Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce Over $350,000 to Invest in Baltimore Student Success Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $385,507 to improve outcomes for high school students in Baltimore City Public Schools. This funding for the University of Maryland, Baltimore through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program will help underserved local high school students at Renaissance Academy and Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts excel in challenging educational settings through academic support programs, after school activities, and increased family engagement.

“Setting students up for success starts with making sure their needs are met both in – and out of — the classroom. The Full-Service Community Schools program not only provides students with a quality education, but also brings together local partners to address family, social, mental, and health care needs. I’ve repeatedly fought for increased investment in this innovative, wraparound approach, including introducing The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act to reauthorize funding for this program. I will continue working to deliver investments for community school programs in Baltimore and across the state,” said Senator Van Hollen, who has helped introduce legislation to further promote, expand, and invest in the community school model. 

“One of the most precious investments we will make in our lifetime is the support we give to young people, particularly students who haven’t always had the same resources as their peers,” said Senator Cardin. “Not only does this federal funding accelerate the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future program to expand community schools to one-third of all schools across the state, but it also shows young people in Baltimore City that they’re backed by a community who believes in their dreams.”

“We have a solemn responsibility to ensure all of our children are well-educated. These federal funds are one example of how we work every day to be certain our school children get the financial resources needed for them to succeed. I have highest expectation of our school children and those entrusted with educating them,” said Congressman Mfume.

The FSCS program is administered through the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) and provides comprehensive academic, social, and health services for students, students' family members, and community members to improve educational outcomes for children.