MD HB479

Establishes the Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program to create a credit-bearing pathway for high school students to begin teacher preparation, targeting underrepresented and rural students in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties.

Requires the University System of Maryland to develop the program and convene a workgroup including representatives from the Governor's office, General Assembly, State Department of Education, Maryland Higher Education Commission, and local school superintendents.

Program students qualify as dually enrolled and pay no tuition or mandatory fees for participation.

Appropriates $250,000 per year for fiscal years 2028 and 2029 to support program development.

Workgroup must report to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2029, on the program structure, implementation plan, and any necessary legislative or regulatory changes; effective date is July 1, 2026.