Baltimore Collegetown

History

Our History

In the early 1990s, a group of visionary higher education leaders from across the Baltimore region came together to collaborate and pool resources. They created the first cross-registration program, the Collegetown Shuttle, library sharing resources, and marketing for the region. That vision was the beginning of the Baltimore Collegetown Network, a consortium of member colleges and local partnerships that position Baltimore as a great place to live, learn, and work.

For more than 25 years, Baltimore Collegetown's many initiatives and programs have supported the region's growth and economic activity.

FIRST STEPS

  • Before 1998

    The ground work for the Network began with collaborative activities like inter-campus agreements, library loan programs, and student events. 

  • 1998

    The Teagle Foundation awards a grant to ten colleges to study transit issues and hire the first Baltimore Collegetown Network Coordinator.

  • 1999

    Baltimore Collegetown Network officially incorporates and is headquartered at Goucher College. The Collegetown Shuttle begins service and the Baltimore Student Exchange Program is developed.

THE EARLY YEARS

  • 2001

    Baltimore Collegetown Network receives 501(c)(3) status.

  • 2003

    Collegetown launches a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise the profile of Baltimore as a great college town in service of the promotion and marketing goals of our mission statement.

  • 2005

    The beginnings of Collegetown's publication materials begin with the design of magazines for prospective students. The Shuttle route was expanded to Penn Station and the Inner Harbor, and the Mayor's Office partners with Collegetown for the Collegetown Bike Route.

  • 2006

    Collegetown launches a student survey and, in consultation with network member presidents, updates the organization's marketing plan for the future.

  • 2008

    Collegetown releases the first of its studies, the economic impact study, which highlights the economic benefits of higher education in Baltimore. Collegetown launches its website and moves headquarters to Notre Dame of Maryland University. CCBC joins the network.

  • 2009

    Baltimore City and Baltimore County join the network as affiliate members, which helps to expand Collegetown's impact in the region and beyond.

DEVELOPING THE PRESENT

  • 2010

    Collegetown LeaderShape is launched, a program that cultivates the next generation of leaders.

  • 2011

    With support from Baltimore County, Collegetown launches the Internship Board to help college students find their next opportunities. The transit study is released, and the organization recommends expanding to Morgan State University.

  • 2014

    A new strategic plan is completed, and Collegetown supports legislation to create the Maryland Technology Internship Program.

  • 2015

    Collegetown's new and updated website is launched, which overhauls the original site for the next generation. An additional student survey is completed and released, and the organization supports a $750,000 Title IX grant.

  • 2016

    Collegetown Underground is launched, which takes a deep dive into major aspects of Baltimore each year,

  • 2017

    Collegetown creates new admissions videos and launches the first Collegetown and Gown Tour to market Baltimore to new regions.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

  • 2019

    The newest iteration of the Collegetown Transit Study is completed, and the organization creates its new strategic plan. Two additional programs are developed: the Collegetown Fellowship and Industry Days.

  • 2021

    Baltimore Develop Corporation, Maryland Transit Administration, and Visit Baltimore join as affiliate members.

  • 2022

    The Baltimore Look Book is redesigned with new branding, new content and new students. The organization also hosts the Leaders in Higher Education reception for the first time.