New UMBC Partnership Supports Student Achievement and Leadership

March 11th, 2024

(From left to right)Jonathan Davis, Director of Schools – Area 2; Caroline Walker, Ph.D., Acting Chief Academic Officer; Mary Ann Richmond, UMBC Director of Community Affairs; Julie E. Schruefer, Bellows Spring Elementary School Principal; Christopher Vick, Ph.D., UMBC Assistant Director Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program; Brian Barrio, UMBC Director Athletics; Eric Soskil, Bellows Spring Elementary School Leadership Intern; and a Bellows Goats Student Representative.

HCPSS recently signed a new partnership agreement with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Through the partnership, HCPSS and UMBC have worked to provide an after school mentoring program at Bellows Spring Elementary School for 4th and 5th grade males. UMBC also provides opportunities for HCPSS elementary school students to attend UMBC athletic contests; collaborating with members of HCPSS Program Innovation and Student Well-Being team to maximize college readiness and career exploration for students and providing professional development experiences for staff; hosting athletic coaching clinics; and volunteering in HCPSS schools.

The HCPSS Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.