LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – Thursday, February 1, 2024 Over 900 students from the tri-county area participated in the second annual Spark! St. Mary’s County Student Career Awareness Fair as part of the SoMD 2030 Workforce Development initiative and planned by The Patuxent Partnership (TPP).
Ten NAWCAD divisions, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and NSWC Indian Head , along the College of Southern Maryland, the University of Maryland (UMD), USMSM Matrix Lab, the St Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, UMD – A. James Clark School of Engineering at USMSM, MedStar Hospital and Healthcare, UM Charles Regional Medical Center, St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Department Economic Development teams from all three counties, the IBEW, (local 26), and other partner organizations (list at end). ‘
There were interactive hands-on booths and activities led by 100+ knowledgeable personnel. Students gained firsthand insights into various career opportunities in SoMD, from STEM fields supporting the Navy to healthcare, economic development, criminal justice, and skilled trades. The SMART Building at the University System of Maryland, Southern MD (USMSM) SMART Building again was the venue.
As buses with students arrived from Calvert, Charles and St Mary’s County Public Schools, St Mary’s Ryken High School, King’s Christian Academy, and home-schooled communities, groups were ushered around by volunteers through the exhibits and various demonstrations at a pace that promoted interactive engagement, hands-on activities, and lots of questions. “These volunteers were critical to the success of SPARK!”
Jennifer Brown, SoMD Workforce Director and organizer of the SPARK! Career Fair said, “We received such positive feedback from our inaugural fair in 2023 and worked to make improvements for all of our partners, and especially for the students. This 2nd annual event was a huge success thanks to tremendous support and collaboration from our entire community. Leadership from the schools in the tri-county recognized the value of this opportunity for students. The Navy, with industry and community partners, brought careers to life with their interactive booths and their staff eagerly answering a myriad of questions from the students. Students also spoke with local higher education partners. The College of Southern Maryland showcased the diversity of pathways for students interested in STEM, Health and Nursing, and Trades – pursuing certificates or an associate degree. The support of NAWCAD, the Strategic Education Office, NAWCAD leadership, and the entire TPP staff made it an amazing success. A small but mighty team getting the job done.
Her parting advice“If you didn’t participate this year- please contact me to get on the list for next year!”
Participating Organizations:
Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting Group (ACE Group), LLC
Calvert County Department of Economic Development
Charles County Department of Economic Development
College of Southern MD (Admissions, Math & Technology Dept, School of Science and Health, Center for Trades and Energy Training)
IBEW Local 26
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital / MedStar Health
NAWCAD Air Systems Group
NAWCAD Atlantic Targets and Marine Operations (ATMO)
NAWCAD DAiTA – Advanced Technology Dept (ATD) – COLOR demo
NAWCAD DAiTA – Cyber Warfare Dept
NAWCAD DAiTa – Integrated Battlespace Simulations & Test (IBST)
NAWCAD DAiTA- Prototyping, Instrumentation & Experimentation/ Atlantic Ranges &Targets (PIE/ART)
NAWCAD DAiTA – Warfare Effectiveness Dept
NAWCAD FabLab
NAWCAD WOLF
Resource Management Concepts, Inc.
St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development
SMC Govt Dept of Emergency Services
St. Mary’s County sheriff’s Office
University of Maryland – A. James Clark School of Engineering/ MATRIX Lab at USMSM
UM Charles Regional Medical Center
ABOUT SoMD 2030:
SoMD 2030 is a collaborative effort funded by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and executed by The Patuxent Partnership (TPP). The initial funding was awarded in October 2022.
This initiative is focused on identifying, hiring, and retaining talent in Southern MD by growing the STEM pipeline, increasing career opportunities, and enhancing partnerships with government, industry, and academia. This initiative connects talented students with paid apprenticeships and internships in southern MD has increased the success of the TechJobsRule (TJR) high school apprentice program in SMCPS, which is affiliated with the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP). TJR engages with NAWCAD, TPP member companies and the AMP approved employers in St. Mary’s County. SoMD 2030 also creates college internship opportunities with local industry, government & non-profits leading to additionaleducation and career opportunities.
The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance worked for several years to get this workforce funding.
About The Patuxent Partnership: The Patuxent Partnership is a non-profit organization that works with government, industry, and academia. We are engaged in activities from advancing science and technology to growing the STEM pipeline in Southern Maryland. We promote sustainable economic development and enhance quality of life. Our programs, forums, and networking foster the exchange of ideas, information, and data related to technologies, and support workforce development through an array of initiatives. For more information, please visit https://paxpartnership.org
