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Bill

SB 70

Adult Education - High School Diploma Pathways - MDiplomaWorks Pathway

2026 Regular Session

Maryland creates MDiplomaWorks alternative pathway for adults to earn high school diplomas through competency-based or accelerated programs outside traditional schooling.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 168
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Bill Summary · SB 70

Legislative bill overview

SB 70 establishes the MDiplomaWorks Pathway, a new adult education program in Maryland designed to help adults obtain high school diplomas through alternative pathways. The bill creates a structured framework for credential attainment, likely through competency-based or accelerated learning models rather than traditional classroom instruction.

Why is this important

Adult diploma completion addresses workforce development and economic mobility for working adults and displaced workers who didn't finish secondary education. An estimated 2 million Marylanders lack high school credentials, affecting their employment prospects and earnings potential. This program could expand educational access for non-traditional learners while strengthening Maryland's workforce pipeline.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding and sustainability — The bill's implementation costs, whether it requires new state funding or reallocates existing education resources, and long-term sustainability of the program
  • Credential equivalency and employer recognition — Questions about whether MDiplomaWorks diplomas carry the same weight as traditional diplomas for employment, higher education admission, and federal credentialing purposes
  • Access and equity concerns — Whether the pathway effectively reaches underserved populations (low-income adults, rural residents, immigrants) or primarily serves those already positioned for success, potentially creating credential stratification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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