3D Scholars Program

The Prince George's 3D Scholars Program is a specialized program through which students earn credits towards an associate's degree while in high school, then immediately transition to PGCC to complete their associate's degree, and are then awarded a scholarship to UMGC to earn their bachelor's degree for a total cost of less than $10,000.

The name “3D” stands for the three degrees earned in the program: high school diploma, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree.

Applicants to the 3D Scholars Program must

• Be enrolled in the 10th grade at a Prince George's County public high school
• Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Meet the program's score requirements for at least one college preparatory exam (Accuplacer, SAT, or ACT)
• Complete the application form, a 500 word essay, and provide two teacher recommendations to their counselor by the application deadline.

No. Students must enroll in a Prince George's County public high school to take advantage of the program.

Only students who meet the program requirements will be eligible for entrance into the program. Final decisions will be made by PGCPS via lottery. The program accepts 25 students per year. Acceptance letters are mailed out by PGCPS on or before May 1.

While students are enrolled at a Prince George's County public high school, PGCPS will pay tuition for all eligible dual enrolled students while they are enrolled in PGCC. PGCPS will also pay all fees and textbook expenses for students who receive free and reduced-price meals (FARMS).

Students who are not in the FARMS program must pay all fees and purchase their own textbooks.

When a student transitions to PGCC, if they are eligible for a Pell Grant, all tuition, fees, and textbooks will be covered by the Pell Grant. Students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant will be responsible for fees, discounts, and tuition at a discount of 50 percent.

When a student transitions to UMGC, if they are eligible for a Pell Grant, all tuition and fees will be covered by the Pell Grant. Students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant will be awarded a scholarship that covers all remaining tuition and fees for the student to complete their bachelor's degree (excludes car and other living expenses). UMGC students can complete most undergraduate degrees without purchasing textbooks, thanks to electronic resources that are available at no cost, are immediately available through your online classroom, and are always up to date.

No. Parents are responsible for transporting students to their college courses.

Students will be subject to attendance requirements set forth by the college of attendance. While they are enrolled in PGCC, for example, they must utilize the PGCC calendar even if they are dually enrolled in PGCPS. Students are responsible for making up any schoolwork at the college that is missed due to inclement weather or any change in schedules at their high school.

Students must follow the high school calendar for high school courses and the appropriate college calendar for college courses.

Only dual credit courses will count for high school graduation. These dual credit courses are a limited, preapproved list of courses, and the grades are weighted on a 5.0 point scale on the high school transcript. The approved dual credit courses have been identified specifically because they will apply to requirements at all three institutions (high school, PGCC, and UMGC).

This is the first program that provides a definitive path directly to a bachelor's degree from high school. Students will receive an advisor when enrolled at each institution to provide individual guidance through the program to ensure a seamless transition from high school to PGCC and from PGCC to UMGC.

Yes. Students will need to apply to PGCC and UMGC at the appropriate times and meet the minimum requirements to continue the 3D Scholars Program. The application fee will be waived at each institution.