BALTIMORE – Maryland wants to make certain a higher percentage of the State\u2019s working population has the benefit of postsecondary education. The Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, in partnership with the American Council on Education, are sponsoring the Maryland College Application Campaign (MCAC), October 23-27.<\/p>\n
The MCAC\u2019s goal is to increase the number of students who are applying to college early in their senior year, particularly students from families that have never attended college or may be from low socio-economic circumstances. The college campaign also focuses on unaccompanied and foster care youth, students in the juvenile education system, special education students, and others underrepresented in higher education.<\/p>\n
Maryland is implementing a comprehensive and supportive process that culminates in students\u2019 acceptance into a postsecondary institution. Dozens of high schools in 19 Maryland school systems are taking part in the MCAC.<\/p>\n
\u201cEducation beyond high school is critical for both our high school graduates and the needs of Maryland employers,\u201d said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. \u201cFor many of today’s careers, an Associate\u2019s Degree is an entry level credential. More of our students must take advantage of this golden opportunity to take the next step.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the MCAC, students receive special assistance when applying to any of Maryland\u2019s community colleges, independent colleges, private career schools, public universities, and out-of-state colleges and universities. The initiative includes working with staff from the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Gear-Up) and school counselors to prepare students for the rigorous college application process. It also establishes a formal partnership with College Goal Maryland and the Maryland Higher Education Commission to assist with completing financial aid applications.<\/p>\n
Starting in October and continuing through March, College Goal Maryland and Maryland Higher Education Commission staff and volunteers will provide guided assistance in completing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. In addition, professionals working with College Goal Maryland and the Maryland Higher Education Commission will assist parents\/guardians and students in understanding financial aid resources, the financial aid application process, and how to access information regarding statewide student services and admission requirements.<\/p>\n
The MCAC is part of American College Application week, which takes place nationwide. In 2014, Maryland piloted the effort with 21 high schools representing seven local school systems. By last year, participation had grown to 114 schools in 18 systems.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s participation marks a new record, with 127 schools participating from the following school systems: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George\u2019s, Queen Anne\u2019s, Somerset, St. Mary\u2019s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico. The Juvenile Education Services has 13 facilities included in the total number of participating sites.<\/p>\n
The MCAC process culminates with participating high schools holding College Decision Day events in May. Maryland plans to implement this initiative statewide.<\/p>\n
The MCAC has launched Facebook and Twitter sites to allow schools to upload pictures, comments, and videos promoting the MCAC events and activities. Visit the MCAC social media sites on Facebook<\/a> at Maryland College Application Campaign, and on Twitter<\/a> at @mcacampaign. Students may also send blog items to info.msde@maryland.gov<\/a>. The campaign is using the Hashtag: #MDcollegestrong. Students are invited to write a short blog reflecting on what access to this opportunity means to them. The MCAC webpage also has extensive resources to support students and families and may be accessed at www.marylandpublicschools.org\/mdcac<\/a>.<\/p>\n