Downtown offers discounts to Hood students

By Bryn Hollingshead//

Being a college student also means being broke. Downtown Frederick businesses try to help out by offering discounts to Hood students. 

Over 50 businesses in downtown Frederick have a 10% discount exclusive to Hood College students who provide a valid student ID. Discounts are offered by restaurants, retail stores, and even places like the escape rooms. 

“The discount incentivizes students to come downtown to explore their options,” Pat McKinney, co-owner of Market Street Boba and Beans, said. Downtown is close enough to campus that students who may not have cars or who just want to take a walk can visit the historic town for shopping and food not too far from home. 

It is important to support the community, and since practically all of downtown is made up of small businesses, the support is mutual, and it shows. 

“It is crucial because it brings in local business support,” Alex, an employee at Embark Skate Shop, said. “It’s really cool that we have a college campus so close to us, tons of students come in.” 

It’s no secret that downtown Frederick can be expensive, which is why so many students appreciate the discount. 

“I like how the downtown Fredrick community supports hood college and their students by providing student discounts,” first-year Lauren Stinebaugh said. 

To see which businesses offer the discount go to the Downtown Frederick Partnership website or look for the Hood College emblem on the front of stores and restaurants.