County and Montgomery College officials celebrated the opening of the East County Education Center in White Oak last week.
The center aims to support the county's workforce development efforts, increase access to education and training for East County residents, and promote economic development throughout the region.
“The East County Education Center is a testament to our unwavering dedication to improving our community,” County Executive Mark Elrich said in a press release. “I have championed this initiative since taking office, and I am now excited to expand educational opportunities in East County. We would like to thank Montgomery College and our dedicated partnership for the betterment of East County. ”
What a milestone Saturday for Montgomery County! 🎉 We celebrated our grand opening @montgomerycoll With a campus in East County, we are finally bringing career opportunities and higher education closer to home. Thank you to everyone who made this goal a reality! 📚🌟 pic.twitter.com/vNjPwmi29L
— County Executive Mark Elrich (@MontCoExec) April 22, 2024
Montgomery College has three other campuses in Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, and workforce development and continuing education centers in Gaithersburg and Wheaton. The East County Education Center is expected to accommodate approximately 1,000 students in its first year.
“The new East County Education Center will make higher education and career readiness training more accessible to talented students in our region,” said Council President Andrew Friedson. “This strategic investment represents an important step toward increasing economic mobility and expanding opportunities to live, learn, work, and raise families throughout East and Montgomery Counties.“
Elrich recommended more than $60 million in funding for the county's FY 2025-30 Capital Improvement Program to begin planning for a full-service East County campus. The council has tentatively approved these funds.
“Montgomery College is excited to open this new center that will expand educational and training opportunities in East County,” said Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams. “Residents can now study and train close to home for skilled jobs in the region. This innovative partnership will create equal opportunity and success for residents in the region. It is the result of a tireless effort by County Executive Mark Elrich, the County Council, the State of Maryland, and local employers to build an ecosystem that creates pathways to jobs with family-sustaining wages at Montgomery College. This is part of our focus, and this new center is just the beginning.”
East County Education Center is officially open!
This wonderful facility offers: @montgomerycoll It provides services and academic programs to East County residents, expands access in the region, and serves as a central institution for the community. pic.twitter.com/hvHLwlp2M9
— Evan Glass (@EvanMGlass) April 20, 2024
The 55,000-square-foot East County Education Center includes 11 classrooms, 10 laboratories (six affiliated health labs, three computer labs, and one career training education lab), and the Raptor Center (admissions, enrollment, and visitor A one-stop shop for Services), Community Engagement Center, Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, Learning Center, Library, Event Space, WorkSource Montgomery and Student Wellness Centers, Study Rooms and Lounges.
“The new East County Education Center is an important milestone that demonstrates our commitment to providing our residents with the quality education they deserve at an affordable price,” said City Councilman Will Jawando. “This expansion is an investment not only in our students, but also in our economic development and overall well-being. whole East county. I am a strong believer in the potential of every individual, and I know that this expansion will provide students with the tools and support they need to achieve that potential. Today, let's celebrate this major step toward building a stronger, more inclusive society. and Montgomery County will be richer. ”
As I prepare for the opening ceremony, I am filled with pride for my community and county. @montgomerycollEast County Education Center. It's a great day to celebrate with our leaders and community and hear inspiring success stories from MC students Diane and Anthony. #ECEC pic.twitter.com/iqfaK8T1Ec
— City Councilman Will Jawando (@CMJawando) April 20, 2024
In addition to the East County Education Center, the county recently celebrated other investments, including the new Sprouts Farmers Market in the recently renovated Bartonsville Crossing Shopping Center.
“East County residents have long advocated for expanding access to higher education and workforce training on our side of the county,” said Councilwoman Christine Mink. “We are grateful that Montgomery College and our colleagues in Congress and the state Legislature are recognizing that need and taking action. This beautiful new facility with top-notch instructors and programming will allow East County residents are already enrolling in classes and entering the pipeline for careers in nursing, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and other high-demand fields.”
🎊 Officially ribbon cut @montgomerycoll East County Education Center! It's a fun-filled day as the nation's best community college puts down roots to expand educational access in eastern Moco.
Next, we will work to enrich the East County campus. pic.twitter.com/CSj9pctjU0
— City Councilwoman Kristin Mink (@CMKristinMink) April 22, 2024
“We are pleased to celebrate the opening of the East County Education Center,” said East County Regional Director Jules Vande. “This is a testament to our collective efforts to bring about positive change in this region.”
The East County Education Center is located at Westec Corner, 2221 Broadbirch Drive, White Oak, off Route 29.
Photo: @WillJawando/Twitter
