History and Organization

1. Why was the Collaboration established?

In 2003, University of Maryland President Dan Mote and Superintendent Jerry Weast of Montgomery County Public Schools signed a memorandum of understanding to create a collaborative learning community of students and parents at both the University of Maryland (UM) and Northwood High School (NHS). This collaboration offers a hybrid early college/high school model: an opportunity for high school students to take college classes as part of their high school curriculum, and for college students to gain experience in service, mentoring, and teaching.

NHS closed in 1985 and reopened in the fall of 2004, at which point the school began accepting 9th grade students.  Students living in the Downcounty Consortium area of Montgomery County have the option of choosing one of five high schools to attend, based on the collaborations, academies, and themes unique to each. NHS, located only a few miles from UM, is ideally situated to offer its students the opportunity to participate in this educational collaboration. Both high school and college participants will be better prepared for the successful pursuit of higher education, meaningful employment, and leadership roles in the community.

2. What are the major components of the program?

At the University of Maryland, the program includes opportunities for students to participate in:

1. Service-learning activities in which students may put service and leadership theory into practice.
2. Internships for students in the College of Education to serve as student teachers at Northwood.

At Northwood High School, the program offers NHS students and parents opportunities to gain equitable access to UM faculty, staff, students, and resources. Specifically, the Collaboration provides:

1. Access to higher education by giving students the knowledge and tools access to higher education and to make attending college a reality.
2. Improved transition from high school to college by helping NHS students gain familiarity and comfort in an academic setting.
3. Academic support tailored to identified student needs, including tutoring, mentorships, and internships.
4. Opportunities for NHS students to take college-level classes on the university campus.

3. How will UM and NHS work together?

A number of activities and provisions facilitate the achievement of collaboration goals. These include:

1. UM faculty and NHS teachers developing programs/courses collaboratively.
2. UM faculty participating in the implementation of professional development programs for NHS educators.
3. Joint participation in one-time social and academic events, including cultural performances, service-learning events, and sporting events.
4. Increased NHS participation in existing UM programs such as Pre-College Programs and the Young Scholars Program.
5. An identified and dedicated counselor at each institution to provide academic guidance and career counseling to participants.
6. An identified staff member at each institution to coordinate the efforts of UM students, faculty, and staff who wish to participate in this collaboration.
7.  College Information sessions at NHS with representatives from UM’s admissions and financial aid offices.