Academy of Health Sciences

Early/Middle College Programs

Early and Middle College Programs provide the opportunity, through a rigorous dual enrollment course pathway, for first-generation and low socio-economic students to earn their high school diploma, specialized certification(s), and an associate and/or bachelor’s degree in a specified discipline within four to six years. In addition to providing early college access to underserved populations, data show that the early/middle college model improves retention, GPA and degree completion.

Prince George’s Community College and Prince George’s County Public Schools have established highly successful early/middle college programs with additional partners, including business and industry and four-year institutions to facilitate degree completion:

The Academy of Health Sciences is focused on preparing students to enter one of PGCC’s Health Sciences Clinical Programs or transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue additional educational offerings related to health sciences. 

The Academy’s rigorous, innovative four-year program combines high school and college courses through dual enrollment credits. Students are introduced to college courses in their first year. By 12th grade, college courses are the foundation of the program. At the time of graduation from the Academy, students will have met the requirements for a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. 

Students are supported by academic coaches and have access to both Prince George's County Public Schools and Prince George's Community College student services and academic support programs.

Admission to the Academy is opened to all 8th-grade students from Prince George’s County with an expressed interest in health sciences. One hundred 9th grade students are admitted to the Academy each year until full enrollment of approximately four hundred students in grades 9-12 is attained.

Application Process and Criteria

The application process will ensure equity of participation from all areas in Prince George’s County. Fifty percent of the students will be under-served students who are First Generation College (i.e., neither parent has graduated and received a bachelor’s degree) and/or students of low socio-economic status. Admission will be contingent upon student participation in the Academy’s Summer Bridge Program.

To be considered for admission to the Academy of Health Sciences, PGCPS students must take an entrance exam that will be administered at their schools. Middle school counselors have access to the electronic application for students enrolled in PGCPS and will print the electronic application for students interested in applying for admission. Students not enrolled in PGCPS must access the online application on the PGCPS website. Applications will be reviewed and processed by the Sub-committee for Student Applications and Recruitment.