Berkshire Community College's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2021 First-Generation College Celebration
Founded in 1960, Berkshire Community College (BCC) serves full and part-time students from Berkshire County and adjacent rural areas of Vermont, New York and Connecticut. 43% of BCC students are first-generation.
For its second celebration of First-Generation Day, BCC will host two days of in-person and online events for students, staff, and faculty. 2021 will bring new dimensions: a partnership with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, new recipient of a TRIO SSS grant. An engagement with the BCC Strategic Planning process. New TRIO, Library, and Student Success resources dedicated to first-generation learners.
Events will feature a BCC-MCLA "Generations of First Generations" panel; a First Generation student art show, a first-generation fair for students, a discussion with BCC strategic planning members, and a visit to the MCLA campus.
Throughout the day, first-generation students will have the opportunity to record their stories, celebrating their talents, challenges, and accomplishments at BCC. Selected stories and student art will be featured on social media, alumni relations, and BCC websites.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration
Founded in 1960, Berkshire Community College (BCC) is the first community college of Massachusetts, and the only open door, public two-year institution west of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. 43% of BCC students are first-generation.
For its inaugural First-Generation College Celebration, BCC will host a week of daily online panels, speakers, and a first-generation fair for students, staff, and faculty, while featuring daily student stories on social media, alumni relations, and BCC websites.
Events will feature new strategic directions for supporting equity and access at BCC, including initiatives and scholarships for first-generation students; an online first-generation fair with virtual tabling by over seven student support offices from across the campus; a panel of first-generation students and alumni; and a celebration of 20 years of service by the TRIO Center at BCC, in support of first-generation students.
Throughout the week, first-generation students will have the opportunity to record their stories, celebrating their talents, challenges, and accomplishments at BCC. All participants will receive F.I.R.S.T.@BCC buttons and will be entered into a raffle for prizes. On November 8th, all stories, event recordings, and raffle winners will be featured on BCC websites.
For the latest updates on this celebration, follow Berkshire Community College on Twitter, review their blog and main website, and access their first-gen libguide to show your support!
