Connected Pathways for Carroll County
Explore programs and partnerships that help local students discover new possibilities and equip educators to help them thrive.
Explore College Through Carroll County Scholars
Carroll County Scholars offers eligible Carroll County Public Schools students a chance to explore college opportunities without committing to attend McDaniel College.
Designed for Local Students
The program is open to eligible students in Carroll County Public Schools, connecting them with a college pathway close to home.
Guaranteed Scholarship Opportunity
Eligible participants who are admitted and choose to enroll at McDaniel College are guaranteed a $100,000 scholarship, awarded as $25,000 per year.
A Chance at Full Tuition
After completing the program, eligible students can also compete for a full-tuition scholarship. Learn more and register at www.mcdaniel.edu/ccs.
Participation Without a Commitment
Students can take part in Carroll County Scholars without promising to apply to or enroll at McDaniel College.
Connected Routes to College Success
"I started college at 29 years old after deciding to switch my career out of service industry management after the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my field while at McDaniel and am prepared to handle these new challenges."
- Amber Chenoweth, McDaniel College class of 2024.
Dual Enrollment
Carroll County Public Schools students can take classes at Carroll Community College and earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Early College Momentum
College coursework during high school helps students explore their interests and begin building credits toward a future degree.
Transfer Plus
After completing an associate degree at Carroll Community College, eligible students have a clear transfer pathway to a bachelor’s degree at McDaniel College.
Scholarship Support
Carroll Community College students admitted to McDaniel through Transfer Plus receive a guaranteed minimum scholarship of $25,000 per year.
Preparing and Supporting Carroll County Educators
McDaniel College has a long-standing partnership with Carroll County Public Schools, with many educators in the school system among McDaniel College’s alumni.
Carroll County Public Schools provides professional development school sites where McDaniel College teacher candidates complete their student teaching and gain hands-on classroom experience. McDaniel College also regularly partners with Carroll County Public Schools to provide professional development opportunities for current educators.
Accelerated Master of Science in Teaching program
Through a state grant, McDaniel College and Carroll County Public Schools launched an accelerated Master of Science in Teaching program, featuring a yearlong internship within the school system.
National Board Certification
McDaniel College supports Carroll County Public School educators pursuing National Board Certification, further strengthening excellence in teaching in Carroll County.
Wilson Language Training
Carroll County Public Schools is partnering with McDaniel College to provide Wilson Language Training to special education staff starting in spring 2027.
Building a Pipeline of Healthcare Professionals
Align Academic Foundations
Carroll Community College and McDaniel College both provide pathways for students enrolled in Carroll County Public Schools who are interested in pursuing careers in health professions, working closely with the Carroll County Career and Technical Center on academic alignment of the curriculum.
Nursing (B.S.N.) Program
Carroll Community College and McDaniel College are partnering to build a pipeline for nursing students from Carroll Community College’s associate degree program to McDaniel College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program.
On-campus clinics
McDaniel College is also preparing future Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists with those enrolled in these programs having the opportunity to serve students and families through placements within Carroll County Public Schools. On-campus clinics at McDaniel College will also provide hands-on learning experiences for graduate students, while expanding access to healthcare services for the community.
Tournament of Champions
More than 100 McDaniel College students, including student-athletes, team up with over 100 Carroll County Public Schools elementary and middle school students with special needs for a day of movement and connection. Students in McDaniel’s Adapted Physical Education course organize the event.
Learn, Create, and Connect Together
Carroll County Public Schools athletics programs occasionally utilize facilities at Carroll Community College and McDaniel College for athletics events. Also, in addition to McDaniel College’s Commencement taking place in Gill Center, McDaniel College’s Gill Center hosts Carroll Community College and Carroll County Public Schools graduation ceremonies.
Maryland Student Legislature
Carroll Community College and McDaniel College partner on a two-credit course connected to this student-run simulation of the Maryland General Assembly.
Music Ensembles
Students from McDaniel College, Carroll Community College, and Carroll County Public Schools can take part in ensembles such as the McDaniel College Band and Westminster Symphony Orchestra.
Public Events
Many McDaniel College public events are free or offer special discounts for students at McDaniel, Carroll Community College, and Carroll County Public Schools.
Employee Collaboration
Staff from Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll Community College, and McDaniel College serve on one another’s advisory boards, strengthening collaboration and fostering connections among the three institutions. The three institutions also regularly share professional learning opportunities to support ongoing development and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
