By the time today’s seventh graders finish high school, Maryland wants each of them to have a six-year plan and a digital file that shows what they have learned.
Gov. Wes Moore announced Sept. 29 that the state has won a $9 million federal grant to build a statewide career exploration system for more than 600,000 students in grades 7 through 12, according to the Governor’s Office. The three-year grant runs from October 2026 to September 2029.
What students would get
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will build a state-owned digital platform where students plan their next six years of college and career steps. Each student will also have a “learner wallet,” a secure digital portfolio of skills, credentials, experiences and progress. The wallets will connect to Maryland’s Learning and Employment Record, a record of what students can do that is meant to be shared with colleges and employers.
The grant also expands work-based learning, including internships, student-run businesses and registered apprenticeships.
Where the money goes
More than half of the $9 million goes directly to school districts, the state said. All school systems are expected to take part by the end of year three, so some districts will start earlier than others. The MSDE Division of College and Career Pathways will lead the work with local school systems, employers, colleges and workforce partners.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Career Pathways Exploration grant program, which had $44 million available this year. States could apply once, and the Federal Register notice set a maximum award of $3 million a year. Maryland’s three years at $9 million matches that cap. The Department of Labor ran the application process for the Department of Education.
In the release, Moore said the grant gives schools state-of-the-art technology connecting students to higher education and career opportunities. State Superintendent Carey Wright said modernizing how students plan, track and show their skills strengthens college and career readiness.
What it could mean in Southern Maryland
Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s school systems will be part of the rollout, but the state has not said when each district joins or how much each will receive. The plan builds on the region’s growing career pathways work, including Charles County’s student apprenticeship program and the Road to Careers grants that went to the Tri-County Community Action Committee earlier this year.
Questions for local districts include which career-planning tools they use now, whether the new platform replaces them, and how student data in the wallets will be protected.
