FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2011

Contact: Brice Freeman, Communications, 410-396-1910, bfreeman@oedworks.com Kate Schmelyun, Communications, 410-396-7336, kschmelyun@oedworks.com

$40,000 in Support from Local and National Foundations to Help ACCE Expand, Enhance its Library Investments include a $29,000 challenge grant from the Weinberg Foundation Baltimore, Maryland (September 26, 2011) – The Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE), a public secondary school located in Baltimore City’s Hampden neighborhood, has been awarded four grants from local and national foundations to support efforts to expand its library resources and services for students and faculty. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation awarded a $29,000 challenge grant to fund a major capital improvement project, allowing the school to purchase a computer cart with a modem and 30 laptops, a Smart board, books and other library materials such as CDs, DVDs, periodicals and computer software. “This grant demonstrates the Weinberg Foundation’s belief in ACCE and the work the school is doing to promote academic and career success,” said Karen Sitnick, director of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, which operates ACCE in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies. “This financial support is an investment in the future of Baltimore’s young people and will benefit ACCE and the community at large.” The Weinberg Foundation requires that ACCE raise a matching $29,000 in funding for its library project by September 2012 in order to receive the grant. The ACCE Library Committee – the members of which include librarians, philanthropists and educators, among others – is already securing donations through an outreach campaign. “ACCE is very fortunate to have such a dedicated cadre of professionals who are willing to work hard to achieve this fundraising goal and fully fund our library project,” added Sitnick. ACCE was also one of two schools in the state of Maryland to receive $5,000 from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries to expand, update and diversify its library book collection. In addition, ACCE was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Baltimore City Foundation and a $1,000 grant from the Charlesmead Foundation, both of which are supporting the expansion and enhancement of the school’s library. “Student success is our highest priority here at ACCE, and we aspire to be known for offering one of the most student-centered experiences among Baltimore City Public Schools,” said Principal Quinhon Goodlowe. “These generous grants put important resources directly into the hands of our students, and give our faculty and staff access to tools they can use to create customized learning environments that meet each student’s individual needs.”The 2011-12 school year marks ACCE’s eighth year of operation. The school currently enrolls sixth-, seventh-, and ninth- through twelfth-grade students. With a student body of approximately 500, ACCE is smaller than many other city schools, which allows for class sizes to average 22 students and ensures personal attention and support for each student. A staff of 70 advocates, mentors, and teachers connects students with opportunities to explore postsecondary education and career paths. Throughout the year, in every grade level, ACCE students are exposed to a wide range of work-based learning through internships, job shadowing and summer jobs. ACCE is located at 1300 W. 36th Street in the Hampden community. For additional information, visit www.accebaltimore.com. ### In fiscal year 2011, the Mayor's Office of Employment Development hosted more than 139,000 visits from city residents at our one-stop career centers, facilitated nearly 19,000 computer literacy training sessions at our Digital Learning Labs, and placed close to 2,700 individuals in jobs. We connected more than 5,000 youth to summer employment and assisted more than 500 businesses through our Employ Baltimore strategy. This year we are continuing our commitment to match Baltimore citizens with good jobs and satisfying careers, and to link area businesses to qualified employees.