For immediate release January 8, 2008

Media contact: Hope H. Davis 410-869-7153

CCBC selected as finalist for national award
Winning schools to receive $30,000 grant from MetLife Foundation

January 8, 2008 - The Community College of Baltimore County is one of six institutions nationwide selected as finalists for the prestigious 2008 MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award.

The others are: Harry S. Truman College in Chicago, Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minnesota, Queensborough Community College in New York, South Texas College, and Yakima Valley Community College in Washington.

The MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award honors institutions that are effective in helping students from underrepresented populations to succeed in postsecondary education. Every two years, the award goes to two colleges that make significant institutional commitments to helping first-time college-goers, new immigrants, working adults, welfare recipients, high school dropouts, and other populations with limited college experience and success prepare for further education or for a family-supporting career.

“We are proud to recognize these community colleges for doing their part to increase college success for underrepresented students,” says MetLife Foundation President and CEO Sibyl Jacobson. “Our nation needs every community college student, particularly those from low-income and minority groups, to succeed in their educational programs. These colleges have set ambitious goals for themselves and their students—and they are making real progress in supporting student success. Their efforts are inspiring.”

“CCBC is honored to be considered for such a prestigious award,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “We’re committed to providing accessible and affordable education to help all individuals, especially those from underrepresented populations, improve their lives.”

In April 2008, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Community Colleges, two colleges will receive the Award and $30,000 grants from MetLife Foundation. The winners must demonstrate that they have innovative strategies for improving student outcomes, the ability to carry out those strategies, and the evidence that shows that they are showing results for a significant number of students.

“The goal is to highlight colleges that not only create supportive learning environments on campus, but that are committed to continuous improvement over time in improving student outcomes, particularly for the students who traditionally have the hardest time staying with and succeeding in their chosen educational programs so they can succeed in the economy and in life,” says Marlene Seltzer, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, which administers the awards. “Since 2002, this award and the achievements of the finalists and winners have inspired other institutions to follow their lead.”

MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, has contributed more than $90 million to education programs that cultivate effective learning environments, including community colleges dedicated to lowering dropout rates, raising enrollment, and fostering the academic accomplishments of all students. For more on MetLife Foundation, go to http://www.metlife.org.

Jobs for the Future is a leading innovator in strategies to improve education and career opportunities for youth and low-skilled workers nationwide. JFF was founded in 1983. Learn more at http://www.jff.org.