HCC Cheers on Howard County YEP! Track & Field Team in National Junior Olympics

I’m excited to share that students participating in the HCC Youth Engagement Program (YEP) are traveling to Houston, Texas, today, to compete in the AAU National Junior Olympics! These track and field athletes will join hundreds of competitors from across the country, representing Howard County and Howard Community College over the next week.

YEP at HCC is made possible through the generosity of Howard County Government and County Executive Calvin Ball, who provide grants to community organizations supporting youth through sports, mental wellness, and active learning. HCC is proud to host track & field, basketball, and E-Sports teams for youth from Howard County Public School System middle and high schools within our campus community.

HCC was a lead sponsor for the team’s trip to the Houston games, and we are excited to cheer them on as a delegation representing our community. These programs meet our children where they dream, offering engaging after-school and summer activities, opportunities for team-building, and access to our state-of-the-art campus, all of which help them envision educational and career pathways to success.

I want to congratulate head coach Phillipe DeRosier and all the coaches who have trained and prepared these athletes for this competition, and for promising futures as scholars and leaders. Since its founding two years ago, Coach Phil has developed a reputable program that has significantly benefited our students' lives. He is also an appointee of the county’s Youth Engagement Strategies (YES) Council, representing HCC in developing more resources and opportunities to support young people across our neighborhoods. 

Please join me in wishing the best of luck to our Junior Olympians!