Bowie State University Secures Nearly $600,000 in State Grants to Advance Equity in Education and Strengthen Maryland’s Workforce

New Grants Empower Maryland Families Through School Counseling and Higher Education Access for Child-Care Providers

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University has received $586,000 in new funding from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The awards will support two major initiatives designed to expand peer consultation for teachers and broaden access to higher education for child care providers, further advancing the university's mission of equity, innovation and opportunity.

The funding includes a $302,774 grant to establish the Ujima SAGE Peer Consultation Project, and a $283,659 grant to strengthen the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund. Both initiatives are one-year projects that extend through June 30, 2026. Together, they demonstrate Bowie State's pivotal role in creating programs that directly address Maryland's educational and workforce needs.

"The Ujima SAGE Peer Consultation Project creates a professional learning community that gives school counselors the chance to truly learn from one another," said Dr. Nikki Ham, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies. "It is about creating supportive spaces where school counselors can share experiences, grow together and strengthen practices that reflect the diversity of Maryland's schools."

"This initiative is about more than professional growth, it's about building a movement," said Dr. Masica Jordan-Alston, associate professor in the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies. "Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility, is at the heart of this effort: training culturally responsive counselors who can show up fully for students, families, communities and one another. Together, we are reshaping the future of counseling through equity, collaboration and care."

Dr. Jordan-Alston, Dr. Ham and Dr. Marja Humphrey, associate professor in the Department of Counseling, are co-leads for this project. Together, they are creating a statewide model for peer consultation among school counselors. The Ujima SAGE Peer Consultation Project is funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B discretionary grant and part of the Maryland Elevates initiative. The initiative draws on the Swahili principle of Ujima, meaning "collective work and responsibility."

The program will give school counselors structured opportunities to consult with peers, share effective practices and apply culturally grounded strategies in their classrooms. Outcomes will include stronger inclusive teaching practices, improved student engagement and expanded professional networks for educators across Maryland.

In addition to expanding resources for counselors through the Ujima SAGE project, Bowie State will help grow the number of child care providers through the Child Care Career and Professional Development fund. This grant expands opportunities for child care providers to pursue degrees in early childhood education, child development or related fields at Bowie State. Participants receive full support for tuition, books and fees in exchange for a service commitment within Maryland's child care system, creating a sustainable cycle of investment in children, families and communities.

"Bowie State is committed to building a stronger, more diverse child care workforce, and this funding helps make that possible," said Dr. Yvonne Crawford, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching. "This support empowers current child care professionals to advance their education and create lasting impact in Maryland communities," Dr. Crawford said.

Administered by the MSDE Division of Early Childhood, the program includes accountability measures such as quarterly reporting and site visits to ensure collaboration among faculty, teacher candidates and community partners. By building a stronger child care workforce, the initiative helps address a critical statewide need while supporting Maryland's culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.

Throughout its 160-year history, Bowie State University has served as a vital access point to higher education for students from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These two funded projects underscore the university's trusted role as a catalyst for progress, preparing educators and professionals who are both career-ready and community-focused. With these new initiatives, Bowie State continues to shape the future of education in Maryland.

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About Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Alexander, [email protected], 301-860-6017