Howard Community College Receives Major Federal Grant
Howard Community College President Daria J. Willis recently announced a substantial federal grant amounting to $2.2 million from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding is designated for the development of the Howard Hub for Student Success, marking a significant advancement in the college's pursuit of improved student support services.
Innovative Student Success Model
The five-year grant aims to implement a revolutionary "one front door" model at HCC. This approach is specifically designed to streamline access to key resources such as academic advising, financial aid, career services, and other essential student support structures. By doing so, the Howard Hub will significantly enhance student retention and overall success rates by minimizing barriers to access and creating a unified student experience.
Community Recognition and Support
“HCC has substantially elevated its profile as a beneficiary of federal investments over the past few years,” shared Willis. “This growth is complemented by our remarkable enrollment increases and expanding philanthropic contributions. I would like to express my gratitude to Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, along with Representative Sarah Elfreth for their relentless support, which has showcased HCC as a leading example of community college excellence on a national stage.”
Enhanced Faculty Development and Evaluation
The funding provided by this grant will also allow for enhanced professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. This effort aims to better serve the diverse student body and instigate improvements in evaluation systems that measure student outcomes, facilitating ongoing enhancements. Officials from the Department of Education anticipate that the funding will foster scalable service models adaptable by other educational institutions across the country.
Track Record of Federal Investments
This grant is part of a broader trend of significant federal investments acknowledging HCC's commitment to innovative education and workforce development. In recent years, the college has successfully secured over $4 million in competitive federal grants, reflecting its strong advocacy for student success and community development.
Supporting Student Families and Workforce Development
In 2023, HCC was awarded a $1 million federal Childcare Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, allowing the reopening of the on-campus Children's Learning Center. This facility now supports over 70 families, ensuring that student parents can pursue their educational goals with essential childcare services. Additionally, throughout the last fiscal year, more than 2,900 students enrolled at HCC received Pell Grant funding, with a notable 24% of those students being parents with child dependents.
Investments in Cybersecurity Education
Recently, former National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. visited HCC to participate in the Community College Cyber Workforce Forum and to inaugurate the college's new Workforce Development and Trades Center. During this event, Coker revealed a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at bolstering cybersecurity apprenticeships. Such initiatives underscore HCC's commitment to addressing the national demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals through education.
Launching New Programs
In September, HCC was recognized with a $767,500 grant from the National Science Foundation to initiate a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity. This program features specialized tracks focusing on healthcare data protection and organizational risk management, directly responding to the growing need for professionals equipped with practical, job-ready skills in the cybersecurity field.
Supporting Low-Income Students
The Title III Strengthening Institutions Program plays a crucial role in providing funding to colleges and universities seeking to enhance their capabilities to serve low-income students. HCC's award is a testament to the college's mission to deliver accessible and affordable education to the Howard County community and beyond.
About Howard Community College
Since its establishment in 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has consistently been a leading choice for students and families in Howard County, Maryland. As a public community college, HCC serves nearly 22,000 credit and noncredit students annually through its variety of associate degree programs, certificates, workforce development trainings, and continuing education classes. Recognized for its excellence, HCC received the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a presidential-level honor celebrating performance excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the $2.2 million grant received by HCC?
The grant will be used to develop the Howard Hub for Student Success, aimed at improving student access to essential support services.
How will the Howard Hub impact student success?
The Hub will streamline access to various services, potentially enhancing student retention and overall success rates.
What new academic programs will HCC launch with the recent grants?
HCC plans to launch an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity, focusing on critical areas like healthcare data protection.
How does HCC support student parents?
Through its Children's Learning Center, HCC provides childcare services to student parents, allowing them to focus on their studies while their children are cared for.
What recognition has HCC received for its performance excellence?
HCC was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2019, recognizing its commitment to high-quality educational practices.
