Maryland Higher Education Commission

September 2009 Press Release

 

 

For immediate release: September 24, 2009                            Media Contact: Christopher Falkenhagen
                                                                                                             Communications: (410) 260-4511

                                                                                                             cfalkenh@mhec.state.md.us

 

MHEC to unveil exciting new website to encourage path to college

Annapolis, MD (September 24, 2009) - The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will unveil a new, user-friendly website to encourage and support students as they navigate the path to college. The easily accessible and engaging website includes concise, relevant information structured to assist students in planning for their future.

Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr., Secretary of Higher Education Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, and Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools Dr. Joe A. Hairston will speak at the launch event beginning at 9:30 a.m. on October 1, 2009 at Dundalk High School in Baltimore County.

MHEC, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) created the website, www.MDgo4it.org, with funds provided by a federal GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The partnership also included support from the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT), the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

“I am very pleased that we are able to offer high school and middle school students a website that they can better relate to and enjoy accessing that shows them in clear, simple, but comprehensive terms how to pursue a college degree,” Secretary Lyons said. “Governor O’Malley has encouraged us to reach out to students at the middle and high school levels so that they are prepared to enter into and to be successful in college. This site does just that.”

“This interactive website provides a wonderful snapshot of a college campus, offering guidance to students as they prepare for college life,” said Superintendent Grasmick. “It demonstrates the Department’s on-going commitment to ensure that all Maryland students have the proper tools to better prepare them to thrive beyond high school.”

Beginning October 1, television and radio spots will be broadcast to inform students about the website. At the unveiling, Dundalk High School GEAR UP students will engage in an exciting activity to showcase the new website. The high school students and guests will get an overview of the website and view the television spots.

Contact Takeia M. Bradley at (410) 260-3207 or tbradley@mhec.state.md.us for more information about the event.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It serves as an advocate for more than 337,000 college students in Maryland, for the State and its needs, and for business and industry in Maryland.

 

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