Montgomery College is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades since the school was founded as Montgomery Junior College on September 16, 1946.
The College held its first classes at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School with 186 students. Today, Montgomery College serves more than 47,000 students annually through three campuses, the East County Education Center and online programs, with more than 140 areas of study.
The Montgomery County Council formally recognized the anniversary during its September 15 meeting, highlighting the College’s contributions to educational access, workforce development and the community. Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams said the institution remains focused on its role as “the community’s college” as it enters its ninth decade.
Montgomery College students come from nearly 150 countries, and the school accounts for nearly one in four Maryland community college transfers to institutions within the University System of Maryland. The College estimates its annual economic impact at $1.4 billion and says 87% of its alumni remain in Montgomery County.
Looking ahead, Montgomery College is advancing plans for a fourth campus in East County, which is expected to expand access to higher education and serve as an educational, civic and social hub for the community.
