November 2012 Maryland Awarded "Credit When It's Due" Grant

For immediate release: November 27, 2012
Media Contact: Greg Fitzgerald
Chief of Staff
gfitzgerald@mhec.state.us
410-767-3043

Maryland Awarded “Credit When It’s Due” Grant

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)is pleased to announce that the State has received a $500,000 grant award from USA Funds and the Lumina Foundation’s“Credit When It’s Due: Recognizing the Value of the Quality Associate Degree” program. Maryland was one of just twelve states selected through the competitive grant proposal process.

Governor Martin O’Malley has set a statewide completion goal for the state – that 55% of adults will hold at least one degree or or certificate by 2025. This project is aimed at ensuring community college students who transfer to a four-year college just a few credits short of receiving and associate’s degree retroactively receive that important credential after fulfilling outstanding course requirements at the four-year campus. This degree award approach is commonly referred to as “reverse transfer.” A statewide reverse transfer program will not only advance our efforts to reach the State’s college completion goals, but will also equitably and consistently award community college transfer students for their achievements.

The Credit When It’s Due grant supports the expansion of a successful Complete College America grant-funded pilot project called ADAPTS (associate degree award for pre-degree transfer students). The expanded program will include community colleges and public and non-profit independent institutions

“We are thrilled to have been selected as one of only 12 states to receive this grant. These funds will help us ensure that thousands of Marylanders have this important credential of value in-hand as they are working toward their bachelor’s degree.” said Danette Howard, Secretary of Higher Education.

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The Maryland Higher Education Commission is Maryland’s higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities and for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers state financial aid programs that affect students on a statewide basis.