Opportunity in Action: The 3D Scholarship Advantage

A model for access and affordability.

Prince George’s County Public Schools, Prince George’s Community College, and the University of Maryland Global Campus are proving what’s possible when systems align around student success.

How it works:

• Up to 50 students enter the 3D Scholars program each year through a lottery in ninth grade.
• The “3D” stands for three credentials: a high school diploma, an associate degree, and a bachelor’s degree.
• Learners complete college coursework while in high school and can finish a four-year degree within two years of graduation.

Why it matters:

The full pathway—high school through bachelor’s—costs under $10,000. That means students can launch careers debt-free and faster, building momentum for themselves and for the state’s workforce.

The impact:

3D Scholars has become one of the most sought-after programs in Prince George’s County, drawing hundreds of applicants each year. It expands access, accelerates progress, and strengthens economic mobility—without asking learners to mortgage their futures.

The takeaway:

When K–12, community colleges, and universities collaborate, students gain time, savings, and opportunity—and higher education gains a blueprint for scalable innovation.