Harford Community College Awarded Grant

Harford Community College has been awarded a grant by the philanthropic group Arnold Ventures through Governor Wes Moore’s Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs. This initiative is investing $20 million across the state to expand evidence-based programs that help Maryland youth thrive.

Governor Moore recently announced a portion of this new funding has been earmarked to support implementation of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), a model replicated at community colleges nationwide to increase student access and success. As part of this initiative, $14.4 million has been awarded to four community colleges to implement the ASAP model: Harford Community College, Prince George’s Community College, Wor-Wic Community College, and the Community College of Baltimore County. Funding for the SOAR ASAP program at Harford includes the grant award from Arnold Ventures as well as funds contributed from the College and its Foundation. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The ASAP model, originally developed at The City University of New York (CUNY), is an evidence-based approach that provides comprehensive academic, personal, and financial support to help students stay on track and complete their degrees. It has demonstrated remarkable success in increasing college completion rates, particularly among students facing the greatest challenges.

The SOAR ASAP program at Harford will provide students with dedicated advisors, financial assistance, and support programs. Harford’s program will be guided by a Director of SOAR ASAP, who will be hired to lead the program.

The eligibility criteria for students participating in SOAR ASAP is as follows:

• Declared a qualifying major. (Nursing, dual enrollment, and certificate programs are not eligible.)
• No more than two semesters needed of transitional course requirements
• Earned a high school diploma or equivalency by the time they start the program
• 21 or fewer program-applicable college credits earned or in progress when accepted into SOAR ASAP (does not include credits earned through dual enrollment) and be in good academic standing.

Of this group, the College will prioritize Pell-eligible students and those with financial need.

“The grant will enable Harford to broaden its impact, strengthen student support systems, and empower more students to achieve their educational and career goals. Harford is honored to contribute to this statewide initiative focused on advancing student success in higher education,” stated Dr. Theresa B. Felder, Harford Community College President.

Additional information is available at SOAR ASAP | Harford Community College.