The Compact

The Berkshire Compact for Education is a county-wide initiative focused on promoting a continuum of education in Berkshire County.  The Compact serves all Berkshire County residents, with the premise that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to aspire to higher education.

Today, the Compact is focused on raising the aspirations of our residents to view a minimum of 16 years of education or training as the norm; providing them with access to education; and encouraging them to obtain the skills, technologies and tools they need to enjoy all the opportunities presented by the new economy of Berkshire County.  This work supports Governor Patrick's ambitious education action agenda, Ready for 21st Century Success.

An educated and skilled workforce is essential to a competitive regional economy.  Higher education is also important at an individual level; people with college degrees earn more money, have more employee benefits and enjoy better health than those who haven't graduated from college. 

Third Graders Visit MCLA

On December 3 and 4, the third grade classes from the Adams-Cheshire and North Adams School Districts visited the MCLA campus and learned college life is all about.   They saw the MCLA TV studio and also saw demonstrations from theatre, biology, chemistry and English faculty.