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Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development & Trades Center

TRANSFORMING FUTURES: The Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development & Trades Center

At Howard Community College, we are committed to empowering students, strengthening our community, and fostering economic growth. We believe that the investment you make today will not only address the critical workforce challenges in skilled trades today, but it will create a more equitable future for all students by creating more opportunities and pathways. Investing in our future workforce is an investment in the future of Howard County.

In October 2023, HCC President Daria J. Willis launched a two-year, $11 million capital campaign to support the center’s construction and address a growing statewide shortage of skilled workers in trades and technical fields. In less than seven months, more than $42 million in proposed county funding, preauthorized state funding, and private gifts were raised for the project, which will formally break ground in January 2025.

“We challenged our community to envision a future where all residents could have unique and rewarding pathways to professional success and earning potential,” Willis said. “Our elected officials, business partners, donors, and campus community have worked together to elevate the skilled trades as a catalyst for this success. We are honored to lead our community and region in building economic equity for all hard-working residents.”

Howard Community College welcomed officials from government, industry, and community during a commemorative groundbreaking on its Workforce Development and Trades Center on September 30, 2024. National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. delivered keynote remarks for the event, promoting the value of community college workforce development in support of national security, interdisciplinary training, and socio-economic equality for communities nationwide.

Read the full press release Explore a 3D model of the center

Why the Workforce Development & Trades Center MATTERS:
- Addressing the Skills Gap: The shortage of skilled workers in trades and technical fields is a pressing challenge in today’s economy. Our center will play a pivotal role in addressing this gap by equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand careers.
- Empowering Students: Education is the great equalizer, and the Workforce Development & Trades Center will empower students from all backgrounds to gain valuable skills, achieve financial stability, and a pathway to success.
- Community Prosperity: A well-trained workforce is the backbone of a thriving community. By supporting this project, you are not only investing in the education of our students but also fostering economic growth and stability for our county.
View the Center's PROPOSED TIMELINE:
HCC’s strategic NEW DIRECTION:

Maryland is an emerging national leader in green industrial evolution. From automotive manufacturing to sustainable approaches to construction, the state and its corporations will need a workforce that is agile towards changing technology and environmental laws.

Howard Community College seeks to be the leading industry partner in helping corporations set expectations for hiring, retaining, and developing entry level and managerial talent in these areas.

With a new regional center dedicated to innovation in training and adaptation, HCC can provide the core competencies in the work of tomorrow while maintaining its commitment to stability in key workforce areas like HVAC, plumbing, electrical and machinery operations.
CORE COMPETENCIES the Center will serve:
- Automotive Technology (AAS)
- Manufacturing:
  - Additive Manufacturing (AAS)
  - Mechatronics (AAS)
  - Logistics
- Green Technology
- Skilled Trades
  - Welding (AAS)
  - Electrical
  - Forklift/Heavy Equipment
  - Plumbing
  - HVAC
- Cybersecurity

We are thrilled to share with you our vision for the future—a vision that has the potential to transform lives and drive prosperity for our community. While our capital campaign successfully raised the construction funds, we continue to gratefully accept donations for equipment and additional resources.

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For more information about giving at Howard Community College, call 443-518-1970 or email Foundation@HowardCC.edu.