Here's What's Happening This Week 3.18.2026
TPP Program & Updates
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 |8:00 am - 2:00 pm
The 4th Annual SPARK! Student Career Awareness Fair at the USMSM SMART Building.
NOTE: We need Volunteers for the SPARK Fair. If you are interested, please contact Michelle Reloba at michelle.reloba@paxpartnership.org
Thursday, March 26, 8 am-1 pm- SoMD Forum: Growing Our Own Workforce- Help identify next steps to cultivate and retain local talent for Southern Maryland. Join us at USMSM SMART Building for a morning of information and action! Continental breakfast and lunch provided. FREE. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-maryland-forum-growing-our-own-workforce-tickets-1981906889859
SAVE THE DATE! June 2, 2026 - TPP Annual Dinner at Historic St. Mary’s City. Details soon!
The TPP Newsletter is archived on our website
here: https://paxpartnership.org/newsletter/.
TPP– NAWCAD- NAVAIR- SOMD TECH BRIDGE
SOMD Tech Bridge at TechPort – https://techport.center
Tide Talks are back! Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 11:30 am EST -Celebrating 30 years of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet! The discussion between the NAWCAD’s SOMD Tech Bridge and PMA-265 will take a deep dive into the Super Hornet’s past, present, and future with a conversation between Rick Tarr, and Captain Michael Burks, USN, Program Manager, PMA-265. Captain Burks will reflect on three decades of Super Hornet milestones. This event will be interactive and conversational! Attendees will have opportunities to engage with the speakers.
Event Options: Attend virtually via WebEx or in person. Location: SOMD Tech Bridge at TechPort: 44185 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619
PMA-265 (F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office) ensures “cradle to grave” lifecycle management of the F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft, supporting the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and international allies.
In-person attendance is capped at 45 attendees, so register early to secure your spot. Register here: https://gtri.webex.com/weblink/register/rce746aedc40f1267d49f8f5f860f5fc7
April 16th, 2026, Central Florida Tech Grove event: The Missing Link in Wildfire Modeling Starts Here- 3D Surface Fuels and Vegetation Modeling Tabletop Exchange federal program managers, operational stakeholders, and industry leaders, aimed at closing this critical gap. This exchange is an opportunity to help define the next generation of scalable surface fuels solutions before the challenge is launched. Register today to secure your seat at the table.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
UMD UROC Summer 2026 internship program
Rolling applications and acceptances are 0pen!
Selected projects and candidates based on research interest. Students from any accredited university or community college are eligible and welcome to apply
Four application documents are required; please complete the application here: https://uroc.umd.edu/internship-application
- These PAID full-time positions are located in southern Maryland at our 12,000 sq ft research hangar at St. Mary's County Airport, just a few miles from Naval Air Station Patuxent River
- Summer 2026 internship program will run from shortly after Memorial Day -> early August, 2026
- Positions may be continued part-time into the academic year at the student's home institution
- Project must fly (or try!) by the end of the summer; we are a flight operations center!
· For students who do not live within commuting distance, the UROC will offer affordable local options. Details TBA.
· Thanks for your help in finding the best candidates for our positions!
More summer internship information is available at https://uroc.umd.edu/internship/summer-internship
Applications Now Open: 2026 SMADC Summer Internship Program for Motivated College Students. The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), is a division of the TCC for Southern Maryland. This 11-week paid internship program is specifically tailored for college students pursuing degrees in agriculture, agricultural business, environmental science, and related fields.
Duration: 11 weeks (June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026) Compensation: $20/hour (Full-time, not to exceed 40 hours per week) Location: SMADC Offices, 15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, MD Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant degree program and demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and regional food systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Application Window: March 18 – April 8, 2026 Virtual Interviews (via TEAMS): April 13 and April 20, 2026 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) Notification of Acceptance: May 1, 2026 Interested applicants can learn more about the SMADC Summer Internship Program Here and apply by filling out the form Here.
EDUCATION
St. Mary’s County Library needs literacy volunteers to use the Story Champs curriculum to work with small groups of children on reading comprehension in an after-school program.
Requirements:
- Interview
- Pass a background check
- Attend two training courses
- Commit to six months of leading small group tutoring sessions with the provided curriculum (January to June 2026)
Your commitment would include one weekday per week, 3 – 5:30p.m. Grade levels will range from kindergarten to 8th grade. For questions or additional information, contact Amy Ford, Branch Manager of Lexington Park Library at 301-863-8188 or aford@stmalib.org.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), The National Public Honors College. https://www.smcm.edu/ The general SMCM Events link. The Community Hub website lists events and opportunities of interest to the public.
Newsletter: The form to sign up for the SMCM general community outreach newsletter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtVDk7rgZN7R1Zg-_wfjFP6TECRieBRsnJHamjsgBj-LWfg/viewform
- March 24, 2026| 10:00 am-1:00 pm- St. Mary's College of Maryland's Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair - This event is a fantastic opportunity to hire interns, graduating seniors, and current students, as well as to inspire students exploring your industry by showcasing the incredible work you do. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: SMCM SPRING 2026 CAREER & INTERNSHIP FAIR
Center for the Study of Democracy at SMCM https://www.smcm.edu/democracy/
Newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Je5H45l/Subscribe
March 31, 2026 | 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Media, Literacy, Civic Engagement and Democracy Project, film screening "The Librarians" at Cole Cinema, Campus Center
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Information, news, and events: register: https://www.csmd.edu/news/index.html
Registration is Ongoing for Community Education Courses at
www.csmd.edu/CommunityEducation
SCHOLARSHIPS
Apply for NDTA scholarships!
Applications may be submitted now through April 15 via e-mail at ndtahq@ndtahq.com for our four academic scholarship programs for members and their children:
- Program A – for currently enrolled college students
- Program B – for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution
- Program C – for currently enrolled, distance learning college students
- Program D, The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship – for graduate (master’s degree) students
NDTA offers all scholarship winners a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP). The ICP links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information found here. To learn about scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to www.ndtahq.com/foundation/, call us at 703-751-5011 or send us an email at ndtahq@ndtahq.com. Read student testimonials from previous scholarship recipients to learn about the impact it has had on their studies and their career paths.
RESOURCES & EVENTS
Pax River Naval Museum (PRNAM) Join today: https://www.paxmuseum.com/membership
Event Calendar: https://www.paxmuseum.com/events-calendar
Flight Simulators open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-4 pm, and 10-4 pm on Saturdays. The museum is seeking adults (18+) to supervise the simulators on weekends. Email dan.dickey@paxmuseum.org for more information!
March 24, 2026 | 5pm-7pm St. Mary’s Young Professionals at Above Par Golf & Entertainment in Leonardtown, MD. Not into golf? Don’t worry! There are games and activities for everyone! 26288 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Register now: https://share.hsforms.com/2shwVDj_zT2GafXR4h2kGOg5mrww to let us know you’re coming!
The Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth invites small businesses, new entrants, and nontraditional suppliers to share how they are supporting mission success. If your company provides innovative technology, strengthens supply chains, or delivers specialized services that support Department or national security priorities, we encourage you to participate in the DoW Industry Insights Series: Seeking Small Businesses and Nontraditional Supplier Stories.
The form requests basic company information along with a brief description of how your product or service supports the Department. Responses should be clear and concise. You can access the form here: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Z07nrmRsEX
Deadline to participate: March 31, 2026
Please note: This is an unclassified data call. We look forward to learning more about the important work you’re doing.
Office of Industrial Base Growth |U.S. Department of War https://business.defense.gov
April 8, 2026 | Boarding: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm, - Return: 8:30 pm
The Annual AOC Capitol Club Cherry Blossom Dinner Cruise held as a joint Mid-Atlantic regional gathering to foster deeper collaboration across our chapters. Cost: $120 per person. Registration: Secure your spot via the Chapter Calendar here: Please reach out if you have members who would benefit from sponsored attendance.
Friday, April 10th, 2026 The Society of Experimental Test Pilots will be holding their 41st Annual East Coast Symposium at USMSM SMART
SETP membership is not required, and there is no fee, but pre-registration is required using the link below: https://1drv.ms/b/c/40a4250536f55aa8/IQCm1h31iz2QRLam9ce7TE2oAbi8KsR3oNM2palZDiEQLnE
https://secure.whoglue.net/setp/event/default.cfm?EventUUID=0CF055A3-F3E4-42DF-68D074F165FA9946
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region, stay informed here: https://www.sbdchelp.com. Check out their NO-Cost online Training & Workshops! https://www.marylandsbdc.org/training
July small business courses found here:
https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1
Greenwell Foundation is seeking Nature Volunteers to provide support for PreK to 1st grade environmental education field trips, guided hikes and kayaking programs, tabling at outreach events, and more! Learn more and apply here.
Greenwell Foundation is dedicated to Veterans and First Responders, offering free programs and retreats with therapeutic benefits. https://greenwellfoundation.org/veteran-first-responder-programs/
TEDCO Leading innovation to market- find funding/explore resources https://www.tedcomd.com/
Newsletter Link: https://www.tedcomd.com/subscribe-tedcos-newsletters
Events calendar: https://www.tedcomd.com/events
See dates and events here:
COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Historic Sotterley - Information & to register for events here:
https://www.sotterley.org/events/
Docents and Visitor Center Assistants Needed!
Volunteer form: https://sotterley.org/?ff_landing=6
· March 26, 2026 |7:30 pm - 9:00 pm- Historically Speaking with David Brown. Details here at registration. https://www.stmaryshistory.org/content.aspx?page_id=4092&club_id=706426&item_id=2802220
· March 30th to April 5 Spring Break activities at Historic Sotterley is partnering with the Southern Maryland Folklife Center and St. Mary's County Library to bring you 5 days of activities exploring how early Marylanders used the natural resources available to them to survive and thrive. To register https://sotterley.org/event/spring-break-activities-11/
Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) - Events here: https://www.hsmcdigshistory.org/events/.
Email: hsmcc.groups@maryland.gov; 301-994-4371 / 301-994-4372
St. Mary’s County Library Newsletter sign-up:
https://www.stmalib.org/newsletter-sign-up/
Please see their customer survey results here: https://paxpartnership.org/st-marys-county-library-customer-satisfaction-survey-results/
Planning a Conference or meeting? St Mary’s County is a prime location with venues to fit small, medium and large events. Partner with organizations to highlight local lodging options and 'things to do' for conference attendees. Check out the Visit St. Mary’s website for planning resources: Visit St. Mary's MD. For the latest tourism and hospitality news, grant opportunities and event updates, join the Visit St. Mary's MD mailing list: Click here
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks is launching a new online registration platform! CivicPlus provides improved access to activities, classes, leagues, memberships, and facility reservations with seamless online registration and secure payment processing. Create a household account here: https://secure.rec1.com/MD/st-marys-county-md/catalog
St. Mary’s County Museum Division - Please visit:
https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/Museums/
Free admission for the Military!
NOTE! Clement’s Island Museum is closed for reconstruction.
Announcing extended Fall Water Taxi Service to St. Clement’s Island & Winter Operations for All Locations.
The Drayden African American Schoolhouse Offers Free Public Open House. For more information about the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Open Houses, programs, admission prices, and more, visit the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Facebook.com/DraydenSchool or call (301) 994-1471
Please continue to drop off much-needed food supplies to St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen, 20331 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. Drop-off Monday-Saturday between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm Rear door call: 301-863-5700. Community needs are at an all-time high over winter! Or send a check if it’s easier to P.O. Box 144, Lexington Park, MD 20653-0144 –Thank you for caring.
|