2018: PGCC TeamBuilders Academy Provides for County Seniors with Christmas In April

Article by: John T. Deadwyler

For Immediate Release

LARGO, Md. (April 27, 2018) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) Board of Trustees, TeamBuilders Academy (TBA) and Construction and Energy Institute (CEI) will participate in one of several Prince George’s County Christmas In April projects.  On Saturday, April 28th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TeamBuilders Academy, CEI, along with MCN Build, Inc. and Artistic Landscaping will provide repairs and beautification to the home of a deserving senior couple in Riverdale, Maryland.

“We are thrilled to contribute to such a worthy cause as this and give back to our senior community,” said John Deadwyler, the program coordinator for TeamBuilders Academy.

Mr. Deadwyler added, “The collaborative efforts with MCN Build and Artistic Landscaping are indicative of our daily mantra, “Yes We Can! Yes We Will!”

Each semesterTeamBuilders Academy provides a Service Learning Project that aligns with specific industry sector training. Christmas In April provides participants the unique opportunity to demonstrate skill sets and gain invaluable experience and exposure to the industry. 

About Christmas In April
Christmas in April is a non-denominational volunteer organization that repairs the homes of senior citizens who are either low-income and or/physically challenged so they may live in warmth, safety and independence. After months of planning and preparation, Christmas in April culminates in a one-day repair effort on the last Saturday in April.  This year will be the 30 Year Anniversary for Christmas in April. Over those years, with dedication, hard work and compassion, Christmas in April has repaired 2,583 homes with the help of 87,500 volunteers at an estimated $45.9 million worth of free labor.

About TeamBuilders
TeamBuilders Academy is a Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development program, offering cohort-based accelerated adult career training. Its mission is to provide job readiness-related soft skills training combined with occupational trade-related technical skills training. In fiscal year 2017, 97 percent of the academy’s trainees completed the program and 67 percent were paired with local employers. Since its inception, TBA has developed partnerships with local entities such as Washington Gas, Prince George’s Community College, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and other companies in the construction industry to provide training and opportunities for residents of Prince George’s County.  

About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.