Fee waivers, sliding scales and scholarships published by the
organizations that run these programs — each with who is eligible and the page
that decides it. Nothing here is estimated from a family's income, and a program with
no aid published simply does not appear. A few are awards toward college rather than
help with a program fee; those are labelled College scholarship.
3 of the 122 programs in Pittsfield say they offer financial aid or a scholarship, and 13 schemes are set out below.
Financial aid
Berkshire Family YMCA (Pittsfield branch)
John F. Rogers Memorial Scholarship
The Berkshire Family YMCA's financial-assistance program, named the John F. Rogers Memorial Scholarship, reduces membership and program fees for youth, adults and families who cannot pay in full.
- What it covers
- "A John Roger's Memorial Scholarship reduces membership fees. It does not eliminate them." Scholarships are granted for 12 months and must be reapplied for annually.
- Who is eligible
- Awards are set from an "Income Qualification Table by Household Size," with all sources of household income considered; every individual in the household must be added to the Y database, provide documentation of earned income, and sign the membership agreement and waiver. Applicants with a prior balance due are not eligible.
Sliding scale
Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center
Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Summer Program Financial Assistance
The Brigham Center in Pittsfield offers income-based financial aid toward all of its summer camps and programs.
- What it covers
- "Fees range from zero to the published private rate of $220 per week depending on income eligibility guidelines."
- Who is eligible
- "Financial aid is available for all Brigham Center Summer Programs to income-eligible families" and "financial assistance is available for Brigham Center summer programs on a limited basis for income eligible families."
Financial aid
Berkshire County Head Start
Berkshire County Head Start
Berkshire County Head Start provides free, income-eligible preschool and family support services in Pittsfield, including a dual-placement partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools.
- Who is eligible
- Open to income-eligible families — the provider advertises "Free preschool and family support services for eligible families!" and offers an eligibility check; applicants' needs are prioritised through an enrollment pool.
Fee waiver
Berkshire Family YMCA
FREE Memberships for DCF Youth (Wonderfund)
One-year no-cost Y youth/teen membership for DCF foster children, age eighteen and under, living with DCF-approved foster parents.
- Who is eligible
- "Through one-year no-cost Y youth/teen membership access, hundreds of DCF foster children, age eighteen and under, enjoy independent and group activities that promote fun, health, creativity, community, and friendship."
Financial aid
Berkshire Music School
Financial Aid / Tuition Assistance
Need-based tuition assistance for private lessons and classes during the academic year (not available in summer), awarded according to income and family size.
- Who is eligible
- "Financial aid is awarded on an as needed basis determined by income and family size."
Scholarship
Berkshire Music School
Annabelle Hoffman Scholarship for Cello Studies
Full academic-year scholarship of weekly 45-minute cello lessons, awarded by audition to students of any age or background.
- Who is eligible
- "Starting in academic year 2026 - 2027, Berkshire Music School is delighted to announce a brand new scholarship opportunity for students of any age or background."
Financial aid
Flying Cloud Institute
Financial Assistance
Financial aid for tuition-based programs including summer camp, for income-qualified families, plus an automatic 50% tuition discount for EBT, Summer EBT (SUN Bucks), WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders through Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program.
- Who is eligible
- "Flying Cloud Institute offers generous financial aid to income-qualified families and an automatic discount to all Berkshire county public school students."
Scholarship
Berkshire Art Center
Scholarships & Transportation Support
Needs-based scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition for studio classes and youth school-break camp programs, with transportation reimbursements available. Recipients must hold EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare cards, and Pittsfield residents receive priority.
- Who is eligible
- "At Berkshire Art Center, we believe creativity should be for everyone! That's why we offer needs-based scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition for our studio classes and youth school break camp style programs."
Scholarship
Berkshire Theatre Group
BTG PLAYS! Scholarships
Scholarships that let children attend BTG PLAYS! theatre camps and summertime classes. The Richie duPont Award funds a BTG PLAYS! camp session, and need-based scholarships (David Grover Award) are available for summertime classes.
- Who is eligible
- "The Richie duPont Award provides campers the opportunity to attend a BTG PLAYS! camp session."
Scholarship
Berkshire Lacrosse Club, Inc.
Berkshire Lacrosse Club Scholarship Fund
Scholarship fund that provides confidential financial assistance so children in the community can play club lacrosse regardless of their family's ability to pay.
- Who is eligible
- "In order to open the Berkshire Lacrosse Club up to all children in the community; the Club is pleased to announce the introduction of a scholarship fund for those in need of financial support. In other words, no child will be turned away due to financial limitations of the family."
Fee waiver
City of Pittsfield Parks & Recreation
Summer Playground Program
Free summer playground program at Clapp Park, Durant Park and The Common for Pittsfield children ages 6 to 13, with no participation fee and no pre-registration required.
- Who is eligible
- "There is no cost to participate in the program and it is open to Pittsfield children ages 6 to 13."
Fee waiver
18 Degrees
Kids 4 Harmony
Free intensive classical music program (El Sistema-inspired) for youth from under-resourced communities in Berkshire County, including at Pittsfield's Herberg Middle School.
- Who is eligible
- "Kids 4 Harmony is a free, intensive classical music program for youth from some of the most under-resourced communities in Berkshire County."
Sibling discount
Barrington Stage Company Education
KidsAct!/TeensAct! Sibling Discount
Sibling discount on tuition for the KidsAct! and TeensAct! summer theatre camps at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield; families contact the education office.
- Who is eligible
- "Contact us about sibling discounts at education@barringtonstageco.org"