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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2026
COUNCILMEMBER EDWARD BURROUGHS ELIMINATES OUTSTANDING BOWIE STATE DEBT FOR DISTRICT 8 STUDENTS
Outstanding balances will be paid for students facing financial barriers to enrollment, continued education and graduation
BOWIE, Md. — Prince George’s County Councilmember Edward Burroughs III announced Monday, the elimination of outstanding balances owed directly to Bowie State University by District 8 students, providing financial relief to students facing barriers to enrollment, continued education and graduation.
The initiative will pay outstanding balances for students currently enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester, seven students who are not currently enrolled because of prior balances and one graduate whose outstanding balance is preventing receipt of a diploma.
Burroughs joined Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, university leaders and students at the university’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Center to announce the initiative and highlight its impact on District 8 students and families. Bowie State identifies Breaux as its 10th president.
“No District 8 student should have their education or future held back because of a balance they owe their university,” said Councilmember Edward Burroughs III. “For these students, we are removing that barrier. Whether it means allowing a student to continue their education, return to the classroom or finally receive the diploma they worked so hard to earn, paying these balances gives our students an opportunity to move forward and focus on building their futures.”
The funding will be deposited with the Bowie State University Foundation and administered through the university’s Office of Private Scholarships and Grants.
The initiative builds on the partnership between Bowie State University and the Office of Councilmember Burroughs to reduce financial barriers and expand educational opportunities for District 8 residents.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Councilmember Burroughs for investing in students like me,” said Noelle Pelham, a freshman biology major from Prince George’s County. “I chose Bowie State because it offers a high-quality education and the HBCU experience I was seeking. Being surrounded by people who look like me and share similar experiences has made me feel connected and supported. This gift lifts a financial burden, allows me to stay closer to home and spend more time with my mom. Also, it puts me in a stronger position as I work toward my goal of attending medical school and one day opening a health clinic in my community.”
“We are grateful for Councilmember Edward Burroughs III’s investment and support of students attending Bowie State from his district," said Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. "By eliminating these outstanding balances, he is expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for students to continue their academic journeys. This generous investment advances the university’s commitment to affordability and student success, empowering more students to earn degrees, realize their potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and around the globe.”
The news package from Monday's press conference at Bowie State is attached below with quotes and b-roll for any stations that were not in attendance.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YscAEFVTmibv0hp1rKAlnp6ATBCE9bwt/view
For the students receiving assistance, the investment addresses outstanding balances owed directly to Bowie State University. For currently enrolled students, that means relief from existing university debt. For seven students, it addresses prior balances that have kept them from enrolling, while for one graduate, it removes the outstanding balance preventing receipt of a diploma.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Councilmember Edward Burroughs III
Communications Department
mailto:D8communicationsdept@co.pg.md.us
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Statement for Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
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