Community Development Fellows Invest In Baltimore's Neighborhoods
Category: Advancement
"Many people don't understand the value of active learning," says Jordan Barry, M.P.A. '16. Through his student experience working with Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., a community-based nonprofit in northeast Baltimore, Barry found not just a job, but a meaningful career.
Jordan Barry, M.P.A. '16, in the Belair-Edison neighborhood; photography: Shae McCoy
Barry connected with the nonprofit through the Community Development Fellowship program at the suggestion of Roger Hartley, dean of UB's College of Public Affairs. "The Community Development Fellowship program offers students the opportunity to use their leadership skills to add capacity and change to Baltimore City neighborhoods, and it aligns with UB's mission to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences," says Hartley.
The program launched in spring 2016 with a Fund for Excellence seed grant from the University of Baltimore Foundation, and Barry became the program’s first fellow. His duties included collecting and managing data and providing valuable administrative support to Belair-Edison staff. When he graduated with his master's in public administration, the nonprofit offered him a full-time position as its social impact measurement specialist.
Now he works with volunteers to create events and activities to meet the needs of Belair-Edison residents. One example is a public safety forum in which residents, law enforcement officers and city leaders engage in public safety and crime prevention initiatives.
Barry says he feels lucky: "Working to help residents and invest in the Belair-Edison neighborhood is very satisfying. I didn’t expect it to be so easy to find a career I love."
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Learn more about the Community Development Fellowship program and the communities it serves.
