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Achieving her Dreams

CCBC’s ECAP program helped Leah Howard get a jump start on her goals

By CCBC Stories

June 1^st, 2023

At just 17 years old, CCBC student Leah Howard is an accomplished fashion designer, photographer, community volunteer and advocate for people with disabilities. It’s well deserved that Howard was named to the Junior Achievement of Central Maryland’s 18 Under 18 Class of 2023, a group of extraordinary students who are defining their generation through leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and service to the community.

Howard enrolled in CCBC in 2020 as a homeschooled high school student. As part of CCBC’s dual enrollment program, she graduated from high school in 2022 with 30 college credits.

“I believe dual enrollment has moved my educational journey along so I can focus on my future goals sooner,” said Howard, who received the Francis X. Kelly Endowment - Early College Access Program scholarship at CCBC, which covered half of her tuition. “Dual enrollment was a life-changing decision, and it was worth it. I want to show CCBC students and others that dual enrollment is a great path.”

Howard was planning to transfer after her high school graduation, but she decided to stay at CCBC and finish her associate degree in Fine Arts first. She will have earned almost 50 credits by the end of the Spring 2023 semester.

“I’ve received so much support from CCBC, I couldn’t leave just yet,” she said.

In addition to taking classes at CCBC, Howard is CEO of Adaptive Style, a company that designs and makes clothing for people with physical disabilities, and she also runs her own photography business, Leah Faith Photography. For the Fine Arts major, a flexible schedule is a must.

“I appreciate online courses and the flexibility CCBC gives,” said Howard. “I can work from anywhere, and I can study from home, when I am traveling or at the gym. It has given me time for work, family and other activities in my busy lifestyle.”

Howard chose Fine Arts because it has allowed her to develop her interests in photography, graphic design and writing, which go hand-in-hand with her love of fashion design.

“What I like best about CCBC is its student life,” said Howard, who served as one of CCBC’s Fresh Faces student ambassadors and past president of the CCBC Photography Club.

“The clubs, events, staff, programs and overall atmosphere really make CCBC feel like a community. It is important to get involved and know your school. There are lessons outside of the classroom that stay with you throughout your life.” — Leah Howard

Howard was recently the youngest student in the nation to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Fellows program, which aims to create career pathways for students from community colleges and address the growing skills gap facing small businesses by facilitating hands-on internship opportunities. She worked for a small business in Baltimore helping with social media management, photography and employee educational videos.

“The experience made me aware of how many small businesses, organizations and ministries are in need of creative and marketing services,” said Howard. “My next initiative is to fill that need with a workforce and educational program for creative youth.”

After graduating from CCBC, Howard plans to transfer to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She will continue to build her fashion and photography businesses, but her ultimate goal is to start an art school.