Prince George's Community College

Largo campus construction, 1968 Founded in 1958, Prince George's Community College came into existence because there was perceived to be a need for educational opportunities for the residents of the county, particularly those who were still in the K–12 grades of the public schools in the late 1950s. [ 2 ] Classes commenced at Suitland High School , with a student body of 185; thus, the college celebrated 50 years of service in 2008. [ 3 ] The college was the first educational institution to integrate in the county, and today serves more African-American students than any other post-secondary institution in the state of Maryland. [ 4 ] In 1967, the college moved to its permanent location in Largo, Maryland, where it has grown to an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students. During the past decades, a handful of buildings on the campus has grown to 22 facilities. [ 5 ] In Spring 2007, the college selected its first female president, Charlene Dukes. [ 6 ]

Prince George's Community College provides higher education to the local population. The college offers over 100 fields of study through its academic, workforce development, continuing education , and personal enrichment programs. [ 6 ] More specifically, PGCC has 68 academic degree programs and 34 professional certificate program, many of which feature distance learning options. [ 7 ] The college awards Associate of Arts , Associate of Science , and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees. [ 8 ] In addition, PGCC allows students to transfer to a four-year college or university. [ 9 ] Accreditation Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education . Its education, engineering, nursing, radiology, paramedic and respiratory therapy programs have specialized accreditation. [ 10 ] They also participate in dual-enrollment for high school junior and senior students from PGCPS . Students can take courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit.

The school hosts a number of special programs that address the needs and interests of county residents. These include the Book Bridge Project, the Center for Business and Industry Training and the Children's Developmental Clinic. College meeting rooms and recreational facilities are also available for use by the public. These facilities include the Robert I. Bickford Natatorium, which is open to individuals and groups. More than 1,000 events sponsored by community organizations are held at the college each year. [ 11 ]

Center for Advanced Technology, Largo campus [ 12 ] The main campus is located in Largo, Maryland , which opened in 1967. PGCC operates extension centers at University Town Center in Hyattsville , and Andrews Air Force Base as well as Skilled Trades Center in Camp Springs . The college shares an extension center with Howard Community College in Laurel called the Laurel College Center. Within the last six years, the college has seen the completion of two new modern facilities: the Center for Advanced Technology and the Center for Health Studies. There are several more developments underway including a brand new Culinary Arts Center, renovation and expansion of Lanham Hall, the Queen Anne Arts Education Center, a renovation of the Rennie Forum auditorium, and a health and wellness center. [ 12 ]