1Berkshire to fund two cohorts, providing full tuition assistance
PITTSFIELD, MA β ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯ All Rights Reserved (ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯) announces that the College has received funding from for two cohorts of adult students seeking to enroll in ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯'s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. 1Berkshire will provide $15,000 per cohort in the spring and fall 2025 semesters, allowing ESOL students to receive full tuition assistance.
ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯'s ESOL classes are designed to assist non-native English speakers, primarily immigrants, assimilate into the community and support them in reaching their academic and career goals. Classes focus on English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. However, critical thinking, digital literacy, civics and navigating systems skills are also integrated throughout the curriculum. In essence, students learn not only the English language, but also how to access the resources necessary to succeed and thrive in their community and in the workplace.
This is outstanding news, because we currently have about 150 students on the ESOL waiting list.β―That means ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯ can now offer more access to more students for ESOL language learning. I'm super excited about the partnership with 1Berkshire.
Clairmont explained that the program will incorporate a bridge between workforce ESOL students and the for-credit Humanities 101 ESOL class.β―The plan is to offer the Humanities 101 ESOL for-credit class to advanced ESOL language learners who are currently on ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯'s waiting list or who have already completed the ESOL program.
βWe are eager to offer advanced language learning to people who may have earned a college degree from their home countries,β Clairmont said.
The first cohort will begin at the end of January. Classes will be held on the ΊμΠΣΦ±²₯ campus during the early evenings, one night a week, for three hours per class.
For more information, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2115.
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide, not-for-profit membership organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, live and grow a business. As the region's official economic development organization, 1Berkshire provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers. 1Berkshire aims to be the voice of the Berkshire business community, working to develop future leaders, both youth and professional, and supporting entrepreneurs at all stages with free consultations, networking events, skill-building programs, grant support and distribution, and many other resources.