HCPSS Family Kickoff Rescheduled for Sept. 27, 2025

• Discover ways your student can explore their interests, develop their strengths, and express their voice through K-12 Advanced Programs.
• Learn how your student can become involved in a variety of offerings that enrich and extend their learning — whether developing creative thinking strategies in a Primary Talent Development lesson, implementing engineering practices in a STEM Seminar, or conducting original research in the Advanced Research courses.

• Receive informational materials regarding Career and Technology (CTE) coursework, career academy options, and opportunities available to all students.
• CTE staff will also be present to answer questions and help provide guidance for students/parents.

• Learn how students can access comprehensive career counseling in middle and high school through the HCPSS NextStep Program
• Learn how students can learn more about JumpStart Dual Enrollment to earn college credits as early as 8th grade

• Learn how to get free early intervention services for children from birth to age five with developmental delays or disabilities
• Learn how to apply for the Learning Together Program for 3-year-olds

• Find out what English Language Development services are available in schools
• Learn how students are identified for English Language Development services

• Provide information and resources for students and families that may be experiencing homelessness and are in temporary housing.

• Learn how the special education process works, including the referral process and what services are available

• Learn about opportunities for high school students to apply for full scholarships to study in Germany, apply for need based scholarships to study abroad, and volunteer with exchange students here in Howard County.
• Talk to current exchange students and test your knowledge of international flags!

Learn about CAC’s five core services for families in temporary need of assistance. These programs include access to the Howard Counrty Food Bank, Housing Assistance/Eviction Prevention, Energy Assistance, Early Childhood Education up to age 5, and Home Weatherization services.

Receive information about the programs we will be running this upcoming year, membership & financial aid information, and a take away STEM activity for the kids.

• Learn about the FREE resources available from the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity, an office in Howard County Government dedicated to eradicating discrimination, increasing equal opportunity, and protecting and promoting human rights in Howard County. These include free-of-charge investigative services for those who have been unlawfully discriminated against, as well as free educational programs, trainings, presentations, listening sessions, and events for those who live, work, and study in Howard County.
• Discover how you can partner with OHRE to create tailored resources for your community, group, organization, or neighborhood.
• Learn about the opportunities, resources, and work of the five Commissions serving under the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity: the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, Human Rights Commission, La Alianza Latina Commission, LGBTQIA+ Commission, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Appointed by the County Executive and the County Council, each volunteer Commissioner is committed to furthering human rights and equity throughout the County while advocating for the community members served by their Commission.
• Learn about Commission vacancies for both adults and students, how to apply, and what resources each Commission has available for those who live, work, and study in Howard County.

• Learn about student and family financial wellness resources, including savings accounts, college planning, and budgeting tools.
• Connect with our Business Development Team for personalized guidance on credit union membership, financial literacy programs, and school partnerships.

• Receive information about this organization’s community mediation services (e.g. landlord-tenant disputes, parenting plans, caregiver mediation, etc) and conflict management classes for adults looking to build stronger communication skills.
• Receive information about this organization’s youth restorative programs, both in schools and with youth service providers, helping young people navigate conflict, repair harm, and strengthen relationships.

• Learn about youth programs that focus on leadership development, offering guidance, mentorship, and meaningful experiences that mold and inspire future leaders.
• Learn about available scholarships.