Hogan announces grants for first 6 P-Tech schools

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Gov. Larry Hogan Friday announced $600,000 in grants that will be used to develop the first six high schools focused on helping students earn a high school diploma and an associate degree while also working in the private sector.

Hogan in November announced the program, known as P-TECH or Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in East Baltimore. The General Assembly passed legislation creating the program in Maryland, which the governor signed last month.

Baltimore city will be the first to offer the program starting in the 2016-2017 school year. Four other schools are expected to open a year later in Allegany, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Prince George’s counties. Prince George’s will offer two schools.

“Every child in Maryland deserves access to a world-class education and P-TECH is a truly innovative approach to improving education in disadvantaged areas,” said Governor Hogan. “By blending high school, college, and workplace experience, P-TECH students will master in-demand skills and employers will benefit from a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.”

Local school systems will select the schools that will pilot the program.

Students take part in a personalized, six-year integrated curriculum heavy on science, technology, engineering and math and are paired with mentors from partner business.

The first P-Tech school, developed by the IBM Foundation, opened in New York City in 2012. Students are not handpicked for the program and there are no academic requirements to participate.

The IBM Foundation promised in November to provide access to its curriculum and other websites and materials for companies who join the program.