Gabriel

Meet Gabriel Wilson, a business administration major at Howard Community College (HCC), whose story is anything but typical! As a Silas Craft Collegian, Wilson is helping to mark the program’s 25th anniversary by crafting invaluable connections. His journey began with a passion for honing his leadership skills and a desire to thrive in a supportive community that extends far beyond high school.

“Being able to connect with my peers and navigate the college experience was important to me," said Wilson. "I wanted to know what college would look like with accommodations and how it differs from high school.”

At Long Reach High School, Wilson had learned the self-advocacy and college readiness skills needed to transition to college.

“I chose to attend HCC because I was interested in the Project Access Program, which strives to help students with special needs,” said Wilson. “These services have helped me improve my academic performance, confidence and independence.”

Project Access is a college preparatory program designed to facilitate the transition of high school students with disabilities into postsecondary education. The program is comprised of a summer institute with additional year-round events. After enrolling at HCC, Wilson benefited from other campus resources, including Disability Support Services, Student Life and the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).

“It was a challenge for me at first to get used to college,” said Wilson. “But after I grasped the information, I was able to teach others what I learned, like how to self-advocate.”

Wilson also received financial and academic support from the Silas Craft Collegians Program, joining the cohort during an important milestone as the campus community celebrates 25 years of creating the "Pathways to Success" that lie ahead for today's collegians.

“It’s 50 in the making, as we are the largest cohort with 50 collegians coming in on the 25th anniversary,” said Wilson. “It’s a reason for celebration because, as a young man in the program, I have learned resilience.”

The Silas Craft Collegians Program is an academic “linked-course learning community” where program participants benefit from critical skills such as career exploration, leadership development and networking opportunities. For Wilson, the program is so much more.

“Ms. Phillips, Mr. Nicks and Mr. Tillman are like my family,” said Wilson. “They taught me to never give up, and they are the ones who help keep me going.”

After earning an A.A. in Business Administration, Wilson plans to transfer to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.