As students across Southern Maryland return to school, some high school juniors and seniors are jumpstarting their college careers at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) through the Early College program.
For Julianna Conte, the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school made Early College an easy choice. Now in her second year, she plans to continue her education toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with hopes of one day opening her own practice. “When I heard about the Early College Business Administration program, I thought it was made just for me,” Conte said. “The business program was convenient, but I’m also already starting my college career. It jumpstarts my education and saves a lot of money.”
The program is entirely tuition-free for participating students — Charles and Calvert County Public Schools cover tuition, fees and required course materials, with free or reduced-price meals available for qualifying students. Eligible juniors and seniors attend classes full-time at CSM, graduating with a certificate or associate degree alongside their high school diploma. Students can pursue an Associate of Science in Business Administration or a General Studies Transfer Certificate; Charles County students can also earn certificates in medical coding or pharmacy technician fields.
Credit: College of Southern Maryland
The program has grown considerably since its start. Charles County’s partnership began as a pilot in 2022, with CCPS covering roughly $694,000 in tuition and transportation costs that first year; by the 2023-24 school year, it had expanded to include all seven Charles County high schools and both juniors and seniors. Calvert County launched its own Early College partnership separately, starting as a 20-student pilot for the 2023-24 school year with five students from each of the county’s four high schools, before growing into the countywide program now in place.
Last week, CSM hosted an Early College orientation featuring workshops and presentations to introduce students to their programs and college life at CSM. The orientation welcomed nearly 150 students across the La Plata and Prince Frederick campuses to prepare for the new academic year.
Dr. Linda Forrest, assistant director of Dual Enrollment and Early College, said the program gives students a foundation to build on as they explore long-term academic and career goals. “The Early College Program can set students on an accelerated track to earn a bachelor’s degree in areas from finance and business to the healthcare field,” Forrest said. “The Department of Educational Partnerships, the Early College team, and our K-12 school system partners are privileged and proud to welcome our new Early College Hawks and families as they take these important first steps on their pathway to possibility.”
Early College student Alyssa Bartnick said the program is giving her a head start toward a future in business. She plans to continue into a business finance or accounting program at a university within CSM’s transfer agreements. “I’m graduating with my associate degree while also graduating high school,” Bartnick said. “I’m getting a lot more experience, and I’ll graduate from a university earlier than four-year students. I’m even having professors write me college recommendation letters. It’s really helpful.”
The Early College experience extends beyond the classroom. Lolisa Wind, president of the Early College Club — which launched last year to help students build community — said the experience helped her build confidence and leadership skills. “I was nervous at first asking for help, but as I got to know people, I got more comfortable asking questions,” Wind said. “Whether it’s asking your peers, professors, or staff, it’s important to get comfortable asking for help.”
Conte said her involvement with the club has helped her develop skills beyond academics. “It helped me learn time management and gave me a newfound responsibility in leadership,” she said. “Being involved in a community on campus is so fulfilling, and we want to open opportunities for that.”
Eligibility requirements and applications for the 2027-28 cycle are available on CSM’s Early College website; students must currently be rising juniors or seniors, and a lottery system is used when applications exceed available spots.
