All rising eighth graders attending Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) can apply to join one of two Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways — Project Lead the Way (PLTW): Engineering or PLTW: Biomedical Science. The application will open in the fall for eighth graders who will begin one of the PLTW pathways as a high school freshman. The pathways are among several others available to students interested in CTE.

The programs offer hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for college and careers. While the pathways were previously available at every high school without an application, they are now regionalized to better support students with stronger resources, specialized instruction and expanded opportunities.

Students who are zoned to attend La Plata, Henry E. Lackey and Maurice J. McDonough high schools will attend La Plata if they are selected for the PLTW: Biomedical Science pathway. Those enrolled in the pathway who are zoned to attend North Point, St. Charles, Thomas Stone or Westlake high schools will go to Westlake.

Students accepted into the PLTW: Engineering pathway who are zoned for La Plata, Lackey or McDonough will go to Lackey. Those zoned to attend North Point, St. Charles, Thomas Stone or Westlake will attend Thomas Stone for the pathway.

Because of the change to the programs, students — starting with those who will be in eighth grade in the 2025-2026 school year — must apply to participate. The process ensures students are placed at schools best equipped to deliver high-quality experiences in the engineering and biomedical science fields. High school students who are currently enrolled in the two pathways will continue to go to the school they now attend. 

As of the 2025-2026 school year, there is no cap on the number of students who can enroll in the two programs. However, enrollment in future school years may need to be limited depending on the number of applicants.

Eighth-grade students complete career exploration lessons in September and October while developing individual career plans. In October, middle schools hold information sessions for parents about CTE with open houses set before the application window opens from Oct. 23 to Nov. 13. In December, students complete CTE interest surveys with acceptance, waitlist or denial information available in February.

For a closer look at the pathways and more information, view https://vimeo.com/ccpstv/pltwchanges?share=copy. View the CTE site at https://www.ccboe.com/departments/career-and-technical-education.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).