The program is open to a limited number of HCC new and current students who are economically disadvantaged (low income) and face barriers to educational achievement.

The program includes:

• Displaced homemakers, defined as single, married, divorced, legally separated, or widowed students over the age of 35 who are low income and unemployed or underemployed;
• Single parents, defined as those (male or female) who are the sole head of their household and provide the majority of financial support for their family;
• Adults-in-transition, defined as students who wish to change or begin a career;
• Single pregnant women.

To be eligible, participants should also be:

• Unemployed or underemployed
• Having difficulty finding employment
• Dependent on the income of a family member and have lost part or all income as a result of separation, divorce, death, or disability of that family member, or unemployment; and/or
• Interested in traditional and nontraditional careers.

Due to the limited funding of the program, we want our investment in the students we serve to be successful. Therefore, we require those applying for acceptance into the program to be “school ready.”  In short, this means that students should have a reliable source of child care, income (wages, AFDC, SS benefits, child support, or other), housing, and transportation before applying.

Application Procedure

If you believe that you are eligible and would like to apply for the Career Links Program, please:

1.  Obtain and fill out an application in one of the following ways:

• Pick up an application packet in Room RCF 302 (Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Building) or 
• Get an application form online; complete it online and submit it or
• Phone: 410-772-4840 to request an application packet sent through the mai

2.  After you have either submitted the application in person, on line or through the mail

• Call 410 772 4840 to make an appointment. 

3.  Bring  the following to the appointment:   

• Proof of HCC course registration
• Proof of income
• Dependent children's birth certificates
• Verification of all other financial aid
• If financial assistance is requested also bring a completed Financial Aid form or submit it online.
•  The following forms may be found on line. Please print them, complete and bring them to the first appointment      

                On-line application form for new applicants
                Participant Rights and Responsibilities Contract
                Individual Development Plan
                Career Links Release of Information        

For more information about the program, contact the Career Links coordinator:
Email:  ablake@howardcc.edu
Write:   Career Links Program
             Howard Community College, RCF 302
            10901 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044