Cherry Hill is a vibrant community in south Baltimore that is being revitalized through the efforts of Towson University with its Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative. Currently education is at the forefront of the initiative but the university is hoping to expand to serve more parts of the community.

The College of Education is leading the way in cooperation with several schools in the area including Arundel Elementary/Middle School where Principal Andrea Hancock is impressed by the endeavor that the university has taken on. The partnership and university community outreach in general are “invaluable” according to Hancock.

Arundel is an Achievement First, Reading First and E=MC² school that downsized over the past year but it is hard to tell when walking the halls. “We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community, the parents and some businesses,” said Hancock, “it’s a warm and inviting feeling when you come into the building."

Towson senior Ben Gruver has decided to volunteer some of his time to join the TUTORS program that Towson has in conjunction with the elementary schools in Cherry Hill. Tutors assist teachers in classroom activities, specifically where there are a small group of students that are somewhat behind, according to Hancock. Gruver is one of the many students that have come to Arundel to donate his time and follow the kids he worked with through the years.

“In the past two years, nearly 150 Towson University undergraduate students have served as tutors in the neighborhood, and more than 20 education students have participated in internships in Cherry Hill schools,” said Caret. This is progress that Towson is proud of and progress that they hope to grow and build upon in the future.

Dr. Lorion, Dean of the College of Education, believes that the Cherry Hill project “is a mutually beneficial sort of relationship.” A relationship that incorporates Baltimore City Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office, President Robert Caret of Towson University, the executive director of the Cherry Hill trust, clergy and other non-profit organizations.

The Cherry Hill neighborhood has typically got a bad wrap but its good parts made Towson want to focus their efforts on the community. “Another great attribute is that the neighborhood is solid - it has been there for many years, there is civic pride, recognition of their own problems, and a belief in working towards their own solutions. We are there as a partner,” said Caret.

The community has rallied around this sentiment and is eager to see Cherry Hill flourish. Anthony “Twin” Brown IV hangs out near the Cherry Hill Town Center and has watched for the past 50 years as things have come and gone and believes that this project is one of the good ones. Members of the community, including Brown, are excited by the work that is going on and are eager to bring Cherry Hill back to its former glory.

Do universities really have an obligation to help the community they’re in? Caret thinks so, “Metropolitan Universities have a responsibility and a mission to serve the communities in which they reside.” Gruver agrees and believes that it is very important for students to volunteer their time. "It feels good to know that you are making a difference in some way," said Gruver.

Lorion believes that “the College of Education has an obligation to prepare teachers not only for public education but to prepare teachers for urban education.” It is essential that other departments and colleges throughout the university become more involved in the project so that the Cherry Hill community is benefiting from all sides. The university partnership with Towson has with Cherry Hill brings out the success in both the children and the community. (617 words)

Arundel Elementary/Middle School Principal Andrea Hancock is eager to continue the University Partnership Schools initiative in the Cherry Hill area.

Kindergartners at Arundel Elementary/Middle School work hard as tutors from Towson University are there to assist them.

Anthony "Twin" Brown IV cares deeply about the Cherry Hill community where he has resided for over 50 years.