UMBC Partners with HCPSS to Promote Computing, Engineering and Information Technology Fields

August 31st, 2016

In a new partnership, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will collaborate with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) to increase STEM opportunities for students. The partnership was formalized with an official signing on Thursday, September 1 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, UMBC will collaborate with the HCPSS Office of Career and Technology Education to inform students about the wide variety of information technology and engineering programs available at UMBC and the Center for Women In Technology (CWIT). CWIT offers scholarships, initiatives for creating a supportive learning environment, and programs for high school girls interested in engineering and information technology.

UMBC will provide guest speakers for high school classes, attend HCPSS professional development days for computer science and technology teachers, and collaborate with Howard County community groups to promote STEM education to student groups underrepresented in STEM fields. Aligned with Vision 2018, this partnership strengthens initiatives that focus on eliminating achievement gaps and promotes equitable access to rigorous instructional programs.

Howard County Board of Education Vice Chairman Ellen Flynn Giles, Board member Sandra French, HCPSS Executive Director of School Improvement and Administration Frank Eastham, and Career and Technology Education Coordinator Sharon Kramer will join UMBC Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Antonio Moreira, Dean of College of Engineering and Information Technology Julia Ross and UMBC Center for Cybersecurity Director Anupam Joshi to sign the formal partnership agreement at the September 1 event.

The UMBC Center for Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary university center that unifies UMBC’s many cybersecurity capabilities. The center provides Maryland and the nation with academic and research leadership, collaboration, innovation and outreach in this critical discipline by streamlining academic, research, workforce development, and technology incubation activities to advance UMBC’s position as a leading research university in cybersecurity-related disciplines.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.