Lexington Park, MD – In a significant stride towards bolstering the workforce in Southern Maryland, over 900 students from the tri-county area gathered at the University System of Maryland, Southern MD (USMSM) SMART Building on Thursday, February 1, 2024, for the second annual Spark! St. Mary’s County Student Career Awareness Fair. This event marks a cornerstone of the SoMD 2030 Workforce Development initiative, orchestrated by The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) in collaboration with a wide array of educational and professional organizations.
The fair boasted participation from notable entities including ten divisions of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, NSWC Indian Head, and the College of Southern Maryland. Additionally, 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, and Department Economic Development teams from all three counties were present. The event also featured contributions from the IBEW (local 26) and other partner organizations, underscoring the collaborative effort to showcase diverse career opportunities.
Jennifer Brown, the SoMD Workforce Director and organizer of the SPARK! Career Fair, highlighted the event’s success and the enhancements made from the previous year, stating, “This 2nd annual event was a huge success thanks to tremendous support and collaboration from our entire community.” Brown emphasized the critical role of volunteers and the enthusiastic participation of students who were keen to explore career paths in STEM, healthcare, economic development, criminal justice, and skilled trades through interactive booths and hands-on activities.
The career fair not only allowed students to interact with industry professionals but also showcased educational pathways offered by local institutions such as the College of Southern Maryland. These pathways include certificates and associate degrees in STEM, Health and Nursing, and Trades, presenting students with a broad spectrum of career opportunities.
The SoMD 2030 initiative, funded initially by NAWCAD in October 2022, aims at cultivating talent in Southern Maryland by enhancing the STEM pipeline, broadening career opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with government, industry, and academia. Through this initiative, students have access to paid apprenticeships and internships, contributing to the growth of local talent and the success of workforce development programs like the TechJobsRule (TJR) high school apprentice program in partnership with the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP).
The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance’s efforts in securing workforce funding have been pivotal in the realization of SoMD 2030, highlighting a community-wide commitment to the future of the region’s workforce. The SPARK! Career Fair is a testament to this commitment, providing a platform for students to connect with potential employers and educational opportunities, thereby ensuring a brighter economic future for Southern Maryland. Brown’s parting advice for those not in attendance this year, “If you didn’t participate this year- please contact me to get on the list for next year!” signals an ongoing effort to expand this enriching experience to more students in the coming years.
