MCLA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA.

"MCLA provides a practical education that challenges students to develop themselves as thinkers, readers, writers, communicators, and problem solvers. Moreover, the MCLA liberal education prepares students for personal and professional success, helping students to comprehend the world and make informed self-directed decisions, preparing them for lives of civic responsibility."

Charlotte Degen, Dean

Service Events

Click on the image to see a slideshow of photos from past Center For Service Events

First Days

First Days is a four-day orientation program in which MCLA introduces incoming freshmen to the college and the resources of North Adams. At the Center for Service and Citizenship at MCLA, we feel it is our responsibility to help students build a strong relationship with the local community through service programs that benefit the area. This commitment can strengthen the community by helping students gain a greater awareness of their surroundings and what they can do to have a positive impact in their new home. Below are examples of service programs done in the past.

Boo Bash

Every October the Center for Service office and RPS come together to hold a Halloween party for elementary school children. Kids trick-or-treat around the dorms, walk through a haunted house, and play spooky games! MCLA provides transportation for all kids. Student volunteers set up all of the events, and supervise little ghosts and goblins as they enjoy the fun!

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

During the week of November 12 through November 17, As part of a national event, the Center helps raise awareness and action around local, national and global hunger and homelessness issues.

College Community Clean-Up

Every year for the past 17 years (and counting!) MCLA and the city of North Adams have come together to hold College and Community Clean-Up Day. Students and citizens donate time and energy to clean and care for our area. In the past, MCLA has worked with the City of North Adams, Water Watch, and the Hoosac River Watershed Association. In addition, multiple businesses donate supplies so that our clean-up crews can get down and dirty. Together, these groups identify problem sites to be cleaned up and they recruit volunteers to participate. In years past, in a single day, together everyone collected over 2.5 tons of trash!

Clothing Drive

Every year, the Center for Service coordinates a number of clothing drives that benefit the local and global community. Examples include the parent- weekend clothing drive where visiting MCLA families donate winter clothes to local families in need, or end of year clothing collections where student donated clothes are sent to Hurricane Katrina victims.