Member Sponsored Briefing: Reimagining Maryland High School Schedules to Support College and Career

Maryland is preparing to pilot new, career-connected high school scheduling models beginning in the 2026–27 school year and this moment presents an important opportunity for Baltimore City Public Schools students.  

To support these efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is launching a Proof of Concept Study to test a State Board approved scheduling model that rethinks how time, credit, and the school day can be redesigned to expand access to apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and work-based learning, without requiring students to choose between school and work or college and career. 

A core component of the study is the intentional elevation of student voice, particularly students who are disengaged, at risk of leaving school, or considered opportunity youth. Student insights will directly inform policy, practice, and scaling decisions before statewide implementation. 

For Baltimore-based funders invested in education equity, workforce development, and youth economic mobility, this work supports efforts to: 

• Reduce the percentage of opportunity youth and increase postsecondary and career participation and outcomes for youth; and 
• Center youth voice as a driver of system design. 

All funders are invited to join this conversation to learn, ask questions, and explore how local philanthropy can engage at this early and influential stage of systems change. 

This briefing is sponsored by The Annie E. Casey Foundation and is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests.