HCC Happenings: Adult Literacy program receives state grant; GenCyber Camp Grant receives NSA grant; performing arts grant from state arts council

Harford Community College Receives Grant to Support Adult Literacy Program

Harford Community College has been awarded a grant of $491,228 from the Maryland Department of Labor. This grant will be used to fund the college’s Adult Literacy program, which includes English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, Adult Basic Education, and Pre-GED and GED classes.

Adult Development and Literacy Department

The Adult Development and Literacy Department is part of the Workforce and Community Education division at Harford Community College. The department provides instruction and services in various areas, including:

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills
• English language acquisition
• Digital literacy
• English literacy and civics
• Workforce preparation
• Career pathways
• Integrated education and training
• High school equivalency classes

These services are available to Harford County residents who are 18 years of age and older.

Impact of the Grant

Thanks to this grant, the Adult Development and Literacy Department will be able to provide instruction to 457 students in Adult Basic Education, GED® and ESL courses.

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes aim to enhance the reading, writing, and math skills of students who did not complete high school. GED classes prepare students to take the official examination and earn a Maryland high school diploma. The ESL program allows foreign-born adults to improve their English listening, speaking, reading, writing, and communication skills.

Harford Community College Receives Grant for GenCyber Smart Camp

The National Science Foundation and National Security Agency have awarded Harford Community College a grant to fund its “GenCyber Smart Camp.” This one-week, non-residential cybersecurity summer day camp aims to increase students’ interest in cybersecurity and cyber engineering.

Diversity and Inclusion

The camp integrates diversity into its cybersecurity lessons by including teachers, speakers, and students who are traditionally underrepresented in cyber careers. In the summer of 2023, 43% of the camp’s participants were female and 53% were students of color.

Hands-On Learning

The camp is managed and instructed by a team of cybersecurity and education experts. The goal is to inspire the next generation of cyber professionals by providing hands-on learning experiences and team projects.

Year-Round Engagement

In addition to the summer camp, Harford Community College will offer several outreach events over the next two years to provide year-round engagement in cyber content and exposure to career opportunities.

Harford Community College Receives Grant for Arts Programming

The Maryland State Arts Council has awarded Harford Community College a grant of $47,731 as part of its Grants for Organizations annual funding. This grant will support the college’s arts programming, including productions, performances, and events that are open to the public.

Supported Programs

In the past fiscal year, grant funding supported a variety of shows and events, including:

• Touring Family Series
• Community theater shows from the Phoenix Festival Theater
• Community dance shows from the Harford Dance Theatre
• Classical and fine arts musical performances
• World music and dance events

Harford Community College looks forward to using the funds to continue offering high-quality arts programming to the community.

For more information about any of these programs, please contact the respective department or visit the college’s website.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the funding of Harford Community College’s Adult Literacy program and the GenCyber Smart Camp. These initiatives contribute to providing quality education, promoting gender equality, creating decent work opportunities, reducing inequalities, and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

The Adult Literacy program targets the improvement of literacy and numeracy skills among adults, contributing to Target 4.6. The GenCyber Smart Camp aims to increase students’ interest in cybersecurity and cyber engineering, promoting equal opportunities for leadership and participation in the field, aligning with Target 5.5. The camp also provides training and education, contributing to Target 8.6. Both initiatives promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, supporting Target 10.2. Lastly, the article mentions the involvement of experts and decision-makers in the programs, which aligns with Target 16.7.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of the population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex.
• Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
• Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

The mentioned indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, Indicator 4.6.1 can measure the proportion of adults achieving a certain level of literacy and numeracy skills. Indicator 5.5.1 can measure the proportion of women in leadership positions in the field of cybersecurity. Indicator 8.6.1 can measure the proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training. Indicator 10.2.1 can measure the proportion of individuals living below a certain income threshold. Indicator 16.7.1 can measure the representation of different groups in decision-making positions.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: baltimoresun.com

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