June 15, 2023
Applications are open for the 2023 Berkshire Bank STEM Academy for incoming first-year students at MCLA. The program accepts up to 15 students enrolled in a STEM major or who have expressed interest in STEM fields. The 2023 program will run from July 23 to July 27. The deadline to apply is July 1.
Designed to introduce incoming students to careers in STEM, the residential, five-day academy includes networking opportunities with STEM faculty, students, and staff to aid in deepening the relationship with those in STEM careers in the Berkshires.
Developed to serve low-income and first-generation college students, applicants are selected based on survey results taken upon college acceptance. Berkshire Bank STEM Academy alumni have pursued leadership roles at MCLA as residential advisors, tutors, and supplemental instructors, while graduates of the program have obtained careers at Raytheon, General Dynamics, Edge Pharma, and as public school teachers.
During the residential program, students will explore concepts in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, environmental science, psychology, and physics through laboratory work and meetings with faculty. The program’s goal is to encourage students to seek jobs in the Berkshires post-graduation with the hopes of staying in the community. There is additional programming planned throughout the year for the cohort. Past events have included networking opportunities, social gatherings, and workshops on college life and financial management.
To apply, please contact Sara Steele at Sara.Steele@mcla.edu, at 413-662-5518, or online: mcla.edu/STEMAcademy.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 128-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
For 10 of the last 12 years, MCLA has been named a Top Ten College by U.S. News and
World Report. MCLA also appears on the organization’s list of top National Public
Liberal Arts Colleges. Since the list was created, MCLA has risen to #33 as a Top
Performer on Social Mobility and ranks first among all Massachusetts liberal arts
schools, which measures how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell
Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
