Whether you're a high school student looking toward getting a jump-start on college, or an older worker with a goal of improving your job skills, the Bedford County Campus of Allegany College of Maryland has programs that will assist you. The campus that opened its doors with evening classes at Everett Area High School 11 years ago, now has 340 students and opened a $750,000 state-funded expansion that provided additional classroom space and access to computers and an electronic library.

"There's no question this campus is one of the big reasons that Bedford County has gone from 64th in the state for students continuing their education after high school, to 34th in the state," said Ken Warnick, ACM's director of student services for the Pennsylvania campuses. Warnick says as four-year college tuition, board and expenses escalate, he anticipates more local students will choose to stay home for their first year or two of college. "We provide students with a challenging curriculum that is delivered in a non-threatening atmosphere while being very economical," Warnick says.

In addition, the campus' early college program is growing every year. "It's a great deal for high school students. They can attend classes here while they're in school for just $19 per credit hour. Many students earn up to a year of credits and start college as sophomores - that's pretty significant. Even those who only take a few classes get their feet wet in college coursework - giving them the confidence to continue their education. It can change their whole perspective on college." Many of the early college students also continue full-time at ACM when they graduate from high school. "It's a win-win for everyone - the students who have a chance to accelerate their learning, their parents who save money on tuition and the college, which attracts new students. I expect this segment of the student population will continue to grow," Warnick says. It's the unusually high number of "nontraditional" student enrollment - those over the age of 25 - that has always been the hallmark of two-year community college programs, and the Bedford ACM campus is no exception. "We provide workers with a convenient way to expand their skills and earn a degree - either during the day or at night. Mothers with children can come back to school while their children are in school. The convenience of a local college can't be underestimated in its impact on the workforce and the ability of our residents to improve their lives," Warnick says.

Want to learn more about the Bedford County Campus of Allegany College of Maryland? Visit the ACM web site.

Back to Opportunities