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.

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.

About the Author

Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe covering education policy and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.

Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.

Friedman can be contacted at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.

Click here for previous articles by Friedman.


Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • blue AI cloud connected to circuit lines, a server stack, and a shield with a padlock icon

    Report: AI Security Controls Lag Behind Adoption of AI Cloud Services

    According to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Wiz, nearly nine out of 10 organizations are already using AI services in the cloud — but fewer than one in seven have implemented AI-specific security controls.

  • lightbulb

    Call for Speakers Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

    The annual virtual conference from the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal will return on Sept. 25, 2025, with a focus on emerging trends in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI implementation, IT leadership, building resilience, and more.