Latest news with #HowardCommunityCollege
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Finish Line Campaign' Erases More than $83,000 of debt for Howard Community College Graduates, Continuing Students
Howard Community College COLUMBIA, Md., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Howard Community College (HCC) President Daria J. Willis today announced more than $83,000 of cleared institutional balances for graduating and continuing students at the institution. The 'Finish Line' fundraising initiative launched by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF) invited donors and supporters to help eliminate outstanding tuition and fee costs for 34 members of this years' graduating class and approximately 50 currently enrolled students to encourage their continuation at HCC. Students will now have one less burden associated with starting a career, transferring to a four-year institution, or soon moving towards degree completion. 'We are beyond honored to have the support of community members who help us meet our students where they dream every day,' said Willis. 'This first-of-its-kind HCCEF campaign is making a huge difference in the lives of our students and our county.' "I chose to support this initiative because I want to help students leave Howard Community College without debt," said Mildred Murray, a generous donor who is leading the effort. "I believe education is the key to building a stronger country—whether it's through a degree, a certificate, or a trades credential. An educated community is an empowered community." The inaugural fundraising campaign which lasted just over 30 days will culminate with HCC's 54th Commencement Ceremony on May 23, a momentous occasion where over 600 hardworking students will proudly walk across the stage to receive their degrees and certificates. However, the path to graduation is not always smooth. Some students face financial hurdles that can threaten to derail their dreams. "Far too often, rising costs prevent hard-working individuals from achieving their goals, and hinders economic mobility for families," said Jarrett Carter Sr., Vice President of External Affairs, Communications and Advancement. "We believe in the power of educational investment, and we are thrilled that a community of supporting donors is eager to partner with our administration and our students in such powerful ways." "Supporting students on their journey to graduation means helping them achieve their dreams and finish what they started," Murray added. "Each of us has the ability to make a meaningful impact. By giving students the opportunity to succeed, we're not just helping individuals—we're preparing future workers, leaders, and public servants who will help make our communities and country stronger." ABOUT HCC Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been a preferred college choice for students and families in Howard County, Maryland. A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training and continuing education classes, to nearly 22,000 credit and noncredit students each year. HCC received the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's only presidential-level honor for performance excellence in organizations. Contact: Jarrett CarterHoward Community Collegeprmarketing@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland lawmakers address ‘big lie,' offer support to federal workers at town hall
Hundreds filled the seats of the gymnasium at Howard Community College Tuesday night to hear Maryland lawmakers offer their support and share their efforts to respond to recent actions from the Trump administration. Attendees to the town hall forum at the Kahlert Foundation Complex heard speeches from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Sarah Elfreth, whose congressional district includes all of Howard County. The event was part of Ball's latest initiatives to support federal workers who have been impacted by the efforts of President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to slash the federal workforce. 'Please know that we are here for you. We're here to listen. We're here to understand how we can best support you during these tumultuous times, and we are also here to help you transform this economic tragedy into triumph,' Ball said. Ball has announced expanded resources for the roughly 40,000 to 50,000 federal workers who live in Howard County, and Tuesday, Elfreth introduced the bipartisan Protect Our Probationary Employees Act. Still, some in the audience wondered what specific steps could be taken to fight back against Trump's decisions and to form clear messaging in opposition. Lawmakers said they are working to fight against Trump's actions in Congress and in the courts. They encouraged individuals to organize in their communities and to reach across the aisle. Cheers erupted from the crowd with stomps of approval for some of the speakers, while occasional boos were heard at the mention of DOGE or other actions taken by Trump. It's a 'big lie,' Van Hollen said, that probationary federal employees were fired due to a lack of performance. Rather, the workforce cuts were done to secure enough funding for tax cuts to billionaires, Alsobrooks said. The White House has said federal workers are lazy or unqualified, but, 'if you want to know unqualified, you should sit with me and sit with Senator Van Hollen' when in hearings to confirm Trump's nominations to his cabinet, Alsobrooks said. Aside from concerns about impacted federal workers, audience members asked questions about how lawmakers can address cuts to the Department of Education, the pause on income-driven student loan repayment, and how lawmakers can ensure accountability for the Trump administration. 'Thank you for showing up. Thank you for digging deep,' Elfreth said. 'These are scary times, these are anxious times, these are unprecedented times, but apathy is not an option in these times. So thank you.' This story will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Kiersten Hacker at khacker@ or @KierstenHacker on X.
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County takes new initiatives to help fired federal workers, contractors
Howard County is expanding its support for federal workers and contractors, specifically for those looking to start their own businesses. In February, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced expanded resources for these workers. There are around 50,000 of these workers in Howard County, according to Ball's office. At a news conference Tuesday, Ball said this latest round of assistance could not only help these workers, but also benefit the county's economy. Expanded resources for federal workers On Feb. 4, Ball held a federal worker forum for anyone to express how they feel about the new Trump administration. Hundreds turned out, and some were even notified of their firing during the event. "These actions have disrupted lives and disrupted our economy," Ball said. Since then, Howard County has rolled out expanded workforce development resources, including organizing a job fair and offering more career counseling services. "During the last month alone, our workforce development has helped nearly 1,000 impacted federal workers or contractors," Ball said. To build upon that, Ball announced Tuesday the county wants to help these workers build their businesses. Partnering with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the county is putting on a business resource expo for federal workers at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub Building at 9:30 a.m. on March 26. Everything about starting a business will be covered. How to secure funding, mentorship and legal services will be on hand to offer guidance. Ball said federal workers have shown a big interest in entrepreneurship, saying workers have brought up "numerous industries" to him. "Many in the tech sector, cybersecurity, looking at emerging industries like AI," Ball said. "Some are looking at the trades." Attendees can also learn about the HoCo Higher Growth Accelerator Program, which is a seven-week program that helps people learn how to develop a business. There will be information about grants and other programs useful for business owners. Hotlines and other help Howard County still has a helpline email open for any federal worker needing help: hocohelp@ Ball said 250 people have been helped by that helpline. There will be another job fair for federal workers at Howard Community College on April 8 at 6 p.m. Howard County also has a helpline for people looking for childcare information and referrals, people can call 410-313-CARE. Ball said the county is in need of more childcare professionals to work at the county's 23 before and after care sites. If you're interested, you can email RLCchildcare@
