Towson University is committed to positive impacts, making a difference and transforming lives in greater Baltimore and throughout Maryland. That work is done through partnerships.

Baltimore鈥揟owson University (B撸先生) at Towson University elevates those partnerships with the community, focusing on cross-campus collaboration, mutual respect and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

B撸先生 officially became a program in 2016, supporting 167 partnerships. Nine years later, B撸先生 supports more than 311 active engagements led by 235 faculty and staff at 撸先生 with 811 community and business partners.

鈥淏撸先生 was never a new initiative but a recognition of long-standing and expanding work 撸先生 is doing within the greater Baltimore region,鈥� says Kathleen Crostic, executive director of the Office of Partnerships and Outreach. 鈥淭hrough a steadfast commitment to innovation and collaboration, we鈥檝e continued to cultivate meaningful partnerships within our community and elevate our efforts in creating impactful programs that reflect shared values and vision for the future.鈥�

撸先生 is working with partners in every county throughout Maryland. Additionally, each year the university recognizes this impactful work through the B撸先生 Partnership Awards, celebrating the collaborative work of faculty, staff and community partners.

Learn more about how these five impact areas are supporting community members throughout the Baltimore region. 

High-quality and equitable education

As Maryland鈥檚 largest provider of teachers, 撸先生 partners with those making an impact on the state鈥檚 education system to develop high-quality and equitable education.

Girl building robots

The , a 2023 B撸先生 Award winner, is designed to broaden participation in STEM and robotics education. Through this free program, local elementary and middle school students come to 撸先生 to design, build and program robots. Pre-service teachers work alongside faculty to co-design and teach the weekend sessions. The program culminates with parents and guardians participating in a day of learning alongside their children.

Strong neighborhoods and sustainable communities

Strong neighborhoods and sustainable communities are key to increasing the quality of life for citizens across Maryland. 撸先生 works with our partners to address the most pressing needs for our communities.

Group of faculty and staff at immigration summit

A B撸先生 Award recipient in 2024, the brings together academics, policymakers, service providers, activists, community leaders and others working with and for New Americans (immigrants and refugees) to learn about and celebrate these communities. The location alternates between 撸先生 in Baltimore County and a location in Baltimore City, highlighting the partnership between the two.

Thriving and competitive economy

Towson University鈥檚 researchers, students and outreach professionals are dedicated to creating a thriving and competitive Maryland economy. Faculty and staff work collaboratively with partners in government and business to grow the state鈥檚 economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Group of students in Empowering Secure Elections

is unique partnership that won a B撸先生 Award in 2020. 撸先生 developed training modules to educate local election judges on identifying and mitigating potential cybersecurity threats during the voting process.

Lifelong health and well-being

撸先生 is a leader in addressing community health and well-being across the greater Baltimore region. Partnerships with the community support family stability through the lens of health and well-being.

Students exercising

Another 2024 B撸先生 Award recipient, , is a peer-led, culturally relevant, school-based physical intervention program held in partnership with Reginald F. Lewis High School in Baltimore City. The program fosters inclusivity and diversity while providing Black adolescent girls with regular physical activity opportunities and empowering them to make decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent chronic diseases. 

Vibrant arts and cultural community

Recognized as a thriving cultural center for Maryland, 撸先生 is committed to enhancing access to the arts. 撸先生 partners on several arts-based initiatives and programs from both programming and an educational perspectives.

Students at table with teacher

Founded in 1994, the partnership provides at-risk youth with opportunities to explore the arts in a teaching and learning collaboration alongside Towson University art education students, on 撸先生鈥檚 campus and at New Song Academy in West Baltimore. This program won a B撸先生 Award in 2021.