The Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation has awarded Anne Arundel Community College Foundation a $1.68 million, three-year commitment to support students in the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute, Health Sciences and Workforce Development programs at AACC.
Twenty-two years ago, with Phil and Carole Ratcliffe's support and encouragement, AACC launched the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute (ESI) to prepare aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. The AACC community is extremely grateful for the enduring partnership and tremendous generosity of the Ratcliffe Foundation. In addition to ESI, the Ratcliffe Foundation played a leadership role in helping AACC realize the vision of opening the Clauson Center for Innovation and Skilled Trades in January 2022.
In 2024, recognizing the shortage of workers threatening the viability of local healthcare infrastructure and AACC's commitment to providing solutions to this challenge, the Ratcliffe Foundation created the Ratcliffe Foundation Scholarship for Critical Allied Health Professions. This grant request builds upon these significant investments and represents a comprehensive strategy to help adult learners access education and training programs to prepare for in-demand jobs in our community.
"This timely grant will help AACC prepare future entrepreneurs, caregivers and employees for sectors of our economy that face critical labor shortages, said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, president of AACC. Our partnership with the Ratcliffe Foundation makes it possible for AACC to help more people prepare for rewarding careers that our community needs."
"We are so grateful that the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation is again investing in Anne Arundel Community College with a comprehensive approach to preparing community members for rewarding careers that will positive impact our region," said Vollie Melson, executive director of AACC's Institutional Advancement office.
Donors with questions about supporting students through scholarships or other programmatic support should contact the AACC Foundation at foundation@aacc.edu. For information on the AACC Foundation visit their webpage.