St. Mary’s County, MD The College of Southern Maryland hosted its Night of Engineering event at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building, drawing about 70 middle school, high school and college students interested in engineering careers. The program highlighted seamless academic pathways from associate to bachelor’s degrees and into regional STEM jobs, particularly with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Patuxent River.
Students received direct insights from current learners, faculty and working engineers about the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership. The partnership enables students to begin at the College of Southern Maryland for an associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering before transferring as juniors to the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland to complete a bachelor’s degree. Many graduates then pursue opportunities at NAWCAD.
Dr. Bernice Brezina, interim vice president of the Division of Learning at the College of Southern Maryland, emphasized the benefits of small class sizes. “You will have an abundance of support to help you get through a very rigorous program,” Brezina said. “Engineering opens you up to a lot of possibilities.”
Doug Duehring, a College of Southern Maryland and University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland graduate now working as a Navy Flight Test Engineer at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, shared his journey. Unsure of his path after high school, he found clarity through the transfer program. “When I was in your seat, I wish I knew how diverse NAWCAD Pax River is, all the different disciplines and jobs in STEM,” Duehring said. “There are so many different opportunities.”
Nicole Carron, a College of Southern Maryland graduate and current senior in mechanical engineering at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, described the supportive environment. “Being able to know my professors and get direct support created a stronger learning environment for me and a better sense of community where asking questions feels natural and is encouraged,” Carron said.
Michael York, a sophomore electrical engineering student at the College of Southern Maryland planning to transfer, highlighted affordability and proximity. “It ended up being an amazing and fulfilling experience,” York said. “It was a way to stay close to my family, connect with industry jobs, and pursue my love of robotics while saving thousands of dollars.”
The event addressed the full timeline of a potential engineering career spanning six to eight years. Attendees heard testimony about academic rigor, faculty relationships and real-world applications in Southern Maryland’s defense and technology sectors. Following presentations, students toured labs in the SMART Building with hands-on demonstrations led by faculty and industry partners.
Scholarship support plays a key role in making these pathways accessible. The Constellation (Calvert Cliffs) Pathway Scholarship awarded three full-ride scholarships to College of Southern Maryland engineering students and five more for workforce training in its inaugural 2025-2026 year. The Patuxent Partnership Pathways Scholarship supports engineering majors to strengthen the regional STEM workforce for NAWCAD.
Night of Engineering occurs each spring and fall at the SMART Building in St. Mary’s County. The location allows students to complete bachelor’s degrees without leaving Southern Maryland. The program aligns with strong local demand for engineers at Patuxent River and related facilities, offering clear routes from local classrooms to high-tech careers.
Southern Maryland’s engineering education ecosystem benefits students by combining community college affordability with university-level training and direct industry connections. Participants left with practical advice on navigating undecided futures, building community in challenging programs and understanding diverse career options in STEM.
The College of Southern Maryland continues to expand these opportunities through partnerships that keep talent in the region. For families in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, events like Night of Engineering provide tangible next steps toward stable, well-paying careers close to home. Students interested in the programs can find details on the College of Southern Maryland Engineering webpage.
This latest gathering reinforces Southern Maryland’s position as a hub for engineering education and innovation, supporting the next generation of professionals who will contribute to national defense, technology development and community advancement.
