Md. To Provide Scholarships To Early High School Graduates

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Larry Hogan says the state will provide scholarships to students who finish high school in three years or less.

The governor signed an executive order on Wednesday creating the $6,000 scholarships.

Hogan says it's a smart use of tax dollars. That's because the state can reallocate money it would have spent on the student's last year in public high school to help with the first year of college instead.

Last year, 1,065 students across Maryland graduated before the start of their senior year. On average, about 1,000 students have graduated early each year since 2010.

The new program will be available to students who are planning to enter college this fall.