The Program

Northwood High School re-opened in 2003 and at its core is a collaboration with the University of Maryland that was developed with student achievement in mind. This collaboration allows direct student and teacher involvement between the high school and the university, with visiting professors, university student tutors, teacher interns, campus visits, and college classes for academically eligible high school students, among many other new and innovative programs.

One of the main goals of this program is to make college a viable reality for those students who might not otherwise see it as an opportunity. To this end, the University of Maryland, College Park has collaborated with Northwood High School to enroll a number of academically eligible students in university courses taught on the university campus during their senior year at Northwood. This program will allow those students to receive support within Northwood through a class devoted specifically to the needs of students enrolled in both high school and college. Students will also receive support while at the University through a mentoring program. This support will help to ensure the students’ continued success throughout the program and beyond, instructing them on the skills needed to be a successful student in college.

The Need

Many students have spent their childhood working hard and studying hard, getting good grades, and doing the right thing for their futures. As high school graduation looms closer on the horizon, they have begun researching careers, colleges, and universities. During this research, they are suddenly confronted by the cold hard fact: “College is expensive.” So expensive, in fact, that many of these students never again consider it a viable option for their future.

With over 25% of Northwood’s students receiving free or reduced meal service, the economic need is great, while the academic performance of our students continues to rise. The 2008 Northwood Early College Cohort group of students has a collective 84% grade point average, for example.

This success needs to continue.

With your help, it can.

The Benefits

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the average yearly salary for a student graduating from a four-year college or university is $20,000 higher than that of a high school graduate. That means the college graduate has $20,000 more to spend within the community.

According to Jobs for the Future, a non-profit research, consulting, and advocacy organization currently supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, “Early college high schools have the potential to improve graduation rates and better prepare students for entry into high-skill careers by engaging all students in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum and compressing the number of years to a college degree.”

Northwood’s Early College Program follows that recommended model, rigorously preparing students for college and career, as well as supporting their academic and personal goals during their transition from high school to college.

How Can I Help?

A one-semester course for one student costs $1,000. Donations are accepted in ANY amount, however.

Donations to the scholarship program are tax deductible. Donors will receive a standard donation letter specifying the amount donated for use on your taxes. Checks should be made payable to Northwood High School, and should state “Northwood Scholarship Program” in the memo line. Donors will also be listed in the 2007-2008 Yearbook as donors at a specific level.

Sponsorship Levels

Caesar	Over $2,000
Roman Senator	One student for one year, two semesters, $2,000
Gladiator	One Student for one semester, $1,000
Coliseum	Up to $500
Chariot	any other amount

For more information, please contact Michael Sullivan, Academy Coordinator at Northwood High School at 301/649-8153 or by e-mail.