September 6, 2017
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
First-Day Focus: Capital Improvements, Collaboration with Business and Community Partners
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) ushered in the 2017-2018 school year with innovative education investments as more than 132,000 students filled classrooms across the county.
“As we start a new school year, we are excited to expand academic offerings and complete our largest facilities project in recent years,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell. “Thanks to our business and community partners, our students have access to innovative academic programs that prepare them for real-world opportunities. These investments support our mission to prepare every student for the world beyond our doors.”
Dr. Maxwell started the day at the new Fairmont Heights High School, located at 6501 Columbia Park Road in Landover. The original Fairmont Heights, the first in the county to serve African American students, opened in 1950.
The newly constructed $93.7 million school features 93,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities including an academy of environmental studies with rooftop garden; academies of informational technology and performing arts; a health suite and wellness center; 3,000 square feet of space for students in special education and English language learner programs; new soccer and baseball fields; and a stadium with artificial turf and full sports athletic field lighting.
Dr. Maxwell later joined Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) president Dr. Charlene Dukes and University of Maryland University College (UMUC) president Javier Miyares at Charles H. Flowers High School in Springdale to officially launch the 3D Scholars program, making it possible for students to earn a bachelor’s degree for $10,000 or less.
The 3D Scholars program leverages dual enrollment and positions graduates to transition to PGCC to complete their associate degree, after which they are awarded a scholarship to UMUC to complete their bachelor’s degree. Courses of study include business administration, criminal justice, computer networks and cybersecurity.
Dr. Maxwell ended the day with PGCPS business partners Marriott and Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center at Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro to announce two new Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH). Douglass is the first school in Maryland where two cohorts of students are enrolled in a pair of P-TECH schools, making it possible for 60 students to earn their high school diplomas, associate degrees and professional certifications in Health Information Management and Hospitality Services Management.
The six-year P-TECH education model blends high school, college and workplace experiences, creating clear pathways from high school to college to careers for young people from all academic backgrounds. The P-TECH cohorts at Douglass are the first for PGCPS.
2017-2018 Highlights: Innovation and Collaboration
Academic Excellence
Capital Improvements
Career and Technology Education
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