Education Policy

Early College High School Program Targets Underserved Populations in Maryland

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed legislation to expand the state’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program, which allows students to earn a college degree while in high school.

• By Sara Friedman
• 05/15/19

Maryland is investing in the education needs of underserved communities to provide more students with good jobs and successful careers. On May 13, Maryland Governor signed legislation to expand the state’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Program. The initiative allows students to take college courses while still in high school and graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree within six years or less at no cost to the student.

“We are proud to expand the innovative P-TECH program to give even more deserving children hope and opportunities,” said Hogan. “P-TECH is one of the most creative and effective approaches to education I have seen. It doesn’t just strengthen our education system, it also strengthens our economy, making it easier for employers to find workers with the right skills to fill in-demand jobs.”

There are currently five P-TECH collaborations in five counties across the state. The new law would expand the program to make the program available to three more counties. There are currently nearly 600 students signed up for the P-TECH program across Maryland.

In addition to earning a degree, P-TECH students are matched with industry mentors and have the ability to participate in workplace visits and internships.

More information on Maryland’s P-TECH program can be found here.