(Annapolis, MD) – Hundreds of students from Maryland’s 16 community colleges will head to the State Capital to meet with lawmakers and to urge them to support community colleges in the FY2010 budget.

Students will emphasize that, in economic downturns, more displaced workers and entering college freshmen choose to attend their local community college, making the institutions a good investment in tough times.

Students will gather for the kickoff of “Student Advocacy Day” event at 9:15 a.m. in the Presidential Conference Room of the Miller Senate Office Building. Speakers will include student leaders, key Maryland lawmakers and community college presidents. After the gathering, students will visit their respective Delegates and Senators.

While advocating for budget and legislative priorities of their colleges, students also will seek to raise awareness of the important roles played by Maryland’s community colleges in higher education, including:

* Nearly 500,000 Marylanders attend community colleges each year in credit and non-credit, continuing education programs;
* More Maryland high school graduates choose community colleges than any other college or university in the State.
* More than half of all Maryland resident undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges;
* One in 13 Maryland workers take classes at community colleges in technology, healthcare, world languages and other workforce skills, plus they receive other necessary workforce skills and training;
* 94 percent of community college students remain in Maryland after completing their education.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Hope H. Davis, Community College of Baltimore County, 443-840-5053;
Randy Bengfort, Howard Community College, 410-772-4811;
Elizabeth Homan, Montgomery College, 240- 567-7970;

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