New Program Provides $6,000 College Scholarships for All Early Maryland High School Graduates
“The best and most important part of this program is that it makes college more affordable and more accessible for Maryland students and families,” said Governor Hogan. “It’s also a smart use of tax dollars. By encouraging high-achieving students to complete high school a year early, the state can reallocate what would have been spent on a student’s last year of public high school, and help with the first year of college instead.”
Last year, 1,065 students across Maryland graduated prior to the start of 12th grade. Since 2010, an average of approximately 1,000 students have graduated early.
This new program will be administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and will be available to students planning to enter college in the fall of 2016. Eligible applicants for the scholarship must be residents of Maryland and enrolled at a publicly supported school on a full-time equivalency basis.
Additionally, participating students must meet the requirements set forth by the Maryland State Board of Education for granting a high school diploma by the end of grade 11. Applicants for the scholarship must secure acceptance to an approved postsecondary educational institution within six months of graduating high school.
Since taking office, Governor Hogan has consistently advocated for innovative educational solutions to help ensure that every Maryland child has access to a great education. Other key education initiatives from the Hogan administration over the past year include the Maryland Education Tax Credit and the Public Charter School Improvement Act of 2015 legislation and the launch of P-TECH schools in Maryland and the Bard High School Early College Program.
6 comments:
Great idea. I have been saying this for years, high school should be transitioned to a three year program. In a 4 block schedule, students have 32 opportunities to earn 21 credits. Way too much wasted time and money.
No doubt that someone will throw a racist tag on this legislation because of graduation percentage difference between blacks and whites.
Awesome idea. Solid stuff, Governor!
This is a fantastic measure: however, when he going to put an end to Common Core in Maryland? Texas has refused CC for their system, so we know it can be done. CC is dummying down future generations, making them less equipped for college curriculum demands and faculty expectations.
The state needs in increase the grad requirement credits to 24-28. MD has one of the lowest. Kids need the experiences of their senior year. We are too quick to make our kids grow up and join the workforce. Let them be kids.
Could be a win-win. Johnny or Susie who work at being students could move to next level based on accomplishment. Scholarship amount is less than what school district would receive to keep them in fourth year.
Funds would still be there for less focused HS students.
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