Howard CC becomes first MD JUCO to launch NIL partnership

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Howard Community College is collaborating with Opendorse, an athlete marketplace and NIL technology company, to become Maryland’s first community college to establish a Name, Image and Likeness partnership supporting its student-athletes, the school announced.

School officials also announced it became the first NJCAA Region 20 institution – which includes schools in Maryland, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Panhandle – to provide NIL support for all HCC varsity programs and athletes.

“The Dragons are setting a standard for NIL readiness at the two-year level,” Opendorse’s Jake Daugherty said. “By investing in education, HCC is empowering its athletes and staff with the tools to thrive now, and in the future.”

The partnership between Opendorse and Howard CC seeks to affirm that community college student-athletes deserve the same educational resources, brand-building tools, and monetization opportunities as athletes from four-year colleges, school officials said according to a release.

“This is about equity, education, and empowerment,” Howard CC President Daria J. Willis said. 

“While universities have rapidly developed NIL infrastructure, community college athletes have had limited access to these emerging opportunities. We are proud to partner with Opendorse to reduce the impact of underrepresentation, and to help our students become knowledgeable business partners with companies serving our neighbors and friends throughout the region.”

Opendorse’s platform is built to support HCC student-athletes with regard to brand development, marketing and NIL standards compliance.

Allowing student-athletes to facilitate NIL opportunities that best suit their career goals, Opendorse firmly believes shoulfwhile maintaining their eligibility and academic standing.

“Our student-athletes take pride in representing our college as competitors and leaders on campus and in their communities,” said Mike Smelkinson, HCC Interim Associate Vice President of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach. 

“HCC’s commitment ensures its athletes won’t be left behind as NIL transforms college sports.”