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Program Completion

Definition:
The percentage of high school graduates who successfully completed the minimum course requirements needed to enter the University System of Maryland, to complete an approved Career and Technology Education program, or who completed requirements for both.

Percentage of High School Graduates who Meet the Requirements to Enter the University of MD System, Complete a Career and Technology Program, or Both, by Academic Year
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
University of MD 57.0% 57.6% 55.7% 60.1% 55.3% 55.3% 58.4% 57.9% 61.2% 60.0%
Career & Technology 13.4% 12.3% 12.7% 10.8% 10.3% 9.3% 9.1% 9.4% 8.1% 8.1%
Both 12.1% 12.5% 13.2% 10.7% 9.6% 9.7% 10.2% 11.6% 11.1% 12.2%
Total 82.5% 82.4% 81.6% 81.6% 75.2% 74.3% 77.7% 78.9% 80.4% 80.3%

Data Source: Data compiled by the Maryland State Department of Education

Story Behind the Data:

Between 2004 and 2014, the percentage of graduates who completed the requirements for both the University System of Maryland and the Career and Technology Education program increased, from 10.0% to 12.2%.  These students are demonstrating college and career readiness through a strong academic and technical program completion.  During that same time, the percentage of students completing the University System of Maryland requirements increased from 54.5% to 60.0% in 2014, and students completing just the requirements for a Career and Technology Education program remained constant at 8.1%.

Career and Technology Education programs are updated and expanded to reflect the changing requirements for career entry and success.  Working with business and industry partners, as well as with institutions of higher education, MSDE supports 43 State CTE Programs of Study. These programs provide expanded opportunities for students to gain the academic and technical skills for entry into a career pathway.

CTE programs prepare graduates for a broad range of career opportunities based on Maryland’s economy.  For example, the fastest growing CTE programs are in the areas of pre-engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science  – key industry sectors with expanding opportunities in Middle-Skills jobs and advanced STEM careers.  MSDE encourages all students to complete both options so they are college and career ready.

To ensure that Maryland students are prepared for college and competitive in a modern economy, all students are encouraged to explore a range of career fields and to take advantage of early college credit options through AP Exam credit, CTE program articulation, and Dual Enrollment – taking college courses as a part of the high school program.  As a result, more high school graduates are getting a jump start on college and career success.

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