What Howard Community College, Columbia does

Howard Community College (HCC) is a public community college in Columbia, Maryland, founded in 1970 and governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Maryland. It serves approximately 23,000 credit and noncredit students and employs roughly 2,577 people, with a FY2022 operating budget of $102.9 million. HCC delivers associate degrees, certificate programs, accelerated 7-week academic pathways, English language instruction through the English Institute, and a portfolio of 12 registered apprenticeship occupations — including the only IT Apprenticeship and the only Biomedical Equipment Technology Apprenticeship in Maryland. The college's technology backbone combines the Canvas LMS with the myHCC student portal and the COLSS credit class search system; apprenticeship infrastructure pairs classroom instruction with paid on-the-job learning through hospital and trade-association partners. Select capital-intensive facilities include a high-fidelity surgical technician simulation lab and the LEED Gold-certified Kahlert Foundation Complex (opened November 2024).

HCC's business model is diversified across state and county operating appropriations, recurring tuition and fees (with Zero Textbook Cost courses and Z Degrees reducing out-of-pocket cost), federal and state grants (U.S. Department of Education, NIST, Maryland Department of Labor, TEDCO, Cyber Maryland Program, Howard County Economic Development Authority), private philanthropy routed through the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (largest gift: $2 million from The Kahlert Foundation), employer-paid apprenticeship tuition, and B2B customized corporate training delivered through Training Development Solutions housed at the Maryland Innovation Center. Go-to-market spans direct-to-consumer enrollment, an inside-sales Welcome Center, dual enrollment with Howard County Public Schools, hospital- and association-hosted apprenticeship channels, and sales-led B2B workforce contracts.

Customer segments include high school students and parents, adult learners, veterans and military families, international and immigrant students, businesses and employers, student parents, and first-generation students (including Hispanic/Latinx students served through the Ambiciones program). Notable employer partners include University of Maryland Medical Center, Howard County General Hospital, Ascension Saint Agnes, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for healthcare apprenticeships, plus HACCMD for HVACR. HCC has earned the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, #1 Community College in Maryland for 2025–2026, 2027 Aspen Prize Top 200 eligibility, and LEED Gold certification for the Kahlert Foundation Complex.

Name

Howard Community College, Columbia

Legal name

Howard Community College

Website

https://howardcc.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Howard Community College is a Maryland public community college in Columbia serving ~23,000 credit and noncredit students through associate degrees, 12+ registered apprenticeships, customized workforce training, and English language programs. Operates a $102.9M FY2022 operating budget funded by state and county appropriations, tuition, federal and state grants, philanthropy, and employer partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. State and County Operating Appropriations: Operating budget funded primarily by Howard County and the State of Maryland. FY2022 operating budget was $102.9 million; FY2026 final operating budget and FY2027 proposed operating budget are published, alongside separate capital budgets.
2. Tuition and Fees (Credit and Noncredit): Recurring tuition and course fees paid by credit and noncredit students, with payment plans, financial aid, and scholarships offsetting cost; supported by a Zero Textbook Cost Courses program.
3. Federal and State Grants: Competitive grant revenue from U.S. Department of Education ($2.2M Howard Hub for Student Success; $1M CCAMPIS childcare grant), Maryland Department of Labor ($148,176 logistics workforce training), NIST RAMPS ($200,000 cybersecurity), Cyber Maryland Program ($500,000), and TEDCO ($50,000 Baltimore Innovation Initiative).
4. Private Philanthropy and Foundation Donations: Major private donations managed by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF), a 501(c)(3). Largest single gift was $2 million from The Kahlert Foundation; other notable gifts include $135,000 from Bob and Sandy Hogue, $100,000 from the PepsiCo Foundation, and $25,000 each from Peter and Beth Horowitz and the Columbia Film Society.
5. Apprenticeship Employer-Paid Tuition: Hospital and employer partners (e.g., University of Maryland Medical Center, Howard County General Hospital, Ascension Saint Agnes, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview) fund apprentices' college tuition and fees while paying apprentices a progressive wage that scales with academic and on-the-job milestones.
6. Customized Business Training and Workforce Contracts: Training Development Solutions by HCC (located in the Maryland Innovation Center) sells customized workforce training, apprenticeship, and noncredit courses to Maryland businesses and organizations, supporting over 1,000 businesses and approximately 100,000 employees annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Howard Community College is a public two-year institution offering credit-bearing associate degrees, certificates, and letters of recognition alongside noncredit continuing education. It also operates an extensive registered apprenticeship portfolio spanning IT, healthcare, skilled trades, and cybersecurity, plus customized corporate training delivered through Training Development Solutions at the Maryland Innovation Center.

Product overview

Howard Community College (HCC) operates as a community college offering an integrated portfolio of educational and workforce development products and services rather than a single unified technology product. The portfolio centers on credit-bearing academic offerings (Associate Degree Programs, Certificate and Letter of Recognition Programs) delivered through both traditional and Accelerated Pathways (7-week courses) formats, alongside a comprehensive Workforce, Career & Community Education division. HCC's apprenticeship ecosystem forms a major component, including specialized registered apprenticeships such as the IT Apprenticeship Program (the only one of its kind in Maryland), HVACR Apprenticeship, Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET) Apprenticeship, Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship, LPN Apprenticeship, Cybersecurity Support Specialist Apprenticeship, Construction Management Apprenticeship, Electrical Apprenticeship, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Hospitality Management Apprenticeships, Accounting Apprenticeship, and Child Care Professional Apprenticeship. Workforce specialization includes the Cybersecurity Workforce Training Program and the new Cyber and AI Clinic. Supporting services include the Children's Learning Center (CLC) for student parents, the Ambiciones Program for Hispanic/Latinx first-generation students, the Fueling Dragons food pantry, Mental Health Counseling and 24-hour service, and the new Howard Hub for Student Success student support platform funded by a $2.2 million federal grant. The college also operates arts and culture programming through the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center, Dragon Media, and The Music Institute; experiential learning through the Dragon Racing Team; and customized corporate training via Training Development Solutions housed at the Maryland Innovation Center. Capital infrastructure projects include the Kahlert Foundation Complex (LEED Gold certified) and the Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development & Trades Center (opening summer/fall 2026).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fueling Dragons: Campus food pantry and garden program that distributes more than 2,300 pounds each month to students facing food insecurity
• The Kahlert Foundation Complex
• Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center
• The English Institute
• Ambiciones
• Center for Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence
• Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development & Trades Center

Products and services

• Associate Degree Programs Two-year college degree programs across arts and sciences, career/technical fields, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions for credit students.
• Certificate and Letter of Recognition Programs Career-focused certificate programs and letters of recognition providing industry-recognized credentials in specific occupational areas.
• Accelerated Pathways (7-Week Courses) Shortened academic term format allowing students to complete courses in 7-week sessions rather than the traditional semester, accelerating credential completion.
• IT Apprenticeship Program Earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship placing apprentices into IT Field Support Specialist, Network Field Support Specialist, Information Systems Security Engineer, or Linux System Administrator roles; completed over 2-3 years with up to 4,000 hours of on-the-job training.
• HVACR Apprenticeship Four-year apprenticeship program in partnership with HACCMD totaling 8,000 hours of paid field work; completers are eligible for 24 college credits towards an Associate of Applied Science in Skilled Building Trades and Maryland State HVACR journeyperson licensure.
• Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET) Apprenticeship Approximately two-year apprenticeship with 32 college credits and 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job learning; graduates earn a Biomedical Equipment Specialist Certificate.
• Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Healthcare apprenticeship preparing students for hospital operating room environments with simulated operating rooms using high-fidelity mannequins; combines college coursework with paid full-time employment at partner hospitals.
• Cybersecurity Support Specialist Apprenticeship Apprenticeship program preparing students for cybersecurity roles supporting IT support, security, network support, and Linux system administration.
• Workforce, Career & Community Education (Continuing Education) Noncredit courses including personal enrichment, child care certification, health care careers, kids on campus, HS Diploma (GED/NEDP), and Training Development Solutions for businesses and employers.
• English Language Center / English Institute Intensive English program for F-1 international students offering six levels of English language instruction (grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing).
• Training Development Solutions by HCC Customized corporate training program delivering workforce training, apprenticeships, and noncredit courses to Maryland businesses and organizations, supporting over 1,000 businesses and approximately 100,000 employees annually.
• Children's Learning Center (CLC) On-campus childcare facility supporting student parents, reducing childcare costs, and promoting educational equity and degree completion.
• Cybersecurity Workforce Training Program Workforce training program covering IT support, information security, network support, and Linux system administration, including cybersecurity apprenticeships.

Quantifiable outcome

• 168% increase in graduation rate within 2 years of entry (2008 vs 2017 first-time-to-college cohorts)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and flagship.

• Cyber Maryland ProgrammajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Awarded HCC $500,000 to expand its cyber clinic model to Frederick Community College and Carroll Community College; builds on HCC's existing cybersecurity work including a $200,000 NIST RAMPS grant received in 2024, and is expected to train at least 200 cybersecurity professionals while providing free cybersecurity services to nonprofits across the state.
• Carroll Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Co-development partner on the Maryland cyber clinic expansion under the $500,000 Cyber Maryland Program grant, sharing HCC's cybersecurity curriculum and resources to expand cyber workforce training.
• Frederick Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Co-development partner on the Maryland cyber clinic expansion; will host a 10-week paid cybersecurity internship program alongside Howard and Carroll community colleges per Maryland cyber clinic announcement.
• AMEN Free Dental Clinic (Miracle City Church)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2025HCC dental hygiene students and faculty provide free dental cleanings to uninsured and under-resourced patients at the AMEN Free Dental Clinic at Miracle City Church in Baltimore; in Sept 2025 the volunteer team served more than 55 patients in a single day.
• Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2024Partner on the expansion of early childhood education opportunities, including the on-campus Children's Learning Center (CLC) that supports degree completion among student parents.
• Achieving the Dream (ATD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2024HCC joined the ATD Network in 2024; ATD subsequently selected HCC for a nationwide initiative (funded by Ascendium Education Group) to scale the adoption of shortened academic terms to accelerate credential completion.
• Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2024Awarded HCC a $60,000 grant to expand its cybersecurity workforce training program, funding full instructional costs for 17 apprentices studying cybersecurity certifications in IT support, security, network support, and Linux system administration.
• Howard County Government (Calvin Ball)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a $10 million investment in HCC's Workforce Development and Skilled Trades Center and previously committed $1 million to the student wellness center expansion; partner on the $3.5 million Complete4Success Scholarship program covering 2,000 eligible students.
• University of Maryland Medical CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2022Surgical technician and LPN apprenticeship employer partner; funds apprentices' college tuition and fees while offering paid entry-level positions in the operating room environment.
• Howard County General HospitalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2022Surgical technician apprenticeship employer partner; HCC's hospital partner in the perioperative services apprenticeship pathway, hosting paid clinical placements for apprentices.
• Ascension Saint AgnescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2022Healthcare apprenticeship employer partner for surgical technician and LPN programs; co-funds apprentice tuition and offers paid hospital positions.
• The Johns Hopkins HospitalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2022Healthcare apprenticeship employer partner for surgical technician and LPN programs; hosts paid operating-room positions for HCC apprentices.
• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2022Healthcare apprenticeship employer partner for surgical technician and LPN programs; co-funds apprentice tuition and provides operating-room clinical placements.
• Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACCMD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Industry partner for HCC's HVACR Apprenticeship Program; apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid field work over four years in tandem with HCC coursework, leading to Maryland State HVACR journeyperson licensure.
• Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for dual enrollment, Apprenticeship Maryland Academy cohorts, and Cybersecurity Networking / HVAC / Construction Career Academy pathways; HCC also signed an MOU with Howard County and HCPSS to expand climate and sustainability initiatives including solar panel programs.
• Maryland Innovation CentercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHCC's Training Development Solutions division is physically housed in the Maryland Innovation Center at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, providing a strategic Baltimore-Washington Corridor location for B2B training delivery.
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst Black Professional Network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareFirst Black Professional Network volunteers maintain HCC's Fueling Dragons campus food pantry and community garden, including a Juneteenth service event revitalizing the garden that serves roughly 450 students per month.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC): Largest community college in Maryland, offering associate degrees, workforce credentials, and apprenticeship-style programs. Direct public-community-college peer operating in the same Baltimore-area labor market as HCC.
• Frederick Community College: Maryland public community college partnering with HCC on the cyber clinic expansion and sharing cybersecurity curriculum. Comparable size and scope, also serving the Baltimore-Washington Corridor.
• Montgomery College: Maryland public community college serving Montgomery County with a similar portfolio of associate degrees, workforce training, apprenticeships, and continuing education. Directly comparable in scale and mission; both are Maryland-region community colleges serving the Baltimore-Washington Corridor.
• Baltimore City Community College: Maryland public community college serving Baltimore City with similar credit, noncredit, and workforce programs. Comparable in mission and urban/suburban student demographic overlap with HCC's Baltimore-Washington Corridor draw.
• Anne Arundel Community College: Maryland public community college with comparable academic and workforce programs, including healthcare and IT apprenticeships. Operates in the same Baltimore-Washington region with overlapping employer partners and student draw.
• Harford Community College: Maryland public community college serving Harford County with similar academic, workforce, and apprenticeship offerings. Comparable institution in scale and scope within the Maryland public community-college system.
• Carroll Community College: Maryland public community college co-developing the cyber clinic expansion with HCC under the Cyber Maryland Program grant. Direct peer in size and mission within the Maryland public community-college system.
• Prince George's Community College: Maryland public community college offering associate degrees, workforce training, and apprenticeship-style programs. Comparable mission and student demographics; serves the suburban Maryland portion of the DC metro area.
• Chesapeake College: Maryland public community college on the Eastern Shore offering associate degrees and workforce programs. Comparable in mission and category, though operating in a different region of Maryland.

Others

• Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS): Primary K-12 partner for HCC's dual enrollment, Apprenticeship Maryland Academy, and Cybersecurity Networking Career Academy pathways. Not a direct competitor, but a strategic channel partner that funnels high-school students into HCC programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/howardcc
• Facebookfacebook.com/5885816683
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/howard-community-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/howardcommcollege
• TikToktiktok.com/@howardcommcollege

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Howard Community College, Columbia