Pittsfield Selects BCC Internship Program to Be Profiled

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has selected the internship program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) as one of the next American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded community partners to be profiled through city social media and other publicity outlets. 
 
Over the past several months, the city has been using its platforms to highlight ARPA-funded work being done in the community. Additionally, the profiles are intended to raise awareness about how these funds are helping city residents and/or small businesses who were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
 
The BCC Internship Program is available for BCC students who are residents of Pittsfield. Interns gain valuable knowledge, skills and professional experience by working outside the classroom with a Pittsfield employer. Interns work 10 to 15 hours per week for one semester and are paid a stipend following the completion of the internship, which is supplemented by an ARPA grant. 
 
"The ARPA funds and support have made a great impact on our students, with strong internships here in Pittsfield," said Dean of Students Celia Norcross. "The connections interns make with local companies looking to fill workforce needs are invaluable. We are
delighted to be selected for ARPA profiles, which will give recognition to the wonderful interns here."  
 
The paid internship program is yet another financial incentive at the College, complementing free tuition for eligible students through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect and MassEducate programs. 
 
ARPA funding was instrumental to BCC students in 2023, when the College was awarded a multi-year Community College Campus Hunger Program Grant. The ARPA grant was designed to increase access to academic opportunities for students of color and students experiencing food insecurity.  
 
ARPA Community Partner Profiles can be viewed on the city's website.

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Pittsfield Council Preview: Councilor Privacy & Halting Berkshire Gas Work Permits

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see requests to protect their own safety when it comes to sensitive information, and to deny work permits from Berkshire Gas due to "substandard" conditions. 

A request to remove councilors' addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with "70 Allen Street" to improve safety will be referred to the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee. Councilors' addresses, city email, and phone numbers are currently available on Pittsfield's staff directory page. 

The petition was submitted by Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham, Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, and Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody. 

The councilors explain in the meeting packet that they want elected officials to have the option to replace their home addresses on all city documents and websites, including Pittsfield Community Television, with the City Hall address. 

Recently, the City Council approved Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi's request to amend City Council Rule 1C. Rule 1C requires individuals to disclose their name, address, and the subject they wish to address the council about on a sheet before the open microphone portion of meetings.

Lampiasi asked to only require a person's name and municipality. 

"I don't think that submitting a street address is really appropriate," she explained to the O&R subcommittee earlier this month. 

"It feels invasive, and there are some safety concerns for folks." 

President Earl Persip III wants Berkshire Gas to correct safety and access issues before Pittsfield allows them to do additional work on city property. 

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