Howard County’s Premier Higher Education Resource
Back to Table of Contents | Previous Story | Next Story
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!
Howard Community College celebrated the achievements of more than 1,300 graduates during its inspiring 53rd Commencement Ceremony. In front of thousands of cheering family members and friends, graduates crossed the stage with pride, perseverance, and purpose.
This year’s keynote speaker, Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General of the Maryland Army National Guard, delivered a powerful address encouraging resilience, service, and leadership. With nearly 1,700 credentials awarded and students representing 79 countries, Commencement 2025 showcased the heart of Dragon Country.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN A CULTURE OF CARE AND BELONGING
Financial Aid
- 31% of enrolled credit students (4,309) received financial aid
- Over $20 million of aid disbursed to students in FY25
Food Pantry
- 987 registered students served
- 55,154 pounds of food distributed
- 6,122 visits by pantry customers
HCC’s Fueling Dragons Food Pantry continues to help students stay focused on their education by providing reliable access to nutritious food—eliminating hunger as a barrier to success. In the 2024–2025 academic year, the pantry had almost 6,200 visits, providing access to nutritious food, personal care items, and household essentials. This year, the pantry distributed over 55,000 pounds of food to students, including 3,000 pounds through recipe meal kits which teach students cooking skills and how to create meals using pantry ingredients. The pantry is part of HCC’s broader initiative to address basic needs, helping students stay focused, healthy, and on track to graduate.
ENROLLMENT DATA
DRAGONS SOAR AFTER HCC
HCC prepares students for both in-demand careers and advanced academic pathways. Alumnus Samuel Barnett built on his experience in HCC’s Undergraduate Research Program, conducting cancer research that helped shape his future. This fall, he will start a Ph.D. program in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania. Similarly, alumna Emily Klezer is living the sweet life in Florida, using her background from HCC’s baking and pastry programs in her career as a pastry cook for Walt Disney World Resort. Their success stories reflect the power of HCC’s hands-on, student-focused approach.
THE DRAGONS GO DANCING IN DANVILLE
The 2024–2025 season marked a major milestone as HCC’s Men’s Basketball Team advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament for the first time in program history. With grit, talent, and heart, the Dragons captivated fans and made an unforgettable postseason run, finishing as one of the top teams in the nation. This landmark year also included HCC’s first-ever apparel partnership with Nike, further elevating the college’s growing athletic reputation.
INNOVATION IN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
HCC continues to excel in preparing students for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. With a variety of apprenticeship programs, HCC helps students enter the workforce, gain practical skills, and “earn while they learn”. In April, the college welcomed Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu, Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, and Howard County Public School System Superintendent William Barnes for a celebration of National Apprenticeship Day. One hundred fifty high school students engaged in workshops and mock interviews to develop real-world skills. Twenty-five local employers were in attendance seeking to connect with future apprentices.
Building on this momentum, the college recently announced the launch of the Accounting Specialist registered apprenticeship program. For the first time, HCC will also serve as a participating employer, hiring an apprentice to join its own accounting team.