Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) applauds David Wilson, president of Morgan State University, on his thoughtful commentary about the critical need to increase college enrollment among Baltimore City public high school graduates ("Making a long-term commitment to Morgan," May 9). He rightfully noted "that lack of education is an underlying cause of much of the disillusionment we have witnessed," especially among young African American city residents.
BCCC recognizes Morgan's role in making college more accessible — and attractive — to city high school graduates. As the state's only urban community college, we too are committed to reversing their alarming decline in college enrollment.
Young people must be informed of the linkage between higher education and real-world employment opportunities. To that end, BCCC is collaborating with the Baltimore City Public School System and its CEO, Gregory E. Thornton. Together, we are pursuing ideas to expand access to students through an existing partnership that has already produced, among other initiatives, the Early Enrollment Program allowing high school students to earn college credits while in high school.
We are reintroducing BCCC and its open admissions policy not only to students but also to the guidance counselors, principals and teachers who advise them. They all need to know we are attuned to student needs — including financial aid, effective, personalized tutoring and ongoing advisement services. As the relatively new president and CEO of BCCC, I have accepted and continue to accept generous invitations to address Baltimore City church congregations and community groups to help spread the word.
The college has recently engaged with the Baltimore City Opportunity Youth Collaborative (BCOYC). BCOYC is a partnership between the Family League of Baltimore and the Mayor's Office of Employment Development and is a founding partner in the Aspen Institute's Forum for Community Solutions and Opportunity Youth Incentive Fund, which aims to bring young Americans back into education and the workforce.
We appreciate the support of stakeholders like Mr. Wilson, University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke, and Coppin State University President Mortimer Neufville, who recognize and partner with Baltimore City Community College as a key provider of higher education for city residents.
Gordon F. May, Baltimore
The writer is president and CEO of Baltimore City Community College.