As one of Baltimore’s most powerful anchor institutions, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) plays a vital role in elevating our city. We are committed to creating lasting change by improving health, creating wealth, and advancing justice through community-focused programs and partnerships that create positive momentum for our neighbors and city.
UMB is not only a leader in education and research, but also a major regional employer. The University employs over 8,000 faculty, staff, and students, with more than 6,600 students across our six professional schools and interdisciplinary School of Graduate Studies. These individuals form a thriving academic and professional community that significantly influences Baltimore. Whether teaching, conducting research, providing services, or engaging in community outreach, UMB is essential to the city’s vitality.
Our School of Social Work students contribute over 500,000 service hours annually. The School of Dentistry is the largest Maryland provider of oral health services to children with Medicaid and the largest provider of oral health care to people living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. [1] Each year, faculty, staff, and students from the School of Medicine log hundreds of hours of community outreach in hospitals, clinics, homeless shelters, and schools. The School of Pharmacy has received $10 million in federal funding to collaborate with other UMB schools and external organizations to improve health equity in Baltimore and beyond. The Francis King Carey School of Law provides 75,000 hours of free legal services by students annually through 18 legal clinics. These efforts are just a few examples of UMB’s commitment to the city’s residents.
UMB President Bruce Jarrell shows Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the progress on construction of the 4MLK building in October 2023. The building opened in January 2025 and offers space for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs working in the sciences and technology industry.
In recent years, UMB has revitalized West Baltimore through physical improvements and strengthened community ties. A notable example is our support in transforming Lexington Market, an iconic space with cultural and historical significance, into a vibrant, modern community hub, including helping to support small business owners who want to be part of the market. Neighbors, faculty, staff, and students frequent the new market, enjoying its revitalized food offerings and events.
The University of Maryland BioPark’s 4MLK building is another exciting development. This 250,000-square-foot research facility, located at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Baltimore Street, will provide wet lab space for biotech and life sciences research. The facility will drive innovation and job creation in the region, expanding West Baltimore’s position as a hub for scientific discovery and entrepreneurship.
UMB also is working to redevelop Lexington Street with housing and business opportunities, in addition to currently constructing the significant $120 million, six-story School of Social Work. This state-of-the-art facility is projected to be the first certified operational net-zero emissions building in the University System of Maryland and downtown Baltimore, setting a standard for sustainability. [2] Incorporating green building practices and energy-efficient technologies, it will support the social work profession while reflecting UMB’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
While new infrastructure is an important part of UMB’s support of greater Baltimore, our commitment extends far beyond physical spaces. UMB is deeply involved in addressing social and economic disparities through educational and workforce development programs. The Office of Community and Civic Engagement offers a range of initiatives designed to support West Baltimore residents, including health and wellness programs, educational workshops, youth engagement activities, and community resource navigation. Since its inception in 2016, the Community Engagement Center (CEC) has facilitated over 88,000 visits to these programs, providing a safe and supportive space for the community. Among the offerings are free legal consultations through the School of Law’s JustAdvice Project and health services provided by the School of Nursing. The CEC aims to provide a safe environment that supports our neighbors and strengthens Baltimore.
Our Live Near Your Work Program encourages UMB employees to settle here by offering homeownership grants to help purchase homes in 11 West Baltimore neighborhoods. This initiative fosters greater community engagement, boosts the local economy, and stabilizes the city. Since 2018, the program has contributed $1.2 million to assist 77 new homeowners in purchasing homes in West Baltimore.
UMB’s commitment to the city extends to offering health care services, educational opportunities, and workforce development programs that equip individuals with the skills they need to thrive. UMB is making a tangible impact on the lives of Baltimore residents.
UMB’s work reflects its broader mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good. As we continue to grow, UMB remains committed to its role as an anchor institution in Baltimore. Through each project, partnership, and program, we are strengthening our ties to the community and working toward a more equitable, prosperous, and vibrant future, elevating our city for all Baltimoreans.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is Maryland’s only public health, law, and human services university. Six professional schools and the interdisciplinary School of Graduate Studies confer the majority of health care, human services, and law professional degrees in Maryland each year. To learn more about UMB, visit umaryland.edu.
Sources
[1] According to School of Dentistry insurance billing data and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, respectively.
[2] According to the U.S. Green Building Council.