Growth in Community and Opportunity
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HCC ENROLLMENT INCREASES BY 4.6%
HCC has reported a significant increase in enrollment, with a growth rate of over 4.6% in the past year, surpassing the statewide full-time equivalent (FTE) average by two percent. The growth in enrollment marks the highest head count since 2020. Factors contributing to this increase include a 39% growth attributed to student retention in the college’s dual enrollment program with the Howard County Public School System, a 14% rise in international student enrollment, and a 7% increase in enrollment among Howard County residents. HCC has been actively supporting students through financial aid and wraparound services, which have played a vital role in the enrollment boost. The college’s commitment to diversity and student success has helped it become a college of choice for a diverse range of learners. HCC currently enrolls over 20,000 students of all ages from more than 104 countries and contributes significantly to Howard County’s economy as one of its largest employers.
FAMILYU COHORT
HCC has joined Generation Hope’s FamilyU Cohort, a program designed to enhance campus support services for student parents. Over a two-year period, HCC will receive resources, coaching, and data to implement systemic changes that promote college success, boost completion rates, and address challenges faced by student parents. The college aims to improve and expand its existing programs and services for student parents, with a focus on creating more inclusive and comprehensive offerings. The college’s commitment to supporting student parents is underscored by initiatives like Career Links, and the new Family Study Room designed to provide a welcoming space for parents and children. This initiative aims to provide a supportive environment for student parents, with approximately one in four HCC students being parents themselves. The Family Study Room is equipped with computers, whiteboards, comfortable seating, a television, a DVD player, books, games, and more.
HCC RECEIVES $1 MILLION GRANT TO REOPEN CHILD CARE CENTER
In September, the college received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support the re-opening of its campus child care center. The grant is part of the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant program and brings the college closer to re-establishing a critical support service for hundreds of student parents pursuing higher education in Howard County. HCC’s child care center closed in 2020 amid the pandemic and associated budget reduction efforts. In partnership with the Community Action Council of Howard County, the center will serve as an important resource in anti-poverty initiatives by reducing child care costs, creating much-needed Early Head Start programming for youth and encouraging degree completion. More than 2,900 students enrolled at HCC during the last fiscal year received Pell Grant funding, with 24% of that group claiming child dependents. In addition to future child care services, HCC currently supports student parents with designated study space in the college library, food pantry access, and a growing roster of classes with faculty members who welcome young children to be with parents during in-person classroom instruction.
FALL FOR ALL
The inaugural Fall for All festival at Howard Community College celebrated the fall season, community, and sustainability. Families from Howard County enjoyed a day of fun and education, with various activities and attractions on campus. The event featured pumpkin-themed games, inflatables, face painting, sustainability exhibits, and acorn maze. Attendees embraced the fall spirit by wearing costumes and festive attire. The festival was a resounding success, bringing over 300 families together and leaving a positive impact on the community. It generated over $23,000 of economic impact for Howard County, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating lasting memories for attendees. This event is expected to become a beloved tradition in Dragon Country.