BCCC in the News

Abell Foundation Approves Six-Figure Grant to BCCC

Press Release

For Immediate Release                                                       Contact: Bill Fleming

July 19, 2012                                                                         410-209-6041

                                                                                                wfleming@bccc.edu

 

Abell Foundation Approves Six-Figure Grant to BCCC

Funded program provides scholarships to recent Baltimore City high school grads

 

      BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) is pleased to announce the Abell Foundation has awarded the college a grant of more than $218,000 to establish the BCCC Aspiring Scholars program, which will provide performance-based scholarships and an external evaluation for 75 low-income Class of 2012 graduates of Baltimore City public high schools who attend the college this coming academic year.

 

      As a performance-based stipend, eligibility will be determined by the student’s academic achievement during each semester of enrollment in the program. Stipends of up to $1,000 per semester are available for students attending full-time (taking at least 12 credits); stipends of up to $500 per semester are available for those attending part-time (taking from six to 11 credits). Eligible students may enroll in either a certificate or associate degree program.

 

      The Aspiring Scholars program will enhance college initiatives to identify and advance best practices for motivating students to persist through successful completion of their studies. 

 

The goals of the program are to:

 

·         Increase first-year student retention and credits earned

·         Increase certificate and associate degree completion rates

·         Decrease student debt
 
     The Abell grant is the latest among a number of generous foundation and corporate investments in BCCC, where grant funding has increased by 49 percent over the past two years. The college has also achieved a 28 percent increase in its graduation numbers over the same period.

  

      “We are delighted that our college has earned the trust of the Abell Foundation as we pursue multiple avenues to help students find themselves and their ability to achieve the goals they set,” states Dr. Carolane Williams, president of BCCC. “The Aspiring Scholars program will help students who might not otherwise pursue and complete their education.”

 

      For more information on eligibility requirements and application deadlines, contact Mr. Stan Brown at 410-462-8059 or sbrown@bccc.edu.

 

 

###