Opening Doors to a Prosperous Future
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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE CYBER WORKFORCE
Howard Community College (HCC) proudly welcomed Governor Wes Moore for the historic ribbon-cutting of Maryland’s first cyber range located at a community college. The event also featured the Governor’s Cabinet Members, U.S. National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education Sanjay Rai, Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, and Maryland Association of Community Colleges Executive Director Brad Phillips.
This statewide initiative, supported by a $1.8 million investment from Governor Moore and the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, positions HCC as a leader in closing the cybersecurity workforce gap. The cyber range provides immersive, hands-on simulations, preparing students to meet the region’s growing demand for cyber professionals.
BREAKING GROUND ON THE FUTURE OF SKILLED TRADES EDUCATION
HCC celebrated the groundbreaking of the Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development & Trades Center (WDTC) with special guest U.S. National Cyber Director Harry Coker, who delivered the keynote address. Joined by Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, Maryland Senator Guy Guzzone, and Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, the event underscored HCC’s vital role in strengthening the skilled trades and cyber workforce.
In under seven months, HCC secured over $42 million in public and private support for the project, which broke ground in January 2025 and is set to open in Fall 2026. Designed for innovation and hands-on learning, the WDTC will be home to programs in automotive technology, manufacturing, and construction trades.
Earlier that day, HCC hosted the National Community College Cyber Forum, bringing together federal leaders, educators, and industry experts to discuss accessible pathways into cyber careers, thereby placing HCC on the national stage.
SUPPORTING STUDENT PARENTS WITH ACCESSIBLE CHILD CARE
HCC celebrated the reopening and ribbon-cutting of its oncampus Children’s Learning Center (CLC), which had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. This vital support hub for student parents was made possible thanks to a strong partnership between the Howard County Government, the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) and the college. The ceremony was attended by CAC President Tracy Broccolino, and Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, who each highlighted the center’s impact on accessibility and academic success. President Willis praised the collaboration, noting, “we could not be more grateful” for this resource’s return, while Dr. Ball emphasized its role in enabling student parents to thrive.
The reopening also aligned with the college’s long-standing goal of supporting student parents, offering subsidized care, Early Head Start programming, and wrap-around services like designated study spaces and food pantry access. This milestone reflects HCC’s commitment to equity and generational change, ensuring that parenting students have the support they need to complete their education.
A NEW HOME COURT FOR MATHEMATICS AND ATHLETICS
HCC celebrated the long-anticipated ribbon cutting of the Kahlert Foundation Complex—its stunning new facility for athletics and mathematics. The ceremony featured President Dr. Daria J. Willis and Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball who praised the center’s transformative role.
That same weekend, HCC hosted the complex’s first-ever home basketball games in front of a packed house, bringing Dragon Country spirit to life. The Kahlert Foundation Complex is the heart of academics and athletics at HCC where students and the greater Howard County community can connect, grow, and thrive.