BISA Conference

Berkshire Institute of Student Activism (BISA) is created to help Berkshire area students tackle critical problems of our times, local and beyond.  Through workshops and discussions BISA trains students in leadership skills aimed at confronting social problems.  Students will have the opportunity to hear from and work with community leaders.  The conference also allows for the coming together of passionate college students from the Berkshires, key networking and shared student programming.  This conference is held at Williams College.

The Annual Service Learning Conference 

The Annual Service Learning Conference held at MCLA includes multiple workshops and speakers that address the topic of service learning. Service learning is a method of teaching and a way of learning; students use academic knowledge and skills to meet real community needs through service activities connected to their curriculum. Youth, K-16 educators, administrators, community partners, civic leaders, and people who think beyond the classroom are all encouraged to attend. Conference topics include: youth leadership, educator leadership for service learning, service learning as a strategy with at risk populations, technology and service learning, and more. The conference is sponsored by North Adams Public Schools, MCLA, and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, as well as being funded with support from the Massachusetts Department of Education.

The Center for Service 

The Center for Service office offers many paid employment opportunities for students. Each of our semester long programs and many of the annual events are coordinated by students who have a vision for that program and are responsible for making it as effective as possible. These positions offer professional experience in leading, managing, recruiting, training organizing, communication and many other transferable skills, as well as a great way to become familiar with staff and the organizational structure at MCLA.   Student employees of the Center for Service are distinguished as campus leaders and act as a bridge between the student population, the college’s administration, and the broader North Adams community. To learn more about the service programs that are student run, please refer to the “Programs” section of our website.

Student Leaders in Service

Scholarships for Service is an AmeriCorps Education Award Only program which engages college students as part-time AmeriCorps members. The program is designed to expand opportunities for college students to participate and support service community building. Those enrolled students who successfully complete a minimum of 300 hours receive an education award of $1,000.00, which may be used for educational expenses or to repay loans.

Here is a sample of some Student Leaders in Service:
Sarah Maust is serving with the Write Stuff Program, enhancing the literary skills of local middle school students.
Omar Leonard and Jaclyn Ford are supporting after school youth programming in both the local school system and in community after school programs.

Pamela Buchanan is serving at the Northern Berkshire Creative Arts supporting youth development through the arts.

Jessica Wenig worked with the Pines Sorority to implement the Cystic Fibrosis Run. The sorority plans this event every year; Jessica put together a guide to the planning process so that future students interested in setting up Walks for various causes in our area will have a template to follow.

Samantha Cesario worked with SHEAC (Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee), the Reach Foundation and Chrysalis Community to create a comprehensive HIV/AIDS awareness advocacy campaign which strengthens local access to information and HIV/AIDS testing.

Rachel Dayton served on the Board of BFAIR (Berkshire Family and Individual Resources). As part of her Scholarship, she worked to make her position sustainable and supported the appointment of the new MCLA student board member for this upcoming year. Additionally, she analyzed BFAIR's role in the community and how MCLA can best strengthen its partnership with the organization.

Gabriela Rivera worked with the Berkshire Immigrant Center in Pittsfield and assisted them in translation of materials to increase access to social services for the Spanish speaking community. She helped them publicize, plan and coordinate events, and to organize their records. Because the BIC serves a unique need in Berkshire County, it is a good source of information for the Center for Service to help us develop a better understanding of the particular needs of surrounding immigrant communities.