Groundbreaking Scholarship Program Provides Path for Prince George’s
County Public Schools Students to Earn a UMUC Bachelor’s Degree for $10,000 or
Less
SPRINGDALE, MD – With college affordability a
major obstacle facing many high school students and families, a unique partnership
today officially launched the groundbreaking Prince George’s 3D Scholars
program (PG3D).
The scholarships allow eligible
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students to earn dual credit toward
their high school diploma and associate’s degree at Prince George’s Community
College (PGCC), and ultimately their bachelor’s degree from University of
Maryland University College (UMUC), all for $10,000 or less. For some students,
the college degrees could be free.
A Memorandum of Understanding
signing ceremony at Charles Herbert Flowers High School finalized commitments
made by the three partners and kicked off the new school year for the inaugural
class of 18 Prince George’s 3D Scholars.
Here is what the partner
institutions and state government leaders are saying about the program:
"The PG3D Scholarship
program is college affordability on steroids, said Maryland Senator Jim Rosapepe (D-College Park), a former member of
the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and the author of the
state’s early college law. “I asked UMUC, PGCC, and PGCPS to test a $10,000 BA
-- with no financial aid -- because I think it can be taken to scale, making a
bachelor’s degree affordable for thousands of Maryland students who are ready
to start early and work hard."
“We are so appreciative of the
help of our higher education partners,” said PGCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin Maxwell. “This innovative
partnership will remove financial barriers and increase access to college and
career preparation for more deserving students in Prince George’s County public
schools.”
“Students in the Prince George’s
3D Scholarship Program will begin an academic pathway that produces
well-educated graduates, addresses college affordability, and supports a
regional workforce,” said Dr. Charlene
Dukes, president of Prince George’s Community College. “This program
responds to the needs of our community, and we are proud to support such a
unique opportunity.”
“This scholarship program sends a
powerful message to our students, to their families and to all of higher
education that a future bright with promise depends on our ability to make
opportunity accessible and affordable to all who have the will and desire to
succeed,” said UMUC President Javier
Miyares. “With our partners, we continue to light the way to broader
horizons, brighter futures, and a world that is marked by learning, equality,
prosperity, and peace.
Miyares added: “We truly owe a
debt of gratitude to Maryland Senator Jim Rosapepe, who advanced the idea
behind this partnership and has advocated for it ever since.”
The PG3D Scholarship gets its
name from the three diplomas that a scholar will earn (high school diploma,
associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree). For more information about the
scholarship program, visit www.pgcps.org/3Dscholars.
Media Contacts:
John White, PGCPS
John2.White@pgcps.org or
240-691-6744
Angie Crews, PGCC
crewsad@pgcc.edu or 301-351-3197
Bob Ludwig, UMUC
robert.ludwig@umuc.edu or
301-887-7614