About the College Access program
MBRT, in partnership with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, is working to increase the number of middle school students aware of the interconnectedness of academic preparation, college coursework, and careers goals, and who take action to become college-/career-ready.
The College Access program is an opportunity to reach students earlier to deliver this very important message.
Purpose
- Motivate and raise student awareness of college expectations or qualifications.
- Raise student intent to become a Maryland Scholar.
- Send a positive message to students that what they do in school is important to their future.
The need
The quality of our future workforce is at the heart of our ability to compete and prosper in the global economy of the 21st century. Our young people need to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, however, we are still finding that many of Maryland’s students are not taking the rigorous courses needed to enter – much less succeed in – college or today’s workforce.
By the year 2020, 67% of the available jobs will require a career certificate or college degree, but only 45% of Maryland adults currently have an associates or bachelor’s degree or higher. We continue to experience high unemployment (9.1%) in the United States; however college graduates have fared better (4.3%) than their peers with only a high school diploma.
To ensure our young people are prepared for what lies ahead of them after high school, they need to have a better understanding of career options, what it takes to quality for them and begin preparing at an earlier age – which is what the College Access program is designed to do.
Program areas
In 2011, the Achievement Counts Speakers Bureau is expanding to the highest need schools in 6 school districts:
- Allegany County
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Dorchester County
- Prince George’s County
- Somerset County
To sign up or to get more information, visit the Sign Up page or contact Nona Carroll today!
Thank you for participating.
