrating the incredible care and leadership within our alumni community.

Alumni not only make up a huge piece of the puzzle here at BCC, but also in the Berkshires and beyond. Thank you again to our alumni for the work you do each and every day as you share your gifts with your employers, communities, and families. We're so glad you stay connected to BCC.

When Patricia "Patty" Kellar first attended BCC in 1964, the College was housed in a single building on the Pittsfield Common. "It was very small, very cozy, and everybody got to know each other," she says.

More than 60 years later, Patty's granddaughter, Lana Kellar, walks through a much different BCC. The College, which moved to West Street in 1972, has grown into a connected campus with specialized laboratories, performance spaces and programs that would have been difficult to imagine in 1964.

Yet the quality that first drew Patty to BCC remains central to Lana's experience: It is a place where students can feel comfortable while finding their own path.

BCC is special because it meets you where you are. You do not need to be ready for everything. Everybody will help you with whatever you need.

Today, Lana is preparing to begin her second year in BCC's mechatronics program. She is also a writer, actor and member of the BCC Players. Her experience combines two interests that may initially appear very different: technology and the arts.

For Lana, however, they are deeply connected.

"In life, you often see the technical and the creative as separate, and you do not always see where they come together," she said. "But technology cannot really exist without the creativity that spurs innovation."

National Recognition for Student Success

BCC received our designation as a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility. Of the 32 Leader Colleges of Distinction awarded, 13 colleges, including BCC, have earned the honor for the first time, demonstrating sustained and substantial outcomes in the advancement of student success. BCC has been part of the ATD Network since 2021 and has held Leader College status since 2025.

BCC Recognized by ATD as a 2026 Leader College of Distinction

Excellence in Practical Nursing

In 2026, BCC's Practical Nursing (PN) program was ranked number two of all PN programs in the Commonwealth. BCC offers a one-year Practical Nurse Certificate program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry into the LPN field. Accredited by ACEN, the program boasts a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

Largest Graduating Class in More Than a Decade

BCC celebrated our 66th Commencement exercises with the largest graduating class in more than a decade. A total of 377 awards were conferred to 341 students in 38 programs of study. Twenty-nine students received more than one degree or certificate. This is the highest number of graduates the College has had since 2014, when it conferred awards to 362 students.

On June 4, BCC welcomed hundreds of alumni, students, employees, retirees and community members to celebrate President Ellen Kennedy and her extraordinary leadership over the years. The evening was filled with stories, gratitude, laughter, and a shared commitment to the future of BCC.

The celebration also became a powerful expression of philanthropy. In honor of Ellen's legacy, supporters contributed more than $137,000 to the Berkshire Community Impact Fund (BCIF), bringing the Fund's balance to nearly $590,000. Established through the generosity of Leslie Setterholm Curtis, whose dollar-for-dollar matching challenge inspired giving across the community, BCIF provides flexible, long-term support for scholarships, emergency assistance, innovative programs, and emerging College priorities.

The community's generosity extended beyond individual gifts. More than $44,500 in sponsorships helped make the celebration possible. Following the event, the remaining sponsorship proceeds were contributed to the Berkshire Community Impact Fund, further strengthening this permanent resource for students and the College.

Community colleges change lives. On June 4, our community came together to ensure that impact will continue well into the future.

Celebrating Students and Those Who Believe in Them

Each year, the BCC Foundation proudly celebrates students whose educational journeys have been made possible through the generosity of our donors. Scholarships ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition and fees help remove financial barriers, recognize achievement, and empower students to pursue their goals with confidence.

In 2026, donor generosity made an extraordinary impact:

• More than $450,000 was awarded in scholarships
• Nearly 300 students received scholarship support
• 165+ scholarship funds helped students across a wide range of programs and backgrounds

Scholarships do more than help pay for college. They ease financial stress, open new possibilities, and allow students to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and building their futures. Thank you, donors!

Awards Night

Celebrating Leadership and Community

The 2026 40 Under Forty Awards honored 40 outstanding young leaders who are making Berkshire County a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work.

This year's event drew incredible support from sponsors, attendees, and the community, generating more than $40,000 to support Workforce Development and Community Education programs at BCC. This support helps to create opportunities for individuals to gain new skills, advance their careers and strengthen our local workforce.

The spirit of giving extended even further, thanks to the Mill Town Foundation, whose $40,000 regrant allowed each honoree to direct $1,000 to a Berkshire County nonprofit of their choice. That means an additional $40,000 was invested directly back into local organizations, amplifying the impact of the event across our community.

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, honorees and everyone who joined us in celebrating these remarkable leaders. Your support creates opportunities, strengthens our community and shapes a brighter future for Berkshire County.

Created in partnership with Integritus Healthcare, the Harvest Run continues to bring our community together in support of BCC's Nursing and Allied Health programs, helping prepare the next generation of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.

Since its inception, the Harvest Run has raised nearly $300,000 to support students pursuing careers in healthcare, providing resources, equipment, scholarships, and educational opportunities that strengthen the healthcare workforce across Berkshire County.

More than just a race, the Harvest Run is a celebration of health, wellness and community. The event features a 5K run, a fun run for kids, and a free wellness fair with family-friendly activities, health screenings, demonstrations, food and plenty of fun for all ages.

Save the date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

Total students: 2,075

Female: 65%

Male: 35%

Traditional students (age 22 or under): 56%

Non-traditional students (age 23 or over): 44%

• White: 61%
• Hispanic: 15%
• Black: 9.5%
• Two or more races: 6%
• Asian: 2%
• American Indian: 0.3%
• Hawaiian/Pacific Island: 0.1%
• Not disclosed: 6%

• Bridge to College: 16%
• Pre Nursing: 12%
• Nursing: 8%
• Liberal Arts: 7%
• Business Administration: 6%
• Business Careers: 3%
• Medical Coding: 3%
• Pre LPN: 2.5%

For more than three decades, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BCC (OLLI at BCC) has fostered a vibrant community of lifelong learners who come together to explore new ideas, develop skills, and build meaningful connections. Each year, more than 1,500 members participate in a rich array of classes, lectures, workshops, affinity groups, and special events designed to inspire curiosity and engagement.

At the heart of OLLI is an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism. More than 200 volunteers, including instructors, committee members, and mentors, share their time, talents, and expertise, creating a welcoming environment where learning is driven by passion and a genuine desire to connect with others.

Philanthropy continues to play an essential role in OLLI's success. This year, generous donors contributed approximately $70,000 to support OLLI's programs and future growth, helping ensure that opportunities for lifelong learning remain accessible, enriching, and vibrant for years to come.

Together, OLLI members, volunteers and supporters create a community where curiosity never retires.

Supporting the Berkshires Community

When U.S. Rep. Richard Neal visited the College in April to highlight the $995,000 he secured through congressionally directed spending, Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont made it clear that BCC is a destination for adults who want to learn a skilled trade.

"I want to join up with the amazing work that Taconic and McCann (vocational high schools) are doing to prepare people for these really specific skills, helping people become confident professionals with a direct path to high-wage, high-demand jobs," she explained, adding that "BCC is also addressing the labor shortage in Berkshire County, around the state, and around the country by providing certification in the skilled trades."

Combined with the recent $1.18M grant through Mass Clean Energy Center, the new federal funding will allow BCC to remodel existing space to create the first HVAC Training Hub. When completed, the hub will make way for more Massachusetts residents to pursue in-demand careers such as heat pump and HVAC mechanics and technicians — all while helping employers meet growing workforce needs.

The Campus Cupboard helps ensure that no member of the BCC community has to choose between meeting basic needs and pursuing an education. Open to students, faculty, and staff, the Cupboard provides nutritious food, household essentials, SNAP assistance, and connections to additional resources that help reduce barriers to success.

Last fall, changes to SNAP eligibility and other financial pressures increased the need for food assistance across the BCC community. The impact was reflected not only in growing demand for Campus Cupboard services, but also in the College’s annual Thanksgiving basket program. This initiative provided meals to 145 students and their families, up from 105 the previous year.

In response to the increased need, 80 donors made 117 gifts, enabling the BCC Foundation to provide an additional $5,000 in support of the Campus Cupboard, complemented by a supplemental grant from Berkshire United Way. Together with the ongoing generosity of our lead Campus Cupboard donor, these philanthropic investments helped ensure that members of the BCC community had reliable access to food and essential household items when they needed them most.

The BCC library has been renamed The Ruth Edmonds Hill Library in honor of a beloved area librarian, following a series of requests for feedback from faculty, staff, students, alumni and the public.

After conducting extensive historical research into the namesake of the former Jonathan Edwards Library and collecting thoughtful feedback from the College’s internal and larger Berkshires community, BCC determined a name change was warranted. Following that decision, the College initiated an inclusive process led by a cross-campus taskforce to collect suggestions for a new name, including outreach to the Berkshire Historical Society and feedback from the public.

Ruth Edmonds Hill was the clear leader, receiving a majority of support across survey and feedback sessions.

Hill was a lifelong librarian who worked at the Berkshire Athenaeum, North Adams State College and BCC before joining the Schlesinger Library at Harvard. She enjoyed a long career rooted in librarianship and education, making her a particularly fitting namesake for our library.

Born in the Berkshires and raised in Buenos Aires, Clara Guatta-Cescuni returned to Massachusetts with a dream of pursuing music, but first had to overcome the challenges of adapting to college-level coursework in a second language while balancing work and family responsibilities. At BCC, she found both her confidence and her calling, thriving in the Music program and building connections that helped launch her career as a performer. Clara was recently accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music with scholarships and financial aid covering nearly all of her expenses. Reflecting on her journey, she says, "I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn't for BCC."

Read Clara's Spotlight