As the president of Baltimore City Community College, I want to be the first to let you know how much each of us at BCCC appreciates your interest in higher education. As Baltimore's only community college -- the place more Baltimore City residents enroll as undergraduates than any other college or university in the state -- we take to heart both the responsibility, and opportunity, your presence with us confers. Our College offers you a variety of courses throughout 31 degree and 28 certificate programs.
By attending a community college, you join accomplished scholars, busy downtown professionals, returning adult students, savvy senior citizens, and quite possibly, someone you know. I, myself am proud to say that I am a community college graduate.
Community colleges play a major role in American higher education, exerting their presence both nationally and locally. The American Association of Community Colleges reports there are approximately 1,200 community college institutions in the United States, enrolling more than 11 million credit and noncredit students. Do you know this represents 46 percent of all U.S. college undergraduates? In addition, according to the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, nearly 62 percent of Maryland high school graduates who go on to Maryland colleges in the fall attend community colleges.
Founded as Baltimore Junior College in 1947, this dynamic institution has served as a gateway to higher education for more than 30,000 graduates since it was first established. True to this tradition, your academic and career success is the primary objective of everyone here. BCCC faculty and staff continuously strive to provide excellent teaching and the quality programs and services needed to prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university, or immediate employment in your chosen career field.
Every day, we seek to make real our vision of being a leader in providing exceptional academic and career programs that respond to and exceed the expectations of a diverse community of learners. Our College's Strategic Plan, "Vision for Excellence," is designed to guide us in achieving our mission to provide outstanding educational, cultural, and social experiences to the residents of Baltimore City, the state of Maryland, and surrounding areas. We accomplish this while remaining accessible, affordable and sensitive to student needs.
I extend a warm BCCC welcome to all of you and invite you to avail yourself of the rich and varied learning experiences offered at the College. No matter where you are or what you would like to become, the team of dedicated faculty, staff and administrators at BCCC stands ready to help you get there!
Sincerely,
Carolane Williams, Ph.D.
BCCC President
