Post-College and Career Readiness Pathways
Three Distinct Pathways
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future defines three distinct pathways for students to complete Post-College and Career Readiness (CCR) requirements. Pathways include a competitive entry college preparatory program, early college or dual enrollment program, or a career and technical education program.
Advanced Placement Pathway
Students can pursue college-level studies while still in high school through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With qualifying AP exam scores, students can earn college credits, placement or both.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Students in high school can take Career Technical Education (CTE) courses that provide students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training.
Dual Enrollment /
Early College
Qualified juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit free of charge at the College of Southern MD (CSM) while also attending high school.
Students take college classes on the CSM La Plata Campus their junior and/or senior year, while simultaneously fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.
Virtual Information Meetings
The Office of Teaching and Learning held virtual information meetings in October 2025, for middle and high school parents and students interested in learning about Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, the Advanced Placement (AP) pathway, and the college dual enrollment/early college programs. During the meeting, CCPS staff explained the application timeline and outlined the requirements for the different programs. The Career Exploration program, which begins in sixth grade and helps students develop individual career exploration plans, was discussed.
High School Virtual Meeting Information
Meeting Presentation
Meeting Recording
Middle School Virtual Meeting Information
Meeting Presentation
