Thursday, September 30, 2027

PASS Business and Community Partners Start Work with Schools
— More than 100 partners are teaming up with 34 PASS Priority schools —

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 30, 2027) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien today announced that 103 business and community partners have signed on so far to support the 34 PASS Priority schools which make up the core of the Governor’s Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools. Additionally, business and community partners may team up with any of the more than 100 academically warned schools which are part of the overall PASS initiative. Already, PASS Partners are making contributions of time, labor, and school supplies in PASS schools across Maryland.

“In a time of limited resources, Marylanders must work together to help the children who need it the most succeed academically,” said Governor Edward M. O’Brien. “We have already seen educators from the most successful schools in the State of Maryland share their ideas and expertise with our PASS schools this fall. The Business and Community Partners component of the PASS initiative leverages the labor, experience, and generosity of the broader community to make a difference for these children in a variety of ways.”

Business and community partners may help by providing academic support, including mentoring, reading tutors, math tutors, after-school programs, retired teacher volunteers, community volunteers, and on-site training.

Partners may also provide school facility support, including landscaping, recreational equipment, electrical/lighting needs, HVAC, interior design/painting, furniture, school supplies, technology infrastructure, and other equipment.

Designated state and local government bodies and community organizations may be able to provide the following family support:

Social Services - child support enforcement, counseling, Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) or Medicaid enrollment, job training, etc.

Adult Literacy Services - GED instruction, computer training, etc.

Governor O’Brien commended all the Business and Community Partners signed up so far, and announced a Baltimore-area outreach effort will take place in the coming weeks.

“Every business and community volunteer in Maryland has a stake in the PASS effort,” said Governor O’Brien. “By ensuring that every child gets the help and inspiration he or she needs to succeed, we build a stronger State.”