The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated a milestone this month as 49 high school students graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Business Management through the inaugural Early College Program cohort. Launched in fall 2023, the program allows Charles County high school juniors to pursue college degrees while completing high school requirements. The May 9 commencement saw these students, including standout speaker Emma Fonke, earn their associate degrees weeks before receiving high school diplomas.
Fonke, a Westlake High School graduate, delivered a compelling address, urging classmates to seize opportunities. “Take everything you’ve gained here; every skill, every friendship, every lesson, and use it,” she said. “Don’t let these sit neglected on a shelf. Apply what you have gained. Challenge yourself. Speak up, even when you’re scared. Go after what scares you a little, because that’s where growth awaits. And most importantly, show up; not just for others, but for yourself.”
Fonke’s journey exemplifies the program’s promise. Starting her junior year, she joined the first cohort, balancing high school and college coursework. Her efforts earned her a full scholarship to St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology this fall. Though shifting from business, Fonke emphasized the degree’s value. “I’m incredibly grateful for the business degree I have earned at CSM,” she said. “Every class in this program taught me something valuable, whether it was to manage resources, lead a team, or think critically in high-pressure situations. Those skills are universal. They’ll stay with me through every job, every challenge, and every opportunity to grow.”
The Early College Business Management track, exclusive to Charles County students, faced initial challenges, such as aligning college and high school schedules. Business department chair Tony Stout noted the program’s success, highlighting students’ leadership in campus organizations like the Business and Accounting club and the Student Government Association. Many excelled academically, earning honors such as Kappa Beta Delta membership and admission to prestigious institutions like the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. “This is the first time we’ve had a focused early college program that takes a group of students directly from high school,” Stout said. “Many of my faculty report to me now that early college students are some of the best students they have.”
Cadence Tolbert, another graduate, received the Business Management Academic Excellence Award. She valued the program’s flexibility, noting, “I have learned that business management skills can be applied universally, like how human resource management skills can be used in both professional and personal situations.” Similarly, Carla Jones, who graduated at 17, praised the degree’s versatility. “It’s such a versatile degree that can open up many opportunities to different industries and career paths,” she said. “The Early College experience was really positive and gave me a great learning opportunity to grow personally and academically. I’m very proud to say that I’ll be graduating with my associate’s degree at 17 years old.”
The program’s structure allows students to earn college credits while fulfilling high school requirements, offering a head start on higher education. The business management track, introduced in 2023, builds on CSM’s established Early College framework, which has supported dual enrollment for years. The cohort’s success underscores the program’s potential to prepare students for diverse career paths, from business to biology.
CSM’s initiative reflects a growing trend in dual-enrollment programs, enabling high school students to gain college credentials early. The 49 graduates, including Fonke, Tolbert, and Jones, represent the first wave of this focused business track, setting a precedent for future cohorts. Their achievements highlight the program’s role in fostering academic excellence and practical skills applicable across industries.
