(Baltimore, Maryland) –
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) announced $310,479 in federal funds for the Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative.  The unique partnership between Towson University and the Baltimore City Public Schools improves the economic and educational opportunities for the Cherry Hill community by creating a community-wide network that prepares pre-schoolers for kindergarten, elementary school students for middle and high school, and high school seniors for higher education or direct entry into the workforce. 

“The Cherry Hill Learning Zone is an example of how educational partnerships can work,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD).  “I am extremely pleased that the federal government has joined with Towson University, the Baltimore City Public School system and the Baltimore City government to help ensure that the children of Cherry Hill have the resources and educational opportunities to succeed in school.” 

“I believe every child in America deserves a quality education.  The Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative is a partnership that works.  It ensures that students in Cherry Hill have the resources they need to be successful in school and in life,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), a Member of the House Appropriations Committee. 

The Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative is an innovative approach to education that combines public and private resources in support of local and national education goals and systemic education reform.  Through the partnership, Cherry Hill students receive one-on-one or small-group tutoring from student teachers from Towson University.  In 2007, 1,768 students were involved in the Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative at five local schools – Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary and Middle School, Cherry Hill Elementary and Middle School, Arundel Elementary and Middle School, Patapsco Elementary and Middle School, and Southside Academy.

The Senator and Congressman made the announcement at Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary and Middle School on April 14, 2008.  Dr. Robert Caret, President of Towson University, Bishop Willard E. Saunders, Jr. of Created For So Much More Worship Center, and representatives from the City of Baltimore were also on hand for the announcement.  The funds were included in the Omnibus spending measure that was signed into law late last year.