La Plata and LEONARDTOWN, MD — College of Southern Maryland engineering students Griffin Anthony and Valeria Corona joined local leaders in Charles and St. Mary’s counties as proclamations recognized National Engineers Week, held February 22-28, 2026. The observances, read during meetings of the Charles County Board of County Commissioners and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, spotlighted the engineering profession’s contributions to regional infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development amid Southern Maryland’s strong ties to defense, aerospace, and technology sectors.
Anthony, an electrical engineering student, spoke at the Charles County event after the proclamation reading. “Engineering can be an underappreciated profession,” Anthony said. “So much work goes on in the background. I love overcoming the difficult challenges involved in engineering. It’s one of the most rewarding things.”
Corona represented CSM at the St. Mary’s County proclamation. “EWeek is a chance to share what engineering is really like,” Corona said. “I enjoy helping others learn about the field in a fun, approachable way, and supporting future engineers.” She added, “Engineering felt like the place where questions become solutions and ideas become systems that actually help people.”
National Engineers Week, founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, promotes the industry’s societal impact, advances STEM education, and inspires future generations. In Southern Maryland, the week aligns with efforts to grow the engineering talent pipeline, particularly through partnerships supporting local high-tech employers like the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Patuxent River.
Corona participates in the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership, a collaboration between CSM and the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering. The program offers a seamless transfer pathway for CSM students to enter as juniors in mechanical or electrical engineering bachelor’s programs. Participants gain access to paid internships, potential tuition assistance, and employment opportunities at NAWCAD upon meeting requirements. A dedicated engineering lab at CSM, supported by NAWCAD and UMD, facilitates junior- and senior-level coursework.
Beyond the proclamations, CSM extends outreach through ongoing events. The college will host Night of Engineering on April 9, 2026, at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building in St. Mary’s County. This semesterly program targets middle school, high school, and current college students, showcasing CSM’s associate of science degrees in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering; transfer options to bachelor’s programs via USMSM; and regional career paths in engineering. Registration details appear on the CSM calendar.
These activities underscore Southern Maryland’s emphasis on engineering education and workforce readiness. The region’s proximity to federal installations and defense contractors creates sustained demand for skilled engineers, with local institutions like CSM bridging community college access to advanced degrees and professional roles.
Proclamations in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties during the week reinforced community support for the field. Similar recognitions have occurred in prior years, but the 2026 events featured direct student involvement to highlight emerging talent.
