Community
The ties between Five Colleges and our surrounding communities are deep, varied and extensive.
Connections among Five Colleges, our surrounding communities, and the world beyond have evolved over the years with our mutual understanding of each other's needs. The Center for East Asian Studies has hosted webinars for K-12 educators since long before “Zoom” became a regular part of our vocabulary. Our Partnership Programs has led classroom teachers on Civil Rights field trips to South Africa and the American South, and most recently pioneered an initiative to guide classroom paraprofessionals of color to becoming certified teachers. Our Museums10 collaboration has partnered with bookstores, restaurants, and other businesses to promote area tourism. Campus and Five College administrators meet regularly with area legislators and community leaders to discuss challenges and explore solutions.
Museums10
Made up of seven campus museums and three independent affiliated institutions, the Museums10 collaborative fosters lifelong learning through art, culture, science, and history.
Supporting Bus Service Throughout the Region
Our campuses, area downtowns and shopping centers are all linked by a free bus system during the academic year.
Community Connections
Explore what the Hampshire County/Five College area of western Massachusetts has to offer by following these links to community resources and our regional partners.
Explore Western Massachusetts
Our five campuses are located in Hampshire County in western Massachusetts, known as "the other side of Massachusetts." Here in Hampshire County we've got arts and culture; scenic beauty, biking and hiking trails; and creative and innovative cuisine, with locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Plus we've got all the amenities you’d expect from a big city, but with a small town sense of community that welcomes you in.