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Andrew C. Wilson
Program Coordinator
Andrew_C_Wilson@mcpsmd.org

CREA Office: 240-740-5295

Department of Academic Programs → Career Readiness Education Academy + (CREA+)

Career Readiness Education Academy +
(CREA+)

Career Readiness Education Academy + (CREA+) Career Readiness Education Academy + (CREA+) is an academic and career readiness education program for older English learners in MCPS. Students in CREA+ are provided with opportunities to prepare for the GED exam, learn valuable work skills, and earn industry certifications. Students are referred to CREA if they are at least 18 years old and unlikely to meet all graduation requirements prior to turning 21 and if they are interested in pursuing an alternative pathway to a high school diploma via GED preparation.

The CREA program is currently offered at Thomas Edison High School of Technology as an evening program. The evening program option provides flexibility for students to continue their education on a schedule that best meets their needs. All CREA students have the opportunity to continue their education in MCPS until they turn 21. Students who participate in the program are considered full-time MCPS students.

The + option enables students who need to recover missing credits to stay on track for graduation. These students agree to stay after school and work to recover high school credits in a variety of subject areas. Teachers work with students in small groups so they can meet their high school credit requirements and graduate on time.

Mission

The CREA+ Program provides high-quality education, workforce development, and wraparound services that enable older Emergent Multilingual Learners in MCPS to realize their educational and career dreams while strengthening and contributing positively to our community. In addition, the + program gives all high school students the opportunity to recover class credit in a supportive afterschool environment with the goal of graduating on time.

Instructional Philosophy

CREA staff approaches learning from a foundation of respect, empathy, and admiration for all students.  We utilize a trauma-informed, asset-based approach to instruction by intentionally creating safe and inclusive spaces to implement translanguaging pedagogy in academic and workforce development courses.

Student Eligibility

Students are eligible for enrollment in the CREA day or evening program if they:

  • are residents of Montgomery County and enrolled in a MCPS high school
  • are 18 years old or older by the first day of the school year
  • are enrolled in an English language development program in MCPS
  • are unlikely to meet Maryland state graduation requirements by the end of the academic year in which the student turns 21, based on a completed graduation plan regarding the 4-year or 5-year cohort options
  • are interested in pursuing an alternative pathway to a high school diploma through General Education Diploma (GED) preparation. 

CREA Evening Program

Where: Thomas Edison High School of Technology

When: Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Transportation: Central stops

Most students in the CREA evening program work during the day. Students take academic classes, such as English Language Development, mathematical reasoning, and GED preparation, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.  Students take career and technical education courses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Students in the evening CREA program receive instruction in one of five career pathways:

Program Offerings and Additional Supports

The CREA+ program provides additional support for students and their families by facilitating access to additional services, such as resources for housing, health and wellness, and legal services. CREA+ partners with various community agencies along with the School Based Wellness Centers and Identity, Inc. to provide comprehensive case management for all students.

  • CREA+ GED preparation classes aligned to GED indicators
  • Onsite GED testing services
  • CREA+ CTE classes aligned to industry recognized certifications
  • Fulltime MCPS social worker and EML therapeutic counselor
  • Bilingual program staff and instructional support
  • Regular cultural field trips and/or guest speakers
  • GED testing vouchers free of cost to MCPS students enrolled in the CREA program (all student fees for CTE testing and certifications, uniforms, transportation, and meals are provided by MCPS).

Referral Process

The CREA referral form (MCPS Form 280-82) should be completed by a staff member who works with the student being referred to the program.  Once the referral form is complete, attach supporting materials and submit all documents to Tania_E_Perez-fuentes@mcpsmd.org. CREA staff will schedule an intake meeting with the referred students and their parents/guardians.  After the intake meeting, CREA staff will communicate enrollment decisions to home school staff. 

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