Like many states, Maryland’s graduation requirements are not rigorous enough to academically prepare high school students for success in college and work. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley found 60% of new freshmen at U.S. colleges and universities are unprepared for postsecondary-level work.
In 2023, we renamed and updated our legacy program to better align with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future College and Career Readiness guidelines. Maryland’s Future Pathways, formerly MD Scholars, was originally launched in 2003 in partnership with the governor’s office, the State Superintendent, and local superintendents with the goal of encouraging students to achieve academic and, ultimately, personal and professional success through rigorous coursework completion in high school. This goal is still our call to action, but the graduation requirements, the name of the program, and our recommendations have changed to help students better prepare for their future no matter the pathway.
The Maryland’s Future Pathways Program, which is endorsed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), provides a strong foundation for high school students who want to go to college or pursue a career after graduation. The program is available to public high school students in all 24 districts. Qualifying students must attain a 3.0 GPA to qualify.
Graduation Requirements
- 4 credits of English
- 4 credits of Math (Including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2)
- 3 credits of Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics (preferred))
- 3 credits of Social Science (U.S. History, World History, Government)
- 1 credit of Fine Arts
- ½ credit of Physical Education
- 1 credit of Technology Education
- 1 credit of Health
Blueprint College & Career Ready Pathways
- Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Dual enrollment or early college programs
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) program
Maryland’s Future Pathways Program Recommendations
- 2 credits of the same world language; or
- 2 credits in an approved Advanced Technology Program; or
- 3+ credits in a state-approved Career Technical Education Program; and
- 3.0 GPA
Benefits of Maryland’s Future Pathways
The benefits of undertaking rigorous coursework have almost immediate impact for students following high school graduation. According to the 2023 edition of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) annual State of College Admission report, student grades in college prep courses (77%) and strength of curriculum (64%) are again among the top three important factors in college admission decisions for first-time freshmen.
In addition, Maryland Scholars data from 2008 to 2018 shows high school students who chose rigorous coursework are, on average, more likely than non-Maryland Scholars to attend a public four-year post-secondary institution (29% vs. 9%) and remain enrolled in college through the second spring semester (90% vs. 70%). (View historical data.)
Employers also recognize the benefits of hiring professionals who have undergone rigorous coursework because it challenges high school students to develop a strong work ethic, form time management skills, improve their writing, and advance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. According to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) data from its Job Outlook 2023 survey, two of the top three attributes employers seek on candidate’s resumes are problem-solving skills (61.4%) and ability to work in a team (61%).
As the global marketplace increasingly shifts recruiting efforts, hiring managers are eager to add team members who can become their greatest competitive advantage. High school students who complete rigorous coursework tend to have stronger GPAs and complete college on time, a clear signal to employers that the individual knows how and is committed to working hard.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tell your school counselor you want to complete Maryland’s Future Pathways (formerly Maryland Scholars), and add the following courses based on your chosen CCR pathway:
— 2 credits of the same world language; or
— 2 credits in an approved Advanced Technology Program; or
— 3+ credits in a state-approved Career Technical Education Program;
Then complete the coursework with an overall 3.0 or higher GPA. Students should also take a progressively challenging math course in every grade through senior year.
Most important you will get an education that will allow you to follow almost any path you choose after high school. Many school districts are recognizing students who complete Maryland’s Future Pathways at graduation with certificates or cords.
As a completer of Maryland’s Future Pathways, you can greatly increase your chances of:
— Being admitted to – and graduating from – college
— Succeed in college-level courses and graduate on time
— Earning grant and scholarship dollars
— Increasing lifetime earning potential
— Passing entry level workplace tests
Do your best. At the first sign that you are struggling, talk to your teacher and get help. In order to comple Maryland’s Future Pathways, you must complete the specific courses and achieve at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). An occasional C will not knock you off track if you’re getting mostly all A’s and B’s. But remember, many courses build upon the previous course. For example, you must do well in Algebra 1 in order to take Algebra 2. The earlier you take and complete Algebra 1, the better.
You must pass each of the required courses to complete Maryland’s Future Pathways. If you fail one of these courses, you could take it again in summer school, evening school, or add it to your schedule the following year. It’s important to keep moving forward. Don’t give up on yourself. Ask your parents, school counselor, teachers, and friends for help.
Yes. Maryland’s Future Pathway courses include most of the courses already required by the State and your school district. You can take 7 or 8 courses each year, depending on how your school schedules classes. That means: in four years of high school, a student can earn between 28 and 32 credits. Still lots of room for those electives.
AP and Honors classes are not required to qualify, but it is to your advantage to take the most rigorous courses possible. Employers and colleges are impressed with students who take Advancement Placement and Honors classes. Sometimes you can even earn college credit for Advanced Placement classes.
Students who don’t take Algebra 2 in high school struggle with math in college and are twice as likely to drop out of college. Having a college degree will double your income over a lifetime. Most careers, even those you wouldn’t expect, require high level math skills. Even if you plan to have a career that doesn’t involve math or science, these subjects will help you to think, understand and solve everyday problems better. The processes and discipline learned in math and science will benefit you in life.
Go talk to your counselor, preferably before the new semester classes begin. If, for instance, you signed up for Physics and ended up instead in a general science class, let your counselor know that you need Physics (or another strong lab science) in order to complete Maryland’s Future Pathways. Get your parents involved if need be.
MBRT Next Generation Scholars Grant
How Can I Get Involved?
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