Elfreth Gathers Education Roundtable with Local Leaders
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) hosted a roundtable discussion with educational partners and leaders in Maryland’s Third District at the Maryland State Education Association. Since coming to Congress, Elfreth has hosted 11 roundtables with local stakeholders, including a veterans roundtable, an environmental roundtable, a childcare roundtable, a labor roundtable, an interfaith roundtable, and more.
“As a proud graduate of public schools and former professor, I will always fight on behalf of our students and educators. Hearing directly from our local leaders allows me the opportunity to take their challenges, ideas, and feedback back to Washington. From expanding mental health support for our students to addressing the impact of technology in our classrooms, I’m committed to working together to ensure our school communities have the resources, support, and accountability that they deserve,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.
At the roundtable, Elfreth delivered an update from Congress that focused on her work to support educational opportunities for military families and their teachers. Through this year’s NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), Elfreth secured $70 million for Impact Aid, which supports public school districts that educate large numbers of military families. Schools can use these funds on teacher and aide salaries, textbooks and educational technology, remedial tutoring and after-school programs, and special education resources. She also secured a provision allowing Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) and Child Development Center (CDC) employees access to the installation commissaries, which helps lower their costs.
Elfreth was joined by various education leaders, including Carroll County Education Association, the Community Action Council of Howard County, Anne Arundel Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families, Riverhawk Educators United, Howard Community College, the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), the Community Action Council of Howard County, the Howard County Education Association, West Meade Early Education Center, the Howard County Board of Education, the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County, and Alpha Achievers.
“Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is essential to children's success and family economic stability, yet many families continue to face significant challenges, including the rising cost of care, workforce shortages, and limited access to childcare assistance,” said Tracy Broccolino, President of the Community Action Council of Howard County. “Today's discussion provided an opportunity to share the realities facing families and providers and to identify ways federal policymakers can better support early childhood education. We appreciate Congresswoman Elfreth's commitment to listening, learning, and elevating these concerns with her colleagues in Congress as we work together to create greater opportunity for children and families.”
“We’re always willing to work with Congresswoman Elfreth, and are incredibly appreciative of the opportunities she provides for listen and learn sessions about the issues happening in her district,” said Benjamin Schmitt, Howard County Education Association President.
“Riverhawk Educators United is honored to have been included in this conversation. As a new union, we are grateful for the opportunity to speak directly with Congresswoman Elfreth about the needs of our members and our students,” said Abigail Brackins, President of Riverhawk Educators United.
Elfreth remains a steadfast supporter of public education in Washington, co-sponsoring the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act and the Department of Education Protection Act. In 2025, Elfreth met with Secretary Linda McMahon to advocate for the continuation of critical Department services for students with disabilities, early childhood education programs, and civil rights protections for our most vulnerable children.
Anne Arundel Women Giving Together Awards $262,913 In Grants
Posted Thursday, June 4, 2026 4:36 pm; Severna Park Voice
As it celebrates 20 years of collective giving and community impact, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) is proud to announce its 2026 grant recipients, awarding a record-setting $262,913 to 13 nonprofit organizations serving women and families throughout Anne Arundel County.
This milestone year marks two decades of trust-based philanthropy and transformative investment in the community. Since its founding, AAWGT has awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to local organizations working to improve the lives of women, children and families across Anne Arundel County.
The 2026 grants were awarded following a thoughtful and extensive member-driven review process that reflects AAWGT’s enduring commitment to impactful, lasting change.
2026 AAWGT Grantees
Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation Inc.: $18,000 for Discoveries Pantry, providing essential diaper, menstrual and hygiene support for women and families, helping more than 4,500 women and families access critical daily essentials.
Charlene’s Circle of Support: $25,000 for Kinship Support Hub, empowering caregivers and youth impacted by mental illness, substance use, or incarceration.
Charting Careers: $25,000 for Building Pathways of Support for Women and Families, providing mentoring and life-enriching opportunities for youth and families.
Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools: $25,000 for an after-school transportation pilot at Tracey’s Elementary School to expand student access to enrichment programs and ease child care burdens for working families.
Joy Reigns Lutheran Church: $14,204 for the 2J2 house life skills program, helping mothers build parenting, financial literacy, and wellness skills for long-term self-sufficiency.
Little Yellow Bird Foundation: $25,000 to provide dental and emergency care for underserved women and families.
Path Project Inc. (Path to Hope): $25,000 for legal counsel and representation for low-income immigrant women and children.
Rise and Shine Inc.: $20,000 for workforce training and employment opportunities for women facing significant barriers to employment.
Seafarers Foundation Inc.: $25,000 for the summer youth program, providing educational services, water safety instruction, and maritime experiences.
Seeds 4 Success: Lifelong Learning Inc.: $25,000 for expanded mentorship programming supporting both children and caregivers.
The Blue Ribbon Project: $6,800 for the She Matters Initiative, delivering essential gender-specific care items to adolescent girls in foster care.
Touchstones Discussion Project Inc.: $21,460 to expand transformational programming for incarcerated women in Maryland correctional facilities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Anne Arundel County: $7,449 to support mental health services for women and families impacted by mental illness.
For 20 years, AAWGT has empowered women to create meaningful change through collective action and community investment. For more information, visit www.givingtogether.org.
