To assist individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland’s Governor Larry Hogan announced $10 million in funding for 16 community colleges impacted by the deadly virus. The funds will support workforce development and certification programs.
The grants are part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which was developed as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to offer COVID-19 assistance to educational organizations, universities and community colleges.
More than $45 million in GEER funding has been set aside by Hogan for education initiatives. The CARES Act also provided $300 million for K-12 and postsecondary institutions.
“Thanks to our state’s world-class academic community, Maryland continues to be home to one of the most highly educated workforces in America,” said Hogan. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we offer all Marylanders every opportunity to get the tools they need to stay competitive in the job market, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The funding can support salaries and wages, recruitment strategies, professional development training, certification and licensure programs, as well as other student resources at each of the state’s community colleges.
“We, as a community college sector, are very aware that the road to recovery and economic revitalization will flow right through our front door,” said Dr. Sandra L. Kurtinitis, president of the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
CCBC received the highest amount of funding: $1,480,602. The community college, which has three main campuses and extension centers, serves more than 63,000 students each year, according to the school’s website.
