»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ

Vision:

»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College will provide equitable, accessible and transformative learning opportunities focused on the current and evolving needs of our diverse community.

Mission:

»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College is committed to providing an exceptional education and a wide range of opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our community through college transfer, workforce and career pathways, partnerships and lifelong learning.

Values:

• Student-Centered: We work to provide access and opportunity for our students, and we support them in exploring and attaining their academic and career goals.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to exploration and development of the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ community, in which we value diverse perspectives, identities and experiences to ensure individuals are welcomed, acknowledged and celebrated for their authentic selves.
• Purpose-Driven: We create and do meaningful work that enhances the well-being of our community.
• Responsiveness: We create innovative and accessible ways to adapt to changing needs of our community through inclusive teaching practices, community partnerships and individualized student experiences.
• Sustainability: We promote and foster conscientious social, civic, economic and environmental sustainability.

Quick Facts:

• Founded in 1960, »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College (»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ) was the first community college established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today, there are 15 community colleges throughout the Commonwealth.
• During its first 12 years, »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ was located in downtown Pittsfield in a former junior high school made available by the city. There, enrollment grew from 153 to 1,222 students.
• In 1972, the College moved to its present location, occupying a magnificent 180-acre site four miles from the center of Pittsfield. Twelve years later, a satellite facility known as the South County Center opened in Great Barrington. While the Center sold in 2020, »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ continues to offer in-person educational opportunities in South County though its ESOL programming for adult learners, Workforce Development and Community Education, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes.
• Each year roughly 1,500 students enroll in day or evening credit courses at the main campus, off-campus sites and/or online.
• The cost to attend »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ for Massachusetts residents for day courses — and to all students, regardless of residency, for evening and online courses — is $223 per credit.
• Each year, more than 80% of »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students receive an average award of $5,000.
• There are more than 200 scholarships, totaling $400,000, available to »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students.
• The vast majority of »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students (96 percent) are Massachusetts residents, with 91%residing in »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ County. More than two-thirds (67%) of the students are women. Part-time students account for 75% of the student population on average, and 29% are non-white students. Additionally, roughly half of students are non-traditional by age (23 years or older).
• The »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ mascot is the Falcon, the fastest animal in the world, so named as part of the College's alma mater — in the second verse saying: "When the Falcon soars in the golden sunlight," by Craig Cusson, class of 1964.
• »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has offered its associate degree in nursing for more than 50 years.
• »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has the distinction of being the first community college in the Commonwealth to offer an Environmental Science degree.
• Whether you have attended a class or a semester, completed a certificate program or received your degree at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ, you are a »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ alum and a Falcon for life!
• »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ's main campus comprises:
  • The Susan B. Anthony Building (SBA)
  • The Field Administration Center
  • The Koussevitzky Arts Center
  • Hawthorne Hall
  • Melville Hall
  • The Ralph Hoffmann Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Center
  • The Jonathan Edwards Library
  • Paterson Field House
  • The Gene Dellea Community Turf Field
  • The Jonathan Lambert Nature Trail
• The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has over 1450 members and offers non-credit courses and programs for lifelong learners, in-person and online. OLLI at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has over 200 volunteers offering 100+ courses and 75+ events per year along with mentoring and social opportunities. Membership is open to adults 55+ and scholarships are available.
• Workforce Development and Community Education offers short programs for local community members, as well as non-credit training opportunities leading to regional employment. Many of the Workforce programs are cost-free. There are options to explore in Manufacturing, Food and Culture, and Health and Wellness. The College is planning new programs focused on Tech and Innovation, as well.