This project is for initial planning, studies, programming, facilities master plan updates, land acquisition, design and construction of a new fourth campus in the East County. The project will be a full campus, and will be an anchor institution for the educational, social, cultural, and economic needs of the growing East County community. It will be the long-term location for the East County Education Center, which will include credit, noncredit, and industry certification preparation courses, business training, workforce development and continuing education services, a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center, counseling/advising services, a Community Engagement Center, and enrichment courses. This project will proceed in phases and will be a model of sustainability and will provide the full scope of services offered at existing Montgomery College campuses. Land acquisition, design and construction will be funded after initial planning is completed.

FY23 Appropriation: $0; FY24 Appropriation: $2,500,000 ($500,000 (G.O. Bonds); $2,000,000 (State Aid)).

The East County has experienced a significant increase in its richly diverse population. County Government has identified a lack of public resources in the area. The College undertook a study of the feasibility of locating in the East County. The study was finalized in September 2021 and concluded that the East County has significant needs and challenges. The Study recommends that the College establish an education center and pursue a fourth Campus in the East County. The new campus will be an anchor that will enrich the community and empower students to change their lives with tailored programs, courses, services and facilities. Improved access to higher education will afford higher earning capacity, address local, regional and national demand for workforce in existing and emerging fields, and provide quality of life services for the community. Contemplated programs include language skills, continuing education, enrichment courses, and recreational and cultural opportunities. Program areas identified in the Study include early childhood education, health sciences, engineering, technology, a commercial kitchen incubator, green technologies, English language opportunities, fine arts, and physical education/holistic wellness, along with over-arching college readiness programs. Program areas are preliminary and will be further developed.

Montgomery College asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Board of Trustees, Montgomery County Government, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland Department of General Services, Maryland Higher Education Commission, Maryland Board of Public Works, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Maryland Department of Budget and Management, and the Maryland General Assembly.