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Politics & Government

Olszewski, Sr.: CCBC Has Inspiring Stories to Share

County Councilman Olszewski, Sr. praises CCBC's role in educating and preparing county citizens for the workplace and new careers.

Recently, my staff and I attended the annual legislative breakfast at CCBC Dundalk. It is an event that we enjoy every year as it gives us a chance to share a meal and get an update on the terrific growth and success of the county colleges.  

In addition, we get to visit with Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis and her wonderful team. After a sumptuous breakfast (the food service people outdid themselves this year), Dr. Kurtinitis began her presentation with “Beyond the Classroom Walls,” which explained the Financial Literacy Initiative's of CCBC.

All of us who watched the video that portrayed the real lives of several students struggling with finances to reach their educational goals were touched by the stories.

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Those profiled included a young, single mother raising a learning-disabled child while working and pursuing her education and trying very hard to keep it altogether.

There was a young Marine veteran profiled who decided he wanted to reach a higher goal becoming a student with the Aviation Management program, and the one story that brought tears to the eyes, anothe young, single mother of one determined to better herself with education having to study many nights by the light of her phone because her utilities had been shut off.

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She spoke of how rough things were for and her child and she shared a bit of wise advice from her grandmother – always keep $100 set aside for emergencies. This helped her to keep things in perspective and to budget her money.

Eventually, she moved in with family members to ease her burden and was able to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a nursing career. This young woman will succeed because of her determination and the tight network of assistance that surrounded her at CCBC. Her story moved us all.  

These were the human interest stories that stand out amongst all the successes and growth, and show the heart and soul of CCBC. With the proper training through the Financial Literacy Initiatives, students learn to budget their money, apply for student loans and grants, and compile their own list of wants and needs.  

It was a compelling video. More than 70,000 students each year come to CCBC with high expectations of earning degrees, beginning to build careers and improving their lives. Many earn a degree or certificate and then join the workplace. Others transfer on to a 4-year institution.  

The world of renewable energy technology, air traffic control and health care work are among some of the programs offered to students. I was surprised to learn that over 2000 citizens each year enroll for GED courses to earn that high school diploma.  

CCBC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce development training in the Baltimore area. A student may work toward an associate degree in their chosen field or sign up for career training and licensure certificates. CCBC partners with Baltimore government as well as business and local civic organizations.

It is indeed an honor and privilege to be a representative of Baltimore County government with one of the fastest growing colleges in the United States, one of the nation’s top 100 associate degree producers and Maryland’s top transfer preparation school. Quite impressive!  

The goal that CCBC sets for itself is to answer the call for a more educated and competitive workforce to meet the growing demands of the 21st century is even more impressive. Every year I am fortunate to be invited back for breakfast and every year I come away with pride and confidence that the little community college that began all those years ago has grown in such stature and become a leader in the nation.  

Councilman John Olszewski, Sr. can be reached via email at council7@baltimorecountymd.gov or by phone at 410-887-7174.

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