Carroll Community College Awarded $850,000 in Federal Funding for Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center

Westminster, Md. — Carroll Community College is proud to announce it has been awarded $850,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) to support the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center (Ratcliffe Center), which is a historic award for the College. The funding was included in the FY26 Minibus Spending bill recently passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

This federal investment will allow the College to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the Ratcliffe Center to deliver high-demand workforce training programs in areas such as welding, automotive technology, plumbing, and advanced manufacturing. The new center will offer programs tailored to local workforce needs. This investment is timely given that the College already has waitlists for high-demand automotive and welding programs, and we don’t currently have enough space to meet that demand.

“This award is a powerful endorsement of our mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and to meet the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Rosalie Mince, President of Carroll Community College. “We are deeply grateful to Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Johnny Olszewski for their leadership and commitment to strengthening Maryland’s workforce through investments in community colleges.”

Senator Angela Alsobrooks praised the College’s role in regional economic development. “Maryland’s students are looking to build lives where they can truly thrive and find careers that are meaningful and can generate real wealth and success. Carroll Community College is preparing its students to follow their dreams, and this critical federal funding will ensure all the students have access to the tools and training they need to succeed in high-demand fields. The investment in Carroll Community College isn’t just benefiting its students, but it is also fueling our economy,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Congressman Johnny Olszewski successfully secured funding for 14 community projects through Community Project Funding, which provides direct federal investment to state and local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. These projects span Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County and support public safety, education, workforce development, water infrastructure, transportation, and community services. You can view the entire list here.

Congressman Olszewski said, “Carroll Community College’s Ratcliffe Center is a vital investment in Maryland’s future. This federal funding will help ensure that students in Carroll County have access to the training and resources they need to thrive in today’s economy. I’m proud to have supported this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our workforce and communities.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will contact the College in the coming weeks to outline the process for accessing the funds. In the meantime, Carroll Community College is preparing for the grand opening of the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for later this year. The Ratcliffe Center will be located on Airport Drive in Westminster, Md.

For more information about the Ratcliffe Center and Carroll Community College’s workforce programs, visit https://www.carrollcc.edu.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/SBeaQ9go9b0

Photo Caption: Darrien Walsh, a completer of Carroll Community College’s Automotive Technology Program, gains hands‑on training in one of the College’s many workforce development programs. The $850,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending awarded for the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center will enhance opportunities for students in programs like this.

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##About Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu