History

The Office of Community Services (OCS) at Morgan State University (MSU) was created in November 1993 to design, develop and implement dynamic community service programs to address the educational, social, cultural, and recreational needs of inner-city residents in Baltimore City and surrounding areas. MSU students, faculty, staff, community organizations, and youth from Baltimore City were the participants in the multidimensional and holistic programs. Each of the community service programs varied in size, structure, and focus, but shared the same goal of seeking to improve the many challenges of Baltimore's urban population, especially education. 

OCS was awarded its first $200,000 grant in 2017 from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Aid to Education Program, and started its College Discovery Next Generation Scholars Program that enhanced community engagement activities already in place in OCS. The College Discovery Next Generation Scholars Program offered academic assistance, life skills, social and enrichment activities, support, and college and career readiness preparation to Baltimore City youth grades 7–12.  In the first quarter of 2020, the program shifted from in-person to online learning because of the COVID 19 Pandemic. 

Throughout the years of the grant, program evaluations continued to indicate improvements in the well-being of students, the development of a healthier perspective for academics, and enhanced career motivation in paths of their choice. Many students graduated from high school and started matriculating through college. MSU students, faculty, staff, and community organizations participated in positively impacting K-12 students in Baltimore City. OCS received a total of $906,800.00 and operated with a rolling staff of 8 during the last two years of the grant that ended on August 31, 2022.

ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL MSU VISITS/TOURS previously conducted by OCS, were transferred to the fSTAR program, a pillar of the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities. For further information, please visit fSTAR – National Center for the Elimination of Education Disparities, or contact Mr. Walter Fields at walter.fields@morgan.edu or 443-885-2624 or c: 973-738-7876.