OUR CAREER COACH PROGAM 

Kirwan Commission 

During the 2016 legislative session a 25-member commission, The Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (House Bill 999),  was formed by the Governor and General Assembly to review and update the current funding formulas for Maryland Schools and to develop a plan so schools in Maryland can perform at the highest level and prepare students for college and careers in the 21st century. The chair of the commission was William Kirwan, and the commission quickly became known as the “Kirwan Commission”. The recommendations made by the Kirwan commission laid down the foundation for The Blueprint for Maryland's Future. 

From 2018 to 2022 several bills were passed to provide the policies and funding for “The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” . 

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (“Blueprint”)

Blueprint aims to improve the equity and quality of Maryland’s education system. Blueprint will allow every Maryland student to receive a world class education that prepares them for success in college and career regardless of their individual circumstances including where they live, family income, race, ethnicity, gender, language spoken at home,  or special needs.

Blueprint policies are outlined in 5 pillars

1. Early Childhood Education

2. High Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders

3. College and Career Readiness

4. More Resources for students to be Successful

5. Governance and Accountability

Pillar 3 of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future 

Pillar 3, College and Career Readiness, sets a new College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard that prepares students for postsecondary success in college and the workforce. Students should meet the CCR standard by 10th grade. Pillar 3 also calls for robust CTE programming that gives students the opportunity to earn an industry recognized credential or complete a registered apprenticeship program. The goal is for 45 percent of graduates to meet  this standard by 2030-31.

To support this goal, Pillar 3 also asks for the development of a Career Coaching program for all middle and high school students. The Career Coaching program is to be developed in partnership with the local community college and workforce board.

Frederick County Public Schools has broken pillar 3 into two parts. The Career Coach Program falls under Pillar 3B. 

Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB)

The AIB was established in November 2021 as part of Blueprint to oversee the implementation of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The AIB will gather and evaluate data to assess the effectiveness of Blueprint. The AIB will also help guide and support implementation.

Career Coach Program - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)    

An MOU was developed collaboratively between Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Workforce Services, and Frederick Community College. It was completed and submitted to the AIB in April 2023. The MOU outlines goals, objectives, and roles for the creation and operation of the Career Coach program in Frederick County.

Leadership Team

The Frederick County Career Coach Program Leadership team is made up of two representatives from each partner organization. This group ensures that the Career Coach services provided to students are in alignment with the statutory vision of “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” and FCPS’ systemic goals.