Our Organization

The Baltimore Collegetown Network brings area colleges and universities -- including 120,000 students and $17 billion in economic activity – into a consortium that benefits each institution and the region as a whole. We articulate the message that Baltimore is a great college town and create programs that strengthen that claim.  Collegetown began as a grassroots effort in the late 1990s, was officially incorporated in 1999, and received 501c3 status in 2001. Our projects and partnerships attract, engage, and retain students, raise the profile of Baltimore as a college destination, and help colleges share resources. Primary programs include:

• Academic partnerships: The Baltimore Student Exchange Program and library reciprocal borrowing privileges allow students to access resources on all member campuses.
• Transportation: The Collegetown Shuttle transports more than 101,000 riders a year between six campuses and area destinations (it launched in 2001 with 12,000 riders).
• Marketing:  Collegetown works to position Baltimore as a vibrant and welcoming city for college students. Print and online marketing materials show prospective and current students and others why Baltimore is a great college town. 
• Internships: Collegetown’s online internship board allows businesses to post and students to search hundreds of listings, providing the only resource of its kind in the region.
• Communities of Practice: Collegetown facilitates networking and staff development groups that bring campus and community leaders together. Groups include those focused on Human Resources, Emergency Management, New Student Programs, Student Activities and Affairs, Sustainability, Transportation, and others.
• Research Studies: Collegetown publishes research studies including an economic impact study for higher education and student perception studies every three years.
• Engagement Programs: A variety of engagement programs encourage students to get involved in the region, including a Welcome to Baltimore event for graduate students and weekly half-price and free tickets.
• Collegetown LeaderShape: This year-long civic leadership program helps students learn about themselves, Baltimore, and how to create social change – and then supports them as they develop projects, programs, and internships that make the community stronger.

Baltimore Collegetown is funded primarily by member colleges with additional support from area foundations and businesses. It is governed by a board of representatives from each member college, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County. Collegetown provides an important link between colleges and the community and we welcome new partnerships and opportunities – please contact us!