GOVERNOR O'MALLEY SIGNS ABE BILL: Executive Director Clay Whitlow joined Secretaries Tom Perez, DLLR; James Lyons, MHEC; and Gary Maynard, Department of Corrections, along with Community College Presidents Stuart Bounds, Ray Hoy, and Steve Pannill, at the official signing ceremony for the legislation to transfer responsibility for Adult Basic Education and corrections education from MSDE to DLLR. The Governor's Transition Council now goes to work to ensure a smooth transition, which will go into effect July 1, 2009.

BARBARA ASH SCHOLARSHIP FUND ACCEPTING STUDENT APPLICATIONS: A $1,000 annual scholarship has been established in honor of the late Barbara Ash by her family, friends and colleagues, for her work on behalf of community colleges and the students they serve. Scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 school year will be accepted through May 19, 2008. Read more information and download the application.

NEW FACT SHEET AVAILABLE: Did you know that community colleges are the most affordable segment of postsecondary education in Maryland, with tuition and fees costing less than half that of public four year institutions? Or that for every tax dollar spent on community colleges, taxpayers get double their money back in higher tax revenues and avoided social costs attributable to education?

Find out more about how community colleges become increasingly more important in a difficult economy by downloading Maryland's Community Colleges - A Smart Investment in Lean Budget Times , a fact sheet recently released by The Maryland Council of Community College Public Relations Officers (MCCCPRO).

FROM WASHINGTON: MIKULSKI HELPS COLLEGES OBTAIN FEDERAL GRANT FOR NURSING PROGRAMS

Maryland’s community colleges deeply appreciate the efforts of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski in obtaining federal grant funds to enhance and expand our nursing programs. Senator Mikulski recently visited the MACC office in Annapolis (pictured, left, with MACC Executive Director Clay Whitlow) to discuss federal initiatives with the community college presidents, the MACC Legislative Committee, and staff.

Over 60% of Maryland's registered nurses were trained at community colleges. Last year, 98% of the Maryland community college nursing graduates passed the state licensure exam. This percentage is higher than the national average. The federal funds secured by the Senator will help us to continue graduating top caliber nurses by allowing us to update our nursing lab equipment and hire more dedicated faculty to teach the programs.

Because of the shortage of nurses in Maryland, it is critical that community colleges do all that they can to enhance our nursing programs. The community colleges are committed to doing this, for the benefit of our students and the well being of Maryland citizens.