For immediate release May 16, 2008

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

CCBC awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarship funding
from National Science Foundation
Award focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines

Baltimore, Md. – The National Science Foundation recently awarded the Community College of Baltimore County $497,000 in scholarship funding to support 20 annual scholarships to promote full-time enrollment and degree achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This four-year funding will help broaden participation of underrepresented groups and increase student awareness and participation in these career fields.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunities that this scholarship funding affords our students,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “In order to compete in this growing global market, it’s important that we have a strong workforce that’s educated and trained to take on careers in these fields.”

CCBC will use the project award to recruit STEM students, especially women and underrepresented minorities, and to provide students with academic, career and professional development opportunities to transfer to four-year institutions or employment. Recruitment efforts will largely focus on local public schools and CCBC students currently enrolled in college algebra and science courses.

Scholarship recipients will receive mentoring by STEM faculty, academic and career advising, a two-day summer career identification experience, a seminar series with a career lunch featuring a guest speaker each semester, networking opportunities with employers and prior awardees, Individual Academic Learning Plans, and optional STEM internships.

Additionally, the project encourages awardees to transfer to four-year institutions for bachelor’s degrees by designating a percentage of the scholarship funds to “follow” awardees who have earned associate degrees or 45 credits at CCBC as they transfer to four-year institutions in STEM fields.

“We look forward to working with these scholars as they receive the education and internships that will enable them to meet their career goals in these fields,” expressed Sylvia Sorkin, CCBC Principal Investigator, STEM Project. “These scholarships will go a long way toward helping those who have an unmet financial need.”

For scholarship criteria and application forms visit www.ccbcmd.edu/stem/sstem.html.