September 6, 2017
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
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
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