In These Times: Education and Career Resources in Berkshire County

By Tina Sotis, Managing Editor
August 2026

It's Never Too Late to Learn Something New

Whether you’re hoping to earn a college degree, change careers, complete your high school education, or simply learn a new skill, Berkshire County offers many educational opportunities for adults. Many organizations also provide guidance with admissions, financial aid, career planning, and academic support.

Berkshire Community College (BCC)
BCC offers affordable education and workforce training through associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce training, career certifications, non-credit classes, and personal enrichment courses.

Staff can help with admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career planning. Many Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree may qualify to attend tuition- and fee-free through the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs.
berkshirecc.edu • (413) 499-4660

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
Located in North Adams, MCLA offers bachelor’s and graduate degree programs, transfer opportunities, and advising for adults returning to school. Financial aid counselors help students explore grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
mcla.edu • (413) 662-5000

MassHire Berkshire Career Center
Career planning, job training
MassHire provides free career counseling, résumé assistance, interview preparation, job search support, and referrals to education and training programs. Staff can also help determine eligibility for grants and workforce funding.
masshireberkshirecc.com (413) 499-2220

Adult Basic Education & High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET)
It's never too late to finish school Free Adult Basic Education programs help adults improve reading, writing, math, computer, and English language skills or prepare for the GED/HiSET high school equivalency exams.

Programs are available through:
Northern Berkshire Adult Basic Education Program (MCLA) – (413) 662-5314
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center – (413) 499-9530
BCC Adult Learning Program (Great Barrington) – (413) 236-5250

Literacy Programs: One-on-one support for adult learners
Free tutoring is available for adults who want to strengthen reading, writing, math, English language skills, citizenship preparation, or HiSET readiness.

Literacy Network of South Berkshire (LitNet)
litnetsb.org • (413) 243-0471

Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County
literacyberkshires.org • (413) 499-9487