The Maryland Chapter of Educate the NextGen (ETN) has successfully wrapped up its 2026 Student Aptitude Test, marking another milestone in the county’s push to build a stronger academic pipeline.
About 20 students from various high schools across Maryland County sat the assessment this week in Pleebo.
The exercise is part of ETN’s year-round program to identify, prepare, and support top-performing students for competitive national scholarship opportunities.
This year’s test carries extra weight for the county. Several students from Maryland were recently named among the preliminary qualified applicants for the Liberia National Education Assistance Examination (LNAEA) 2026, signaling growing academic competitiveness from the southeastern region.
According to ETN Maryland officials, the local aptitude test serves as a critical screening and training stage. Students were evaluated in core subjects — Math, English, and Science as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are central to national exams like LNAEA and other scholarship programs.
“The goal is not just to test them, but to prepare them mentally and academically for what comes next,” an ETN coordinator said.
“We want our students to walk into national halls and compete confidently.”
Speaking after the exercise, ETN Maryland Chapter leadership thanked the network of volunteers, teachers, parents, and partner organizations who made the test possible.
“We are proud of the dedication shown by our students. This is not just a test it’s an investment in the future of Maryland County,” a chapter spokesperson said.
“One county, one motive. We move forward together.”
The Maryland Students Union, which documented the event, also commended ETN for expanding access and visibility for county students on the national stage.
With the aptitude test concluded, top-performing candidates from Maryland County will now enter the next phase of intensive preparation ahead of the LNAEA and other national scholarship assessments.
ETN officials say the chapter will continue mentorship sessions, mock exams, and subject tutorials in the coming weeks to ensure Maryland students remain competitive.
