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This spring we are looking forward to emerging from the coronavirus pandemic with new perspectives and hope for the future. At Howard Community College, we are beginning to transition back to full on-campus operations, starting with a greater number of hybrid courses being offered this summer and returning to offering in-person classes for fall.

It has been an incredible year, but that has not stopped HCC students from achieving their academic goals. On May 27, the college held a virtual commencement ceremony celebrating 1,293 graduates. You can watch the ceremony here. The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Walter Bumphus, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, and student Farah Alabdulrazzak gave the graduate address.

This issue of the HCC Educational Foundation newsletter focuses on some of the more innovative and creative ways that donors are helping HCC students succeed – from building a race car to connecting through mentorships, internships, and more. The support of our donors is extending well beyond scholarships.

Enjoy!
Missy Mattey

Despite the fact that HCC’s Dragon Formula Racing club was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this small group of dedicated students have been designing, building, and testing their own formula-style racing vehicle as part of SAE International’s collegiate design competition, Formula SAE.

Students in the Dragon Formula Racing club learn the basics of automotive engineering and develop an understanding of advanced engineering design tools. Students collaborate to ensure success, gaining time management skills through project scheduling and budget management. The team is sponsored by Apple Ford, M&T Bank, and other sponsors.
Engaging with the Future of Automotive Engineering: Dragon Racing
Establishing Deeper Connections through Mentorship
For years, the career services office at HCC has helped connect students with career and professional mentors. Recently, the initiative has evolved to provide a more customized approach for students in groups such as Howard P.R.I.D.E., a Black and Brown male success program, Ambiciones, a program for Hispanic/Latino students, and the noncredit Skilled Immigrant Program. The goal is to match students with mentors who have shared experiences or backgrounds.

Long time program supporter, Rev. Rickey Harvey, youth pastor at St John Baptist Church, says “Representation makes all the difference, and the effect is an impactful and powerful connection when you are paired with someone who is in the same sociodemographic as you."



Michael Tillman of Northrop Grumman has been advocating for opportunities for community college students for years. As someone who took a less than direct path for his own educational journey, he wants to nurture the talents of under-represented students through investment in the institutions that are serving them, like Howard Community College. That is why he helped to establish the Northrop Grumman Scholars Fund which provides scholarships as well as opportunities for mentoring and internships. Read more about how he built the program and its success.
Building Programs to Nurture Underrepresented Talent
Students Adapt to Online Learning
Developing New Partnerships to Impact the Future





Sherifah Munis is developing creative ways to provide financial support and professional development to students at HCC. The founder of the NewWave Foundation works closely with partner company NewWave Telecom and Technologies to create scholarships, mentorships and internships, and more opportunities for students in IT and cyber programs. She hopes that her work will provide a “ripple effect” that will influence generations.