April is Community College Month, a perfect time to remind students and potential students — as well as the communities in which they study — of the importance these critical institutions play within the landscape of American education. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), more than 12 million students, or about 46 percent of all undergraduates in the United States, are enrolled in community colleges. That’s an impressive statistic that deserves explanation.
Convenience, accessibility and affordability are the hallmarks of a community college education, but under the surface lie many more advantages. Not only do community colleges serve an incredibly diverse student population, but they also make getting a degree an achievable goal for millions of people who may otherwise have perceived college as out of reach.
Since I became involved with the Berkshire Community College (BCC) Board of Trustees in 2017, eventually becoming Chair in 2021, I have taken a deep dive into the academic approach and culture of the College. I have explored what makes BCC tick and what makes the incredible success stories of so many students possible. What I have found is an institution deeply supported by faculty, staff and administrators who are truly committed to the success of everyone enrolled at BCC — success as students, as career professionals and as human beings.
I have learned how BCC provides a way to support higher education by changing the trajectories of students and their families. I have learned how students who earn certificates or graduate with associate degrees from BCC directly impact the development of our local workforce, and how that impact aligns to our community’s needs. I have learned about the commitment BCC has to our community in the Berkshires, from teaching English to Afghan evacuees, to partnering with Berkshire Medical Center to provide critical healthcare services during the pandemic, to developing specific certificate or degree programs to meet local employment needs. Most of all, I have learned about the exceptional team across the institution. For all these reasons, I volunteer my time on the BCC board.
When I think about BCC, I think about community partnerships. The nursing program, for example, is renowned for providing its students with a stellar education and for placing graduates into competitive jobs with good salaries. The hospitality program partners with some of the Berkshires’ finest hotels, restaurants and spas. The early childhood education program is producing the next generation of teachers who embrace a respect for culture and community. The cannabis certificate program is training students how to become a vital part of what is already a $1.4 billion business in the Commonwealth.
I think about the faculty, staff and administration who are wholly committed to our students, and about the impact of BCC on multiple generations of families. I hear stories of parents getting the education they need to move into more stable, higher-paying jobs while modeling the importance of education for their kids; stories of students escaping the grasp of addiction and becoming drug and alcohol counselors; stories of wayward souls who never imagined the possibility of furthering their education, yet find the courage to begin their journey at BCC and move on to fulfilling careers.
I think about the accessibility of BCC and the ways that the College is constantly striving to create and maintain an equitable, diverse student body. Those efforts might entail creating more scholarships for those in need, providing free tutoring services to help students stay in school or hosting a drag show to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
There are so many ways to get involved at BCC. If you’re thinking about enrolling but aren’t quite sure you’re ready, sign up for a free session with an academic adviser or take one class to get your feet wet. Peruse the catalog of courses on the BCC website — you never know what might pique your interest. Attend a student play or art show. Take a hike on the beautiful campus grounds. Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and create a network of friends while learning something new. Go to a BCC sporting event and cheer on the team.
Whatever you choose, be curious. Take chances. It’s never too late to further your education or expand your community involvement. At BCC, no matter what stage of life you’re in or what your life experiences are, you’re likely to find people just like you. We hope to see you soon.
Julia Bowen is the current chair of Berkshire Community College’s board of trustees.
