Anderson

For Anderson Jaggernauth, a first-generation student parent, AT&T-sponsored apprenticeship program participant, and general studies and STEM major, persistence is finally paying off. After several attempts to enroll in another community college’s nursing program, he decided to take a different path to achieve his academic and career goals.

 “Life was moving on, and we had bills to pay, so I decided to take a chance and apply for the HCC apprenticeship program,” said Jaggernauth.

HCC’s unique apprenticeship program offers students paid opportunities for hands-on learning. Program participants receive valuable, real-world experience while earning a certificate in their chosen field. As a new parent, the “earn while you learn” model perfectly fits Jaggernauth, who works part-time at AT&T and attends classes part-time at HCC.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Jaggernauth. “But for me, it’s not about the money; it’s about the connections and resources.”

To connect with additional resources, he also became a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a global community of community college students, advisors, and alumni.  Jaggernauth also participates in the Step Up program for one-on-one support.

“I really love HCC’s slogan, ‘Meeting students where they dream,’” said Jaggernauth. “You really can’t say that any better because when we come here as students, we have an idea of what we want to be, but we don’t always know how to navigate it. Here, there are the resources and people to help you. It has been amazing since the day I got here, with an African American woman at the helm. I found my inspiration here.”

Jaggernauth received financial support from the Synergy ECP, PepsiCo Foundation Uplift, Lockheed Martin Vocational, and Maxim Charitable Foundation scholarships.

“I am not paying anything out of pocket, not a dime,” said Jaggernauth. “Without the financial support, I probably would not have even considered applying because it would have taken more money out of my pocket—money that I didn’t have.”

He also earned a scholarship from the Howard P.R.I.D.E. fund for participating in a speaking engagement.

“I am so grateful to Mr. Shawn Lamb because it [Howard P.R.I.D.E.] has been amazing,” said Jaggernauth. “Talk about having a supportive group that you need to succeed and a comfortable space—it has been a blessing to be part of Howard P.R.I.D.E.”

The art of working toward a goal, even when roadblocks get in the way, is a skill he learned from his parents.

He has already enrolled at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) for the Fall 2025 semester and plans to work as an IT field support specialist for the federal government. In about 18 years, when his daughter is ready to have a conversation about college, Jaggernauth said it will be a much easier conversation than the one he had with his parents.

“Anytime I can save some money, community college is where you should go,” Jaggernauth explained.