Press Release: State Seeks Proposals From Eastern Shore, Western Maryland For P-Tech - (REVISED)

MSDE Looking for Local School System Partnerships for Acclaimed Program

For Immediate Release                                        Contact: William Reinhard, 410.767.0486

Baltimore, MD (January 15, 2016)

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is seeking applicants for planning grants leading to two new P-TECH schools.

School systems from Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, or Washington Counties) and the Eastern Shore (nine counties, including Cecil) are eligible for the $150,000 grants contingent on the availability of funds.  Eligible systems must partner with one or more higher education institutions and an employer.

The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) education model, co-developed by IBM, is an innovative, nationally recognized approach that blends high school, college, and work experience in one. P-TECH schools offer students an integrated six-year education program that combines high school, college, and workplace skills required for 21st-century jobs. Graduates from Maryland’s P-TECH schools will earn their high school diploma and a two-year postsecondary degree from an accredited community college. These students will also benefit from career experience and mentorship in the workplace through partnerships with private-sector participants.

Governor Larry Hogan announced the P-TECH program last November.  During that announcement, the Governor noted that Baltimore City also will benefit from two P-TECH schools.  IBM, Johns Hopkins Health System, and Kaiser Permanente will partner with the Baltimore City Community College and the Baltimore City Public Schools through a direct Memorandum of Understanding for planning grants totaling $150,000 per school, also contingent on the availability of funds.

Proposals are due on April 15, with selection occurring in May. For more information about the P-TECH model, go to http://www.ptechnyc.org/Page/1. Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Request for Grant Proposals.

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