In its landmark 2011 report to the United States Department of Education, A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy’s Future, the Civic Learning and Democratic National Task Force concluded that higher education institutions serve as “defining sites for learning and practicing democratic and civic responsibilities.” At Transform Mid-Atlantic, we affirm that colleges and universities are integral to strengthening our nation’s democratic ecosystem, creating positive social change, and supporting sustainable community development through their partnerships and resources. Through its mission, guiding principles, philosophy and – most importantly – actions, Allegany College of Maryland serves as a regional and national institution of reference for advancing and accomplishing these important aims.

Since its founding in 1961, ACM has established itself as one of our nation’s leading two-year institutions – particularly in relation to its commitment to develop the requisite knowledge, understanding, and skills for students and community members to embrace the “freedoms and responsibilities inherent in our democracy.” Over the past decade, ACM’s senior leaders, faculty, students, and community partners have taken concrete steps to double down on the institution’s place-based mission to improve the civic life and wellbeing of its constituent communities throughout Western Maryland and beyond. Importantly, these efforts have taken place in conversation with and alongside the college’s community partners and organizations, ensuring that the institution’s community engagement efforts are responsibly envisioned and both relevant and responsive to our communities’ needs.

ACM’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. It is one of a small number of two-year institutions that has earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the American Council on Education, one of the sector’s most prestigious and competitive distinctions. Additionally, ACM’s work to increase student and community civic engagement through its various voter registration and education initiatives have been recognized over multiple years by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

As a longtime and active member of Transform Mid-Atlantic, ACM has substantially contributed to the strategic direction of our network and consistently participates in TMA programs, events, grants, and opportunities to cross-pollinate best practices for civic and community engagement. We are particularly grateful for your leadership as a member of the TMA Board, the invaluable contributions to our network of Dr. Kurt Hoffman and Dr. Diane McMahon, our transformative collaboration with ACM and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine through TMA’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program, and the service and vision of former ACM President Cynthia Bambara.