Maryland plans to open as many as four schools for grades nine to 14 through an early college program developed by IBM.
The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) education model blends high school, college, and work experience in an integrated six-year program.
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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says in a news release that students will receive career experience and mentorship in the workplace and will be first in line for skilled jobs upon graduation through partnerships with private sector participants.
“By blending high school, college, and workplace experience, P-TECH students will gain in-demand skills that employers need in the 21st century, and employers will gain a steady pipeline of skilled professionals,” says Hogan.
The governor wants two of P-TECH schools to be in the city of Baltimore.
“The need for better training opportunities is particularly true for young people in some of our communities that are frequently not seen as a source for tech hires,” says Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “The P-TECH model can help bridge that gap and open entire new pathways for long-term career success.”
The Maryland State Department of Education, in consultation with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, will issue a request for proposals to create up to four P-TECH schools in urban and rural areas of the state.
