HCPS reports 64% of 2024 graduates met at least one 'North Star' outcome; LAUNCH to start in 2025
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Summary
Assistant superintendent and researchers told the board 64% of 2024 graduates met a North Star outcome (college credit, dual enrollment or industry credential); the district plans full LAUNCH (formerly ICAP) implementation in September 2025 to guide individual career/academic plans beginning in seventh grade.
Harford County Public Schools told board members on May 5 that the North Star initiative — a dual focus on rigorous academic opportunity and real-world career experiences — is producing measurable results for the Class of 2024.
Assistant Superintendent Mike O’Brien, Jacobu Usmano (manager of research and program evaluation) and LaWanda Brown (supervisor of school counseling) presented district data showing that of 2,604 verified 2024 graduates, about 64% met at least one North Star outcome (AP/IB/dual-enrollment credit, dual-enrollment completion, or industry credential). Presenters cited district figures that for 2024 dual-enrollment met the outcome for approximately 38% of graduates and industry credentials for roughly 33%.
The presentation highlighted two high schools with notable improvement: Aberdeen High (presenters said 77% of 2024 graduates met at least one North Star outcome, with gains since 2022) and Fallston High (presenters said 75% met at least one outcome). The administration credited targeted investments in dual-enrollment, CTE and apprenticeships and strengthened school-level individual plans for students.
LaWanda Brown introduced LAUNCH (formerly ICAP), a tool the district plans to implement in September 2025 that will allow students beginning in seventh grade to create individualized career and academic plans, receive college and career exploration, and track progress. Brown said LAUNCH will be used to deepen employer partnerships, expand apprenticeships and provide middle-school exploration.
During Q&A some trustees pressed why 36% of graduates did not meet any North Star outcome; presenters said the measure counts only students who completed and earned the externally validated credential (for AP, passing the test is required; for dual enrollment, transferability is emphasized) and that the district is continuing to remove barriers — for example, paying AP-test fees and centralizing dual-enrollment registration.
Mike O’Brien summarized the district aim plainly: “We’re not satisfied. We won’t be satisfied until we have a 100%,” and described ongoing support strategies including quarterly data reviews, counseling interventions and expanded apprenticeships.