Where Craft Meets Community

Expanding CE Offerings at NBSS

In just a few years, Community Education (CE) at North Bennet Street School has transformed from a post-pandemic reboot to a thriving, high-impact part of the institution. With record-setting enrollment, a wave of new classes, and expanding partnerships, CE is engaging more learners than ever—while staying true to the School’s mission of providing meaningful, hands-on training in traditional trades and fine crafts.

Numbers That Tell a Story

After a complete pause in 2020 and 2021, CE cautiously resumed in 2022 with just 37 classes and 225 students—well short of pre-pandemic levels. But the rebound came quickly. In 2023, the School offered 133 classes to 945 students. In 2024, that number jumped to 183 classes and 1,256 students. Now in 2025, CE is on track to serve over 1,400 students across 210 classes—a record on all fronts.

“The demand is incredible,” Brittany says. “We’re seeing returning students, newcomers, and professionals all eager to build skills with their hands.”

A Broader, Deeper Curriculum

Over the past two years, Community Education has expanded not just in size, but in scope. In addition to longtime favorites in woodworking, jewelry making, bookbinding, and musical instruments, the program now includes more than 40 new offerings that reflect growing interest and demand.

Courses like Historic Sewing Structures, Build a Fan Back Windsor Chair, and Bezel Ring Fabrication are designed for students looking to deepen their skills and take their craft further. Others, such as Paper Marbling or Spoon Carving, are perfect for those just starting out.

Some classes—most notably the Three-Month Furniture Making Intensive—have even become stepping stones into NBSS Career Training programs. And with many courses selling out just days after registration opens, it’s clear the momentum is strong.

“We’re creating entry points for all kinds of learners,” Brittany explains. “Whether someone’s looking for a new hobby, an expansion of their skills, or an introduction to a new career path, there’s a place for them here.”

Expanding Access and Impact

One of the most exciting developments has been CE’s growing community impact. The launch of Teen Craft & Trade Intensives this summer brings weeklong classes in carpentry, furniture making, jewelry, preservation carpentry, and bookbinding to high school students from around the region. More than half of the students will attend on full or partial scholarship, made possible by generous donors to NBSS.

“We’ve always believed in the power of craft to bring people together,” says Claire Fruitman, Provost of the School. “With CE, we’re creating more access points than ever before—whether it’s a one-day workshop or a deep dive into a traditional skill.”

Laying the Groundwork

Behind the scenes, the program has grown its infrastructure, added new instructors and teaching assistants, invested in space upgrades, and improved systems to support online registration and class management. It has also welcomed new team members and begun laying the foundation for further expansion.

“None of this would be possible without the dedication and talent of our CE instructors,” says Brittany. “They’re skilled craftspeople—many of them NBSS graduates—who bring deep expertise, passion, and creativity to the classroom. They’re key to creating great learning experiences and helping us grow to meet the demand.”

Listening, Learning, and Growing

As CE continues to grow, student feedback plays a vital role in shaping what comes next. One-on-one conversations, course surveys, and enrollment trends each play a role in ensuring CE remains relevant, welcoming, and inspiring for all who take part.

There’s always more to do—constant adjustments, new ideas to explore, and a growing list of opportunities to consider. But it’s all part of the ongoing evolution of CE, and of the School as a whole.

“We’ve only just scratched the surface,” says Brittany. “And I can’t wait to see where we go next.”

This story is from our Summer 2025 issue of Benchmarks magazine. View past issues.