FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 25, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Lisa Slappy, Chief Communications Officer 

410-386-8184 | lslappy@carrollcc.edu 

Carroll Community College Signs Lease Agreement for New Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center 

Carroll Community College is excited to announce the official signing of a lease agreement with Panther Real Estate LLC for the new Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center. This state of-the-art facility within the Coppermine Pantherplex in Hampstead will encompass 15,000 square feet of space dedicated to enhancing our educational programs and initiatives. 

The Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center will serve as a vital resource for students and the community, offering innovative training programs in fields such as welding, automotive technology, manufacturing, plumbing, carpentry, animal grooming, and entrepreneurship. The new center aims to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Carroll County's expanding industrial sector. With a focus on hands-on experience and technical expertise, this center will equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“We are pleased to partner with Coppermine Pantherplex for this new venture,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President of the College. “The Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center will not only enhance our curriculum but also foster community engagement and support workforce development in our region.”

 The facility will feature modern classrooms, specialized training labs, and collaborative spaces designed to encourage creativity and practical learning. By investing in this center, the College reaffirms its commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed. 

Jonathan Ehrenfeld, CEO of Ehrenfeld Companies (eCos), acquired the property and developed the vision for a community hub at Patherplex back in 2022. Formerly the North Carroll County High School, the building had been largely dormant for many years until Ehrenfeld’s involvement. The team at eCos brought decades of commercial real estate experience and recent success in business development at sports complexes such as SPIRE Academy in Ohio. 

“We saw Pantherplex could serve as a cornerstone for community revitalization. With its great history and solid infrastructure, the campus offers great utility to our partners. We’re extremely excited for the resource Carroll Community College is going to be offering through the Tech and Trades Center from this space,” Ehrenfeld said. 

Through a grant, provided by the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, the College will make learning and opportunity more accessible. The grant will also reduce student barriers by providing direct aid through scholarships, stipends, and tools. 

For more information about the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center and its programs, prospective students can learn more at https://www.carrollcc.edu/start-your-new-career-at-no-costand-get-paid-to-learn/ 

For more information on eCos and its affiliate companies, visit https://ehrenfeldcos.com/ 

PHOTO CAPTION

Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College, signs the lease agreement with Coppermine Pantherplex for the new Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center as members of the Carroll Community College Executive Team look on.