Carroll Community College awarded $850K for Ratcliffe Center

Carroll Community College has been awarded $850,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to support the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center, marking a historic award for the school. 

This investment will enable Carroll CC to purchase equipment for the Ratcliffe Center to deliver high-demand workforce training programs in areas like welding, automotive technology, plumbing, and advanced manufacturing, a release says. 

According to school officials, the new center will offer programs tailored to local workforce needs. The funding, announced by school officials Monday, was included in the FY26 Minibus Spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

“This award is a powerful endorsement of our mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and to meet the workforce needs of our region,” Carroll Community College President Rosalie Mince said. 

“We are deeply grateful to Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Johnny Olszewski for their leadership and commitment to strengthening Maryland’s workforce through investments in community colleges.”

Congressman Johnny Olszewski secured funding for 14 projects through Community Project Funding, an effort providing federal investment to state and local governments, and eligible nonprofits. These projects span Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County, supporting public safety, education, workforce development and more, according to a Carroll CC release. 

“Carroll Community College’s Ratcliffe Center is a vital investment in Maryland’s future,” Olszewski said. 

“This federal funding will help ensure that students in Carroll County have access to the training and resources they need to thrive in today’s economy. I’m proud to have supported this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our workforce and communities.”

The school expects to hear from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the coming weeks for guidance on accessing the funds. Meanwhile, the college will prepare for the Ratcliffe Center’s grand opening scheduled for later this year.