Local High School Students Benefit from UBalt Engagement
August 11, 2022
Contact: Office of Advancement and External Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
This summer, The University of Baltimore hosted 160 local high school students through its Summer Academy programming, in a partnership with several community nonprofits that focus on skills which are vital to the success of young people as they prepare for adulthood.
For the first time since 2019, UBalt's Summer Academy took place on the campus, with support from local nonprofits including KIPP Forward, Building STEPS, Code in the Schools, plus YouthWorks, a program of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development. The latter program paid the students a stipend, making their attendance at the academy the equivalent of a summer job. The academy featured a range of topics available to all, including college readiness, financial literacy, self-advocacy, college applications, coding, web development, and math, reading and writing review.
More than 100 of these students earned college credit in dual enrollment courses, which the University and its Office of Early College Initiatives developed with the public schools. Courses that were of particular interest were those relating to entrepreneurship and racial and social justice in Baltimore communities.
A select number of students also received a free laptop, courtesy of the technology company Ciena Blue Planet. The company donated computers, gift cards and credit towards online tutoring to students from the Building STEPS program. The goal is to assist local public-school students to earn a college degree in science and technology.
"Reports on the [Summer Academy] indicate that it was a big win for all involved," said UBalt President Kurt L. Schmoke in a message to the campus community.
Learn more about The University of Baltimore's Office of Early College Initiatives.