Governor Moore Announces $5 Million in Grants to Boost First-Generation College Access

Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant investment of $5 million in grants aimed at enhancing access to post-secondary education for first-generation students across Maryland. These funds will be channeled through the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative seeks to bolster community-led programs designed to create more accessible pathways to employment and economic advancement for low-income students in high-poverty school districts.

The Next Generation Scholars program, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2016, supports students who are eligible for the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant. Participating students are connected with local non-profit organizations that offer a comprehensive suite of services. These services include mentoring, academic tutoring, mental health support, leadership development, and crucial college and career readiness programming. The program employs a cohort-based model, identifying students as early as the eighth grade to receive sustained support through high school and into their initial year of post-secondary education. This early intervention is considered vital for placing students in a strong position to succeed.

The grant awards are intended to bolster programs that align with the administration’s broader goals of combating childhood poverty and supporting the development of young men and boys. Among the recipients are organizations affiliated with the ENOUGH Initiative, which focuses on neighborhoods with a high concentration of child poverty, including the Latin American Youth Center and The Y in Central Maryland. Additionally, organizations primarily serving young men and boys, such as Next One Up, the United Way of Central Maryland, and the Sanctuary Collective, will benefit from this funding.

A review panel, comprising representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, recommended funding for 13 distinct organizations. These organizations will serve various regions and populations across the state. The selected recipients include CollegeBound Foundation, First Generation College Bound, Goucher College, Higher Achievement, It Takes A Village to Help Our Children, KIPP Baltimore, Latin American Youth Center/Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, Next One Up Foundation, The Sanctuary Collective, The United Way of Central Maryland, University of Maryland Baltimore, and The Y in Central Maryland.

The initiatives supported by these grants aim to address the social, academic, and career needs of young people at the neighborhood level. By empowering community-led organizations, the program seeks to provide essential resources and opportunities. For businesses, this investment is seen as crucial for developing a future-ready workforce. The program’s commitment to early career and college visualization tools is intended to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in their chosen paths.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore.

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