FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College and Bank of America Announce Partnership in Support of Micro-Pathways
Funding builds on Education Design Lab initiative to improve underrepresented student outcomes
LARGO, Md. (January 25, 2022) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) announced today a new $100,000 partnership with Bank of America in support of micro-pathway development for students. Grant funding from Bank of America will support the College’s ongoing efforts as one of six institutions selected for the inaugural cohort of the Education Design Lab’s Community College Growth Engine Fund, a national effort to improve outcomes for underserved students.
Bank of America’s funding will build on the work made possible by the Education Design Lab through establishing an employer-engagement model. Through the partnership, Prince George’s County residents will have an opportunity to complete short-term programs of study – micro-pathways – that lead to livable wage jobs. The employer-engagement model will ensure that the College’s micro-pathways align with regional employer needs and position students for success immediately upon completion.
“We are excited about our new partnership with Bank of America in support of our students,” said Brenda Mitchell, executive director of Institutional Advancement and the Foundation at Prince George’s Community College. “A well-educated community with access to viable careers has never been more important, especially for the residents of Prince George’s County who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Our shared vision is one of equitable access to improved outcomes, and we are confident in our ability to continue transforming lives.”
The College’s partnership with Bank of America will include virtual experiential learning labs, allowing students to engage in an immersive curriculum, competency-based assessments, and collaborative project-based experiences. The pilot program, scheduled to launch spring 2022, will focus on micro-pathways in health care, information technology, and hospitality, three of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.
Prince George’s Community College has a rich history of providing affordable, high-quality learning experiences for diverse populations. The College serves the greatest percentage of non-white credit students in the state of Maryland, with 68% of students identifying as Black and 13% identifying as Hispanic. According to the latest data, 51% of Prince George’s Community College students identify as “first-generation.”
Prince George’s County has been more adversely affected by COVID-19 than any other county in the state of Maryland. County unemployment rates peaked around 8%, and economic development in the county has fallen behind that of neighboring counties throughout the region.
“One way to improve lives is to train people for the jobs employers have right now,” said Larry Di Rita, President of Bank of America Greater Washington, D.C. “Prince George’s Community College has a terrific plan to develop a stronger, better-trained workforce in Prince George’s County, and we are happy to partner with the PGCC team.”
For more information on the College’s partnership with Bank of America, contact the Prince George’s Community College Foundation at foundation@pgcc.edu. The spring 2022 semester at Prince George’s Community College is underway, with flexible start dates and learning options that allow students to pursue a degree or credential on their own terms. Learn more and apply here.
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 (PGCC) 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 35,000 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.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
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