John Brenner, director of Early College Initiatives at The University of Baltimore, was recently recognized by the CollegeBound Foundation for his work in bringing area high school students to campus to experience higher education and, through the University's dual enrollment program, earn their first college credits.
Every year, in both the fall and spring semesters, and during the summer months as well, UBalt hosts hundreds of high schoolers from the area for the opportunity to explore their interests and gain insights into what college is all about. Some students enroll at UBalt, while others choose schools close to home or much further away. Some choose to move straight into their careers, which is something that CollegeBound supports as well. During the past decade, the University has hosted well over 5,000 high schoolers.
In front of nearly a thousand attendees of the CollegeBound celebration, including
UBalt President Kurt L. Schmoke, Provost Ralph O. Mueller, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and several of Brenner's colleagues, the foundation honored Brenner for his persistence
in introducing young people to the advantages of continuing their education.
CollegeBound staff, who nominate and vote for their most valuable partnerships of
the year, chose Brenner as the recipient of their 2025 Early College Awareness Partner
award. Ana Ortiz, who is tasked with CollegeBound's efforts to support students from Baltimore City
public schools and who nominated Brenner for the recognition, said he and UBalt have
shown a strong and lasting commitment to helping students, schools, and CollegeBound
to reach the goal of educational access. Brenner, Ortiz said, is consistently willing
to work collaboratively with local universities and organizations, so that everyone
can meet and exceed their potential.
Learn more about UBalt's Early College Initiatives.
Learn more about the CollegeBound Foundation.