Expanding Access to CTE Programs and Pre-K in Prince George’s
Dear Prince Georgians:
Earlier this year, we shared that we secured more than $2.5 billion in aid from the State of Maryland during the 2022 Maryland General Assembly, the most that our County has ever secured in a single legislative session. With this funding, we are making historic investments in areas including education, economic development, infrastructure, affordable housing, and healthcare that will benefit Prince Georgians for years to come.
During the legislative session, our County was awarded $30 million through the State of Maryland’s Pass-Through Grant program for new school construction projects. I am excited to let you know that we are allocating $15 million of that grant towards the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Hub at Crossland High School in Temple Hills. This program prepares students to work in various employment industries including automotive, barbering and cosmetology, and electrical. Students enrolled in the CTE program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and college credits, in addition to gaining real-world work experience.
Additionally, the remaining $15 million of this grant funding has been allocated to establish a pre-kindergarten program in Riverdale. We recognize the importance of providing equal access to pre-kindergarten education in every zip code across the County, and that is why we are working to expand these opportunities for our families with children.
The Riverdale Early Childhood Center will be housed at the former Riverdale Hills Elementary School, which closed in 1983 and is the current location of the Latin Youth American Center. The new program will serve approximately 200 to 250 pre-kindergarten students, starting fall 2025. We anticipate construction on 10 classrooms and the cafeteria to begin in 2023.
We want to acknowledge District 3 Councilwoman Dannielle Glaros who has been an advocate for expanding early childhood care for years. We are pleased to be able to use these funds to open a center within walking distance of many families in the Riverdale community.
We want to take this opportunity to thank our State Delegation for their ongoing support and dedication to improving the quality of life for our children. This funding will help to provide the educational opportunities that our children deserve, helping ensure our County continues to thrive for generations to come.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
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