Montgomery College Foundation Launches “Pathways to Excellence” Partnership Program, Strengthening Student Success and Workforce Readiness

The Montgomery College (MC) Foundation officially launched its new Pathways to Excellence Partnership Program Jan. 13, bringing together College leaders, business partners and community stakeholders to underscore a shared commitment to student success and regional economic growth.

The launch event introduced Pathways to Excellence as a philanthropic partnership opportunity designed to connect local and regional businesses with high-impact initiatives that support students while strengthening Montgomery County’s workforce.

Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams emphasized that the initiative reflects the College’s mission and long-standing role as a connector between education, opportunity, and industry.

“Our students represent the future of this region, and their success is inseparable from the strength of our local economy,” Williams said. “The Pathways to Excellence Partnership Program is rooted in the belief that when higher education and business work together with intention, students gain opportunity, employers gain a stronger talent pipeline, and our entire community becomes more resilient and prosperous.”

At the center of the initiative is the Pathways to Excellence Fund, which recognizes that every student’s path to success is different. Business partners can direct their support to one or more of four pathways aligned with student aspirations and workforce priorities:

• Global Gateway Pathway, expanding access to study abroad and global learning opportunities
• Champion’s Circle, supporting student-athletes as they balance academics and competition
• Professional Edge Pathway, focused on workforce development, career readiness and academic innovation
• Alumni Legacy Pathway, providing flexible support that strengthens alumni engagement and benefits students across the College

With 87 percent of Montgomery College alumni choosing to remain in Montgomery County after graduation, College leaders highlighted the importance of partnerships that align student success with workforce readiness and post-completion outcomes.

“At Montgomery College, fulfilling our mission is a shared responsibility,” Williams said. “These partnerships are not transactional—they are strategic, values-driven relationships that invest in students and, in doing so, invest in the future of our region.”

As part of the launch, Bernadette L. Maldonado, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations and executive director of the Montgomery College Foundation, reinforced the importance of flexible philanthropic support in meeting students’ real-world needs.

“Pathways to Excellence gives our business community a direct way to remove financial barriers for students while investing in the future workforce our region depends on,” Maldonado said.

Contributions through the program support scholarships, help address students’ basic needs and advance academic innovation—critical factors for a student population that often balances coursework with employment, family responsibilities, and financial pressures.

In addition to philanthropic impact, participating businesses receive brand visibility, engagement access and community recognition, along with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and College leadership. The program is designed to foster sustained collaboration and shared outcomes rather than one-time transactions.

The Jan. 13 kickoff event featured breakfast and networking, remarks from College leadership, business partner insights and table discussions focused on shared impact and evolving workforce needs. Attendees were invited to view themselves as partners in shaping Montgomery County’s talent pipeline and expanding opportunity for students.