November 7th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The Next Generation Scholars Program (NGSP) of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) began in October to support 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grade students and teachers in Allegany County at Washington Middle School and Fort Hill High School.  Established by Maryland legislation (HB1403) passed in 2016, Next Generation Scholars is a state grant program that provides funding for college access through nonprofit organizations to enhance college and career awareness and college completion for Maryland students.  

“For more than 25 years, the MBRT coalition of corporations, government agencies and community partners has aligned real-world relevance with the classroom concepts in our state’s K-12 school systems,” MBRT Executive Director, Brian Dulay, said. “This new Next Generation Scholars opportunity offers our future workforce a competitive advantage in today’s global society.”  

To assist NGSP students with college and career requirements, MBRT will also determine career interests of qualified students; create awareness of the interconnection of academic preparation, college coursework, and career goals; and expose students to career pathways through workforce volunteer learning engagements.

The Coordinator of the NGSP for Allegany County is Carrie Pannone.  She and her husband, Michael Pannone, Jr., reside in Allegany County and have raised two children, Rebecca and Isabella, in the Allegany County Public School System.  Previously employed with ACPS as a substitute teacher and most recently worked for the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Pannone feels her background in education and business will be useful in connecting the community to the classroom to help students better prepare for their future. 

“I am very thankful for the opportunity and excited to return to Washington Middle School and Fort Hill High School where my children attended to work with the guidance teams, teachers, administration, and parents to help offer essential college and career ready education and experiences for students,” said Pannone.   

Washington Middle School and Fort Hill High School will host several informational sessions for parents and students in grades 7-9 to share more information about the NGSP. Pizza and refreshments will be provided as well as a chance to win a Martin’s or Chick-Fil-A gift card.

 

Washington Middle School (Library)  

Wednesday, November 8^th (3:15-4:45 p.m.)

Tuesday, November 14^th (4:30-6:00 p.m.)

 Wednesday, November 29^th (6:00-7:30 p.m.)

 

Fort Hill High School (Library)

Thursday, November 30^th (6:00-7:30 p.m.)

 

            For more information or to RSVP, contact Carrie Pannone at 301-777-5360 (Washington) or 301-777-2570 ext. 4209 (Fort Hill) or via email at carrie@mbrt.org. For more information on the Next Generation Scholars Program and Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, please click on the following links listed below or visit their website at www.mbrt.org:

https://www.mbrt.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MBRT-Fall-2017-Roundtable.pdf.