LA PLATA, Md. — Dozens of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2025 students earned college degrees and certificates before their high school graduations through the Early College Program, a partnership with the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). On May 9, 2025, these students participated in CSM’s 66th spring commencement at the La Plata campus, celebrating their achievements in business management and general studies.
The Early College Program allows juniors and seniors to take college courses while completing high school requirements. Juniors in the two-year track can earn an associate of applied science in business management, a medical coding certificate, or a pharmacy technician certificate. Seniors in the one-year program pursue a general studies transfer certificate, preparing them for four-year institutions. CCPS covers tuition, fees, course materials, transportation, and boxed lunches, saving students up to $10,000 in college costs. The program, detailed on the CCPS website, also introduces participants to campus life and CSM’s support services.
Fifty-one CCPS seniors earned an associate of applied science in business management, with many also receiving a business management certificate. Standouts included Cadence Tolbert of Maurice J. McDonough High School, who received CSM’s Business Management Academic Excellence Award, and Delphine Emmanuelle Fonke of Westlake High School, a student speaker at the commencement. Others, like Layla Carrino, Lydia Chandler, and Joleen Wang, graduated with honors or high honors. Seven students—Zanaiyah Curtis, Niya Lewis, Josiah Moore, Aliyah Nichols, Nishtha Patel, Saniya Pettus, and Janiaya Simms—earned additional letters of recognition in business management. Joel Brevard of Thomas Stone High School secured a business management certificate.
Thirty-six students earned a general studies transfer certificate, enabling them to apply to four-year colleges based on their college coursework. Notable recipients included Jerbauri McFadden of La Plata High School, elected CSM student government association treasurer, and Aliya Queen of McDonough, who graduated with highest honors. Kennedi Jones-Scott of Henry E. Lackey High School and Lauren Sanders of La Plata also earned high honors. The program’s structure supports seamless transitions to higher education, fulfilling general education requirements.
CCPS students integrated fully into CSM’s campus life. Several joined the Kappa Beta Delta Honor Society for business programs, and La Plata’s McFadden and Wang served as CSM student government officers. Four Early College students held leadership roles in CSM’s Business and Accounting Club. The program’s benefits extend beyond academics, offering real-world college experiences and professional networking opportunities.
The Early College Program, launched to accelerate academic and career pathways, has grown in popularity. Students from St. Charles, La Plata, Westlake, McDonough, North Point, Lackey, and Thomas Stone high schools participated, reflecting countywide engagement. For example, St. Charles contributed 13 associate degree recipients, while Westlake had nine. The program’s financial support removes barriers, making higher education accessible to diverse students.
Since its inception, the CCPS-CSM partnership has enabled hundreds of students to earn college credits early, reducing the time and cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science prepares graduates for immediate workforce entry or further study, while the transfer certificate aligns with four-year college requirements. CSM’s La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick campuses provide flexible access for CCPS students, with transportation ensuring connectivity.
