Baltimore?s next generation of business leaders could come directly from local colleges and universities, according to a recent study conducted by the Baltimore Collegetown Network.
For the 2006 study, the Baltimore Collegetown Network, a consortium of 16 local public and private colleges and universities, surveyed 3,224 students. The survey found that 31.5 percent of students who attend college in Baltimore would stay or were likely to stay in Baltimore following graduation, marking a 65 percent increase from 2003, the last time the organization conducted the study. The study also found that 73 percent of students surveyed would recommend Baltimore as a good place to attend college.
“It really shows a change in perception,” network Executive Director Kristen Campbell said. “Students are starting to think of Baltimore as a young, hip, vibrant city and a place where they can live and work after graduation.”
Following the 2003 study, the network, The Goldseker Foundation, the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. and the Baltimore Community Foundation launched a $750,000 campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of attending college in Baltimore and remaining in the city following graduation. That campaign included a variety of publications and programs targeting college students as well as partnerships with local businesses.
“There are 100,000 college students in Baltimore,” Campbell said. “That makes up a huge potential work force for the business community. And we want to keep some of these knowledge workers in Baltimore to become the next generation of citizens and leaders. But the retention is going to have to be done through a partnership between higher education, business and government.”
Peter Toran, vice president of planning and university relations at the University of Baltimore and vice president of the network?s governing board, said the survey results are promising for Baltimore?s economic future.
“I really believe that the ability to not only attract but retain the best and brightest is a crucial economic driver for any urban area,” Toran said. “The modern economy is a brain economy and Maryland ? and particular Baltimore ? is very fortunate in the number of high-quality institutions that we have. The survey results really prove that the knowledge economy is alive and well in Baltimore and that bodes well for our future.”
Other information
» 65 percent of student have had or plan to have a local internship
» 50.5 percent of students go to Baltimore City for entertainment five times a month or more
» 50 percent of students are likely to visit a museum or gallery
» 33 percent of respondents said that their campus visit was their first trip to Baltimore
Source: The 2006 Baltimore Collegetown Network study
