Community College of Baltimore County is one of 25 public and state-aided institutions participating in the Maryland Transfer Intensive, an initiative launched by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Maryland Higer Education Commission. Over the next seven years, these institutions will coordinate efforts to boost attainment for those seeking bachelor’s degrees, expand equitable opportunities for Marylanders and build on Maryland’s ranking as the second most educated state in the country. Transferring from a local community college to a four-year institution offers an affordable pathway that’s good for Marylanders, their families, and employers looking to fill key positions. It’s also a good investment for the state: 88 percent of community college students stay in the state after college, working and contributing to the Maryland economy.
“Joining the Maryland Transfer Intensive reflects CCBC’s dedication to supporting students from all backgrounds in reaching their academic goals, strengthening Maryland’s workforce and helping the state rise to number one in higher education,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis.
There is room for improvement when it comes to strengthening Maryland’s transfer practices. Although 55% of Maryland community college students are in transfer programs, only 23% of them transfer to a Maryland four-year institution within six years. Fewer than half of those students complete a bachelor’s degree within three years of transferring. The Maryland Transfer Intensive seeks to improve these outcomes through proven practices: aligning leadership at the highest levels, investing in data-driven reforms and strengthening institutional partnerships.
“Maryland is proud to be one of the nation’s leading states when it comes to higher education attainment, and this transfer initiative solidifies our commitment to becoming number one,” said Dr. Sanjay Rai, Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. “By bringing together 25 institutions with a shared focus on transfer student success, we are strengthening our workforce, meeting employer talent needs and empowering thousands of Marylanders to reach their full potential.”
The project has three elements: engaging presidents by activating a statewide Presidential Steering Committee on Transfer Student Success; recommending how to improve data reporting and policies related to transfer; and supporting college leaders and teams in improving transfer practices. Participating institutions will engage in a yearlong Transfer Intensive process, learning about evidence-based practices and applying them to develop their own reforms to improve transfer student outcomes at scale.
Over the next four years, the Maryland Transfer Intensive will evaluate its impact on transfer enrollment, bachelor’s completion, and other success metrics, with the goal of establishing a blueprint for other states eager to adopt similar reforms. With support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the partnership underscores Maryland’s commitment to delivering on its promise of educational excellence and social mobility for all.
For more information about the Maryland Transfer Intensive and how CCBC is contributing to the statewide initiative, visit Aspen’s state page.
Since 1957, CCBC has opened the doors to accessible, affordable, high-quality education empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives and the lives of others. Each year, over 50,000 students enroll at the college’s main campuses, extension centers and online to make their starts, earn degrees, launch and build careers. CCBC offers the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate and workplace certification programs that prepare students for transfer, job entry and career advancement in such industries as business, education, health care, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, and transportation. Designated as the “Best Community College” among the Maryland Daily Record’s 2024 Reader Rankings, CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies and among the nation’s top associate degree producers.
