PGCC Signs Smart City Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Seat Pleasant and the County Chamber of Commerce
Article by: Tabresha B. Langham
For Immediate Release
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LARGO, Md. (June 21, 2018) - Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) President Dr. Charlene Dukes joined Seat Pleasant, Maryland, Mayor Eugene W. Grant and Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Harrington in signing a Memorandum of Understanding on June 19, 2018, pertaining to Smart Cities education and workforce development.
The memorandum establishes the terms of agreement required for each entity to ensure the success of the City of Seat Pleasant: “A Smart City of Excellence,” and its Smart City initiative. Smart Cities use innovative technology to improve a community’s quality of living.
The next phase of Seat Pleasant’s Smart City development will deploy censors throughout the city that collect data about residents’ health and the environment. The partnership with PGCC and the Chamber of Commerce, which will run until April 15, 2020, will support the city by ensuring that there is a pool of qualified candidates who understand and can maintain the technologies vital to Smart City development.
“We need to make sure that there is a workforce that is ready and prepared to meet the challenges of this new innovation coming into our community,” said Mayor Grant. He noted more than 70 percent of the residents work outside of the city. Smart City development jobs will contribute to the availability of quality jobs in the city which in turn will keep residents from needing to seek employment and spend their income elsewhere.
President Dr. Dukes said, “We’ll do our part to ensure that students and residents know that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs and courses as well as Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses are not only available but also accessible.” She thanked the Mayor for trusting the college to provide residents with quality education and training.
David Harrington agreed that this partnership is important to the economic viability of Prince George’s County. “It makes sense that the business community joins with the college and the mayor in creating a space where we’re preparing people for this fast economy.”
The three entities will work together to develop appropriate training and educational opportunities for area residents to qualify for Smart City employment. Dr. Yvette Snowden, associate vice president of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at PGCC will oversee the program.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org.The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.