Basic Humanities & Math Classes
Focuses on the foundational skills of reading, writing, and math.

High School Equivalent Humanities & Math Classes
Focuses on the key concepts and skills of reading and writing, and the application of math concepts for academic success and HiSET test preparation.

ESOL Classes
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced English Language Learner classes are offered, as well as individual and small group tutoring. Learn English Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.

Transition to College
Students who have completed their HiSET/GED or already have a high school diploma can receive assistance with transitioning and applying for college. Please get in touch with your advisor to set up an appointment.

• Science/Social Studies - Focuses on the application of science and social studies concepts for academic success, including HiSET test preparation.

• Career Exploration - designing a pathway to a career with your advisor.

• Tutoring - get individualized One-on-One support with the area(s) you are struggling with the most.

• College Preparatory/Pre-Employment - those who've already earned their HiSET or are close to finishing HiSET testing who wish to improve and review math, reading, science, social studies, and/or language skills to prepare for further education or employment may enroll in adult education classes. Instruction is also offered to help prospective Northern Berkshire Adult Education students prepare for industry and/or college/program-specific assessments.

• Self-Paced Adult Education Classes - High School Equivalent online self-paced math, science, literacy, and social studies to prepare you for the HiSET test.
  
  Skills

• Workforce Readiness Skills - resume development, job interviewing skills, and how to submit an online job application.

• Computer Literacy - bring your technology skills into the 21st century and prepare for today's world, including computers, smartphones, internet, email, & Google Suite.

The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. 

The notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the designated ADA Compliance Coordinator:

Head Student Advisor
Or schedule an appointment

Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programs and services of the Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Compliance Coordinator. 

This notice is available in large print, and on audio tape, from the ADA Compliance Coordinator. 

Title II- Public Services 

State and local governments may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. New construction and alterations to existing facilities must be accessible. Existing facilities must meet program accessibility requirements consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

MUNICIPAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in employment practices and policies or the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program. 

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of the complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request. 

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but not later that 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to the ADA Coordinator.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audiotape. The response will explain the position of the name the Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint. 

If the response does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision of the ADA coordinator within 15 calendar days after the receipt of the response to the board of directors or his or her designee. 

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the board of directors or his or her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting the board of directors or his or her designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint. 

All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator, appeals to the board of directors or his or her designee, and responses from the ADA Coordinator and board of directors or his or her designee will be kept by the Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program for at least three years.

• Schedule an Appointment with Zach (Advising, Orientation, Tech Support, ADA Compliance, etc.)

• NBAE Assessments Website (HiSET Practice)

• MAPT Assessment Student Login

• Essential Education Student Login

• Northstar Digital Literacy Student Login

• Aztec Student Login

• KET Student Login

• Diploma Sender

• HiSET Student Account Login

• Berkshire Alliance to Support the Immigrant Community (BASIC)

Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County Warm Line, The
413-445-1136 call center accepts calls until 8 PM. If operators are unavailable, callers will receive a callback within 24 hrs. Information is confidential.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 24/7 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor via text. All information & communication is confidential.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Health Care

Ecu Health Care is open. If you or someone you know needs public health insurance options, such as MassHealth or the Massachusetts Health Connector, we can help. MassHealth offers health insurance and may provide premium assistance for eligible individuals with employer plans. Ecu-Health Care offers free support for applications, reviews, renewals, plan selection, enrollment, and general inquiries. Call 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with our Health Coverage Counselors.

Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline: Free telephone-based counseling and advice on quitting smoking are available in English and Spanish. 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

This Is Quitting: This is a free and confidential texting program for people who smoke or vape. Text "VapeFreeMass" to 88709. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Message from Northern Berkshire EMS: Know someone who overdosed? We can help! In partnership with the Berkshire Post Overdose Program, NB EMS will assist those who have experienced or are at risk for overdose. Services include wellness checks, overdose education, naloxone kits, recovery support links, harm reduction supplies, treatment resources, community engagement, and overdose safety plans. More info: 413-398-9155 or aoneil@northadamsambulance.com

Have Hope Peer Recovery Center
Have Hope Peer Recovery Center is Open. Our hours are 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. We are located at 37 Main St., Suite 201 (above Berkshire Bank) in North Adams, MA. My phone number is (413) 346-8896 (cell) or (413) 398-1388 (office).

Fridays 10:00 AM-12:PM & 12:30-3 PM at the Brien Center,
144 American Legion Drive, North Adams.
Same-day Sick Visits, blood pressure checks, flu and COVID-19 vaccines, primary care referrals, nutrition services, health screenings, insurance assistance, food security, family services, and WIC.
More information: https://chpberkshires.org/medical/mobile_health_units/mobile/ or
413-528-0457

Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognizes that schools play a vital role in connecting families to essential resources, including housing, health services, and food. Here are links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide in English and Spanish, which are also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide offers information on housing and homeless services to assist families. A fillable online form to request housing support is available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com.

Housing Navigator MA, Inc. is a tech nonprofit that connects housing, tech, and design. We’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals statewide by working with over 40 property owners and public sector partners. Our mission is to expand access to affordable rental housing in MA. For more information, visit https://housingnavigatorma.org.

Mass Health has launched the Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH) to help clients with funds for moving into new apartments. The program covers all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, Commonwealth Care Alliance, MBHP).

• Eligible families can receive up to $5,500 per member, totaling $22,000 for a family of four. $22,000

• To qualify, you must be:

• Renting an apartment not in your name (new lease)

• A new community member

• House-sharing

• Exiting Rehab, Prison, or a Psychiatric Hospital

• Homeless and moving into an apartment

For more information and to review eligibility criteria, please visit MassHealth's MATCH website.

Contact Louison House at 413-663-6323, ext. 3, during regular hours. For after-hours support, please reach ext. 4 (available 24/7). We assist individuals with immediate housing needs in securing safe and affordable housing. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to join our newsletter list.

Food

The Berkshire Food Project hosts indoor dining on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our experienced chefs serve fantastic food. Everyone is welcome!

Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM | North Adams Farmers Market
The market is back at the St. Anthony parking lot (corner of St. Anthony Drive and Marshall Street). Join us every Saturday through October, rain or shine, for fresh, local produce, fruits, eggs, breads, meats, honey, syrups, jams, jellies, pickles, and more, along with various local crafters. We accept HIP, WIC, Senior Coupons, SNAP, and Double SNAP for up to $30!
https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsFarmersMarket

TUESDAY, Noon - 3:00 PM for In-Person / (*WEDNESDAYS, Noon - 2:00 PM for delivery) | PANTRY The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River St, North Adams. For the Emergency Pantry, call 413-663-7987. Schedule Wednesday deliveries by calling 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon. For North County residents only.

WEDNESDAYS 10 AM - 2 PM for In-Person / THURSDAYS 9:30 AM-Noon for Delivery at Al Nelson Friendship Center, 45 Eagle St, North Adams. Go to First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. If you can’t come, call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday, 9:30 am-2 pm, to arrange Thursday delivery. Boxes are pre-packaged by household size; please specify whether you require cans or not. We no longer offer rides home due to COVID-19 rates. Updates will be posted on FACEBOOK.

Berkshire Food Project MEAL SITE | MON./WED./THURS./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378. * Now returned to in-house seated dining.

First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen MEAL SITE | SATURDAY, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-652-7619.

Personal Items

Remedy Hall, a charitable organization in Williamstown, MA, provides basic life necessities free of charge. In Room B4 of First Congregational Church, located at 906 Main Street, Remedy Hall offers non-food items such as hygiene products, winter clothing, kitchenware, towels, and blankets. We also accept tents and sleeping bags for those in dire circumstances and welcome donations from the community. Our hours are 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We are also available for urgent needs via phone, text, and Facebook Messenger.

Family

The Family Center in the Berkshires offers virtual and in-person parent-child groups open to the public. Families can call to access our FREE Children's Clothing Exchange (sizes 0-10) and request diapers or formula via contactless pickup. For updates, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages. The services are FREE for northern Berkshire families with children under 8.

Learn about your child’s development and find activities to support their learning with our free Ages and Stages Questionnaire! Fill out the form here: ASQ Online. Our team will provide your child’s results and suggest activities for learning through play. Questions? Email mbelanger@ccberkshire.org

Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We are willing to deliver diapers to sites for families in need. Please contact us by email (daltreyt@gmail.com) or call me at 413-446-5038

Childcare Vouchers are available from Seven Hills Foundation by calling 413-236-5890 or contacting Jean at 508-796-0270 (jburris@sevenhills.org) or Mabel at 508-796-0271 (mcimini@sevenhills.org).

Tuesdays, 10 am-12 pm: Free breastfeeding support, hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families Staff in the Family Center playroom at 210 State Street, North Adams. Call (413) 344-2800 for more information.

ROOTS Youth Board is looking for new members to join! Participants need to be between 15 and 21 years old. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, contact Youth Board President Alexa Macdonald at rootsybpresident@gmail.com

Active Parenting Mondays, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams.

Learn to: 

- Redirect children's misbehavior
- Use effective nonviolent discipline
- Build courage and character in your child
- Communicate better with your kids
- Prevent issues with drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex
- Replace scolding with positive interactions

Contact us to register at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Activities

Downtown Bike Around: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:00 pm, at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather updates). Join us for a free weekly bike ride for all ages. Meeting in the Armory garage lot, weather permitting. Bikes are available if needed. Call 413-663-7588 or email jbyrne@nbccoalition.org.

nbCC Bike Collective Hours: Wednesdays, 4-6 pm, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Bring your bike to learn basic repairs or have it rebuilt by experienced mechanics. Tools provided. All NB residents are welcome! For info, call 413-663-7588.

Please contact the Enrollment, Assessment, and Attendance Coordinator about scheduling a HiSET test to take at the North Adams Armory.

Important Information:

HiSET Tests are now FREE to Massachusetts Residents!

• The HiSET has 5 Subtests (Math, Reading, Writing, Science, & Social Studies)

• If you have a documented disability or health-related needs, you may request accommodations.

  • Contact the Enrollment, Assessment, & Attendance Coordinator to complete accommodation requests

• Eligibility

  • At least 18 Years Old (If you’re 16 or 17 additional requirements must be met)

  • Live in Massachusetts

  • Not currently enrolled in any secondary school program

  • Do not currently have a high school diploma or prior GED/HiSET certification

  • Have a government-issued Identification Card (driver’s license, passport, state ID, etc.)
    
    

• Day of Test

  • You MUST have a government-issued ID in order to enter the testing location

    • Your ID MUST EXACTLY match the name on your profile!

  • Arrive about 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get to the testing location and to check in with the testing center staff

  • Wear comfortable clothing, layered in case of room temperature changes

  • Verify Your Identity and Review Test Center Rules with Test Center staff

  • Items NOT ALLOWED in the testing center:

    • Cell Phones, Smart Phones, PDA’s, Camera’s, and All Other Electronic Devices

    • Devices that Take Pictures, Videos, Record Sound, or Scan

    • Any Food or Drink

    • Anything NOT listed on the “Must Bring” list (as listed below)

      • Valid Government Issued Identification Card

      • Copy of Your Confirmation Email (not required, but beneficial and allowed)

If you have questions regarding HiSET or any other testing, please contact the Enrollment, Assessment, and Attendance Coordinator.