PRESS RELEASE: New PGCPS, PGCC & County Partnership to Bring Tuition-Free College Courses into Every High School
November 19, 2025
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Dual in the Schools’ expansion to increase equitable access to college credit in every school, save families thousands in tuition and create new growth opportunities for PGCPS educators
UPPER MARLBORO, Md., November 19, 2025 — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), in partnership with Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), County Executive Aisha Braveboy and the Prince George’s County Council today announced an expansion of its Dual in the Schools (DITS) program, now slated to bring tuition-free college courses into every high school by the 2026–2027 school year.
The initiative lets students earn both high school and college credit during the regular school day. It’s now offered in five high schools and will expand to nine this school year, reaching all 25 high schools next school year. The program focuses on English, math, science, and social studies, with courses taught in high school classrooms by PGCPS educators credentialed as PGCC adjunct professors.
By expanding this program districtwide, PGCPS is increasing equitable access to college credit, reducing future tuition costs for families, and providing students a stronger, more seamless transition from high school to higher education.
“Expanding Dual in the Schools means expanding access, equity and readiness,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “Every student, in every high school, should have the chance to take college courses and earn credit toward their future. This program strengthens the bridge from high school to higher education and prepares students to graduate ready for one of the Four E’s — employed, enrolled, enlisted or an entrepreneur.”
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Dr. Falecia D. Williams, President of Prince George’s Community College |
Crossland High School students, along with their peers across the county, will have access to tuition-free college courses in their school building beginning next school year. |
Crossland High School senior O’Marie Barnes, the 2025 – 26 Student Member of the State Board of Education, said this initiative speaks to a reality students know well — opportunities are out there, but barriers often stand in the way.
"This helps answer the questions of how they’ll get there and how they’ll pay for it, while also allowing them to save money and time," Barnes said.
Crossland High School senior O’Marie Barnes, 2025–26 Student Member of the State Board of Education
Blending college coursework with high school instruction, DITS and the broader dual enrollment program give students a head start on their futures. Students gain confidence, earn transferable college credits, and in many cases, reduce time and costs toward a degree.
“The Dual in the Schools expansion is another vision that has been made real as my administration prioritizes achieving a world-class education system for our young people, and one that demonstrates how we elevate the County when we work together,” County Executive Aisha Braveboy said. “Prince George’s County students are extremely talented and brilliant; they are our future and our first priority. They deserve strategic investments into their future and academic advancement, which is what Dual in the Schools is. I am thrilled by each new opportunity that we can provide for families and students pursuing higher education.”
DITS directly supports Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, advancing two pillars: Pillar 2, High Quality Teachers and Leaders, by offering educators new professional growth opportunities as PGCC adjuncts, and Pillar 3, College and Career Readiness, by expanding dual enrollment pathways that prepare students for success beyond high school.
High school educators selected for the program will teach college courses during the regular school day while continuing in their current roles, enhancing professional development and directly impacting student success.
“Public education is under attack by the Trump administration as it continues to eliminate grants and federal programs that help Black and Brown students. Expanding DITS was a top priority for me because it’s needed in our county now more than ever,” said Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward Burroughs III. “Offering students college courses free of charge will save families thousands of dollars and provide students a jump start on their higher education. I’m so proud that our county government, PGCPS, and PGCC came together to make this a reality for our students.”
High school specialty program applications for the 2026–2027 school year — many which combine college coursework with internships and industry certifications — are open through December 12 for Career and Technical Education (CTE), Academy of Health Sciences (AHS), 3D Scholars, International Baccalaureate (IB), and P-TECH.
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