From Sandra L. Kurtinitis, Ph.D.
Dear Friend of CCBC,As an institution with an unshakable commitment to student learning, success and completion, CCBC stood firm against the challenges of the past year: Our doors remained open when many other institutions closed theirs.
A massive effort to provide new remote, hybrid, and simulcast course formats kept classes in session. Implementing strict COVID-19 protocols allowed us to continue in-person classes for those subjects where remote instruction was not feasible. The launch of a new tuition-free initiative at CCBC ensured that 85% of our students were able to attend CCBC with either full- or part-time scholarship assistance.
We also learned a tremendous amount about the ongoing – and emerging – needs of our students. In addition to academic challenges, we continue to address student needs related to technology, housing, transportation and utility issues, food insecurity, and mental health counseling.
As you explore our FY 2021 annual report, I invite you to join us in recalling a year of challenges and solutions, traditions and innovations, successes and celebrations like these:
- CCBC worked to ease the financial strain of enrolling in the Fall 2020 semester with a plan that allowed students to attend tuition-free, removing the biggest barrier found in higher education: cost.
- The college’s new Tradepoint Atlantic site welcomed its first class of students in CCBC’s Commercial Driver’s License program.
- U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona toured CCBC Catonsville’s on-site child care center and automotive lab, where he met with students and spoke about the importance of a community college education.
- The Health Resource and Services Administration awarded CCBC a $559,251 grant to create the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program, offering participants significant resources to become successfully employed behavioral health trainees.
Please join us in being #CCBCproud.
Sincerely,
Sandra L. Kurtinitis, Ph.D.
President
Community College of Baltimore County
