The Maryland Teacher Quality and Diversity Program assists Maryland institutions of Higher Education in (1) taking advantage of national foundation efforts to develop highly qualified teachers and leaders from diverse backgrounds and (2) aiding students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements.
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​Teacher Quality and Diversity Competitive Grant Program

Purpose: The Maryland Teacher Quality and Diversity Program assists Maryland institutions of higher education in (1) taking advantage of national foundation efforts to develop highly qualified teachers and leaders from diverse backgrounds and (2) aiding students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements. 

The Maryland Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program provides competitive grants to teacher preparation programs at Maryland institutions of higher education to assist students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements. 

Expanding access to the teaching profession includes increasing opportunities for individuals from backgrounds historically underrepresented in education, such as African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinos, those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. 

Priority will be given to proposals that emphasize:

• Alternative accelerated pathways into teaching leverage subject-matter expertise with appropriate academic credentials and prior professional experience, including the issuance of credit for prior learning to accelerate placement of high-quality teachers.
• Consortium-based proposals that bring together several institutions of higher education and school systems to maximize impact. Proposals that seek to strengthen transfer pathways from community colleges to baccalaureate degree-awarding institutions.
• Comprehensive, standards-aligned programming that meets State requirements and provides extensive mentoring to support candidates throughout the program.
• Implement a cohesive sequence of courses for candidates seeking licensure through the transcript analysis pathway (i.e., fine arts P-12 licensure areas and general secondary content areas), including test preparation and partnerships with local education agencies to provide mentoring support throughout the coursework.
• Incorporate targeted interventions to support male-identifying students, particularly boys and young men, through recruitment, mentoring, academic support, and career-aligned pathways that address disparities in education outcomes and workforce participation.
  
  This program is not intended to supplant institutional investment. Proposals must demonstrate a sustainable plan for continuation beyond the grant period.
  

Authorization: Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article, Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program, §§ 17-404

Eligibility: Accredited institutions of higher education in Maryland. Priority is given to historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions with a track record of preparing diverse and high-quality teachers.

Funding: Annual funding for the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program is $1,000,000. There will be tracks: 

1. Individual track: awards between $50,000–$150,000.
2. Consortium track: awards between $250,000-$500,000
   

Deadline: October 30, 2025

​FY 2026 RFP

•  TQDP Competitive RFP 2026_FINAL.pdf
  
•  TQDP Competitive RFP 2026_FINAL.doc​