FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Slappy, Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer

410-386-8184 | lslappy@carrollcc.edu

Carroll Community College Students Participate in the Maryland Association of Community Colleges Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis

Students from Carroll Community College (Carroll) took part in the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis on Thursday, February 13, 2025. This event brings together students and administrators from Maryland's 16 community colleges with state elected officials to highlight the impact of legislative and budgetary decisions on students and to promote the colleges' collective legislative goals.

Carroll attended the kickoff event with elected representatives. Guest speakers for the Carroll Community College students were Senators Justin D. Ready and Chris West and Delegate Chris Tomlinson. Five student speakers shared their community college experiences with the assembled participants.

“After speaking with our state legislators and receiving the advice to "get your voices heard," I was told that a teacher recommended me to join the Student Government Organization (SGO), which is why I will accept that new leadership role and continue to voice my concerns to benefit all the students at Carroll,” said Evelyn Cabrera Hernandez.

After meeting with Senators Ready and West and Delegate Tomlinson, the students talked about the respect these legislators have for Carroll and how well they work with the College president to help secure state funding.

Students were also welcomed by MACC Executive Director Dr. Brad Phillips, and Cecil College President Dr. Mary Bolt. Prince George’s Community College student Florence Nelson was the keynote speaker delivering a message that resonated deeply with the students.

“Advocacy Day is a great way for students to learn about the legislative process and the power of their voice,” said Jen Snyder, Senior Director of Student Engagement at Carroll. “Sharing their stories and their experiences gives the representatives in Annapolis faces and names to consider when making decisions about important issues like community college funding, she said.

Students heard in-depth information from Dr. Rose Mince, President at Carroll, about the differences between county, state, and federal legislation and procedures. She answered students' questions about how our state legislators can support community colleges. This allowed the students to meet and get to know each other and provided them a chance to interact personally with the president. Working in high-level administrative positions doesn’t always allow time to interact with students, so getting this opportunity helps the president better advocate for students in their day-to-day roles.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from students and put faces to the needs of students. Students gain insight into the role of the president and see firsthand how important it is to work cooperatively with legislators to meet the needs of our community", said Dr. Mince. “Student Advocacy Day is one of my favorite events of the year because I get to spend the entire day getting to know the students better,” said Dr. Mince. “I am always impressed by our students’ poise and determination. It is so affirming to know that they are the future of Carroll County because our students are amazing,” she said.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Carroll Community College (Carroll) administrators and students participated in the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis on February 13, 2025.