EDUCATION
The Apprenticeship Maryland Program/Tech Jobs Rule (AMP/TJR) and the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center (FCTC) are seeking local companies to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Apprenticeships will begin between June and September 2025 and we don't want you to miss out! Companies in St. Mary’s County that wish to participate in the upcoming school year should complete the 2025-2026 Youth Apprentice Industry Request Form found here: https://paxpartnership.org/tech-jobs-rule/ and submit it to kawhite@smcps.org. Please check out the AMP/TJR video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2FT6Mc1-00
February 5th, 2025 | 5:00 -Dr. Justin Stine, Assistant Research Scientists at the MATRIX Lab USMSM, will discuss the role of advanced manufacturing in developing miniature sensing devices for biomedical applications, like diagnosing and treating chronic gastrointestinal diseases. He'll also highlight how these systems will benefit from autonomy.
"Advanced Manufacturing for Biomedical Devices and Applications: Toward Device Autonomy" will be presented at the USMSM SMART Building, 44219 Airport Road, California, Maryland 20619. Networking starts at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation starts at 5:30 p.m.
You can learn more about the series and register for our February 5 presentation now!
Evening@SMART is a series of presentations and discussions related to autonomy and AI that highlight research, breakthroughs, cutting-edge tech, and unique perspectives.
(STEM-ING) Next Generation event Saturday, May 31, 2025!
For the last 12 years, NAWCAD and The Patuxent Partnership have collaborated together to host the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Inspiring the Next Generation (STEM-ING) event. This one-day event, is designed for middle school girls in the local tri-county region to gain more confidence in STEM activities and learn about STEM fields and associated careers. Students will attend 3 STEM related workshops. Every year, STEM-ING hosts new workshops so that returning students can participate in new/different workshops from the previous year.
STEM-ING’s open call for workshop proposals
The STEM-ING Workshop Committee Leads are looking for workshop proposals for the upcoming 2025 STEM-ING event. If you are interested in submitting a workshop proposal, please review the attached template form. Please submit proposals to stemingsomd@gmail.com by Friday, January 31, 2025. Additionally, submitting a workshop proposal does not require that you lead the workshop; however, you are certainly more than welcome to lead the workshop at the 2025 STEM-ING event.
If you have any additional questions on the STEM-ING event or the current call for workshop proposals, please feel free to contact stemingsomd@gmail.com.
DCAIP Department of Defense – DoD College Acquisition Internship Program- To enroll or for more info: https://paxpartnership.org/nadp-naval-acquisition-development-program-non-stem-opportunities/
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 6pm-7:30pm – Future Focus: Connecting Interests with Careers at Lexington Park Library- An interactive career interest workshop designed for teens and their caregivers. Presented in partnership with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.
Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Subscribe to their newsletter here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Je5H45l/Subscribe
Website: https://www.smcm.edu/democracy/
- Wednesday February 5, 2025, 4:45 - 6:30pm - The Color Curtain Project- The Color Curtain Project is a series of culinary experiences and art book presentations that explore the multitudes of relationships shared between Africa and Asia. The Color Curtain Project will present new material that reflects on how we individually and collectively respond to catastrophe. Venue: Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center (SMCM)
College of Southern Maryland, (CSM) Information, news and events: register: https://www.csmd.edu/news/index.html
Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; CSM offers a variety of Community Education courses in Fall 2024. Register here: www.csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
February 22, 2025 | (all day ) -Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) 2025 event! JSHS invites high school students to report on the results of their original research investigations in STEM and compete for scholarships and recognition at university-held regional symposia. All Maryland high schools are eligible to participate in the Maryland Regional JSHS. Regional Host Information: Michelle Reloba at michelle.reloba@paxpartnership.org or 301-866-6023
SCHOLARSHIPS & CHALLENGES
Del. Brian Crosby 2025-26 SY Academic Scholarship Application!
This scholarship is intended to assist St. Mary's County students in furthering their education and pursuing their career goals. Del. Crosby strongly encourages students who will be first-generation college students and/or those who will pursue a certificate or licensure as part of a technical education to apply.
To apply, you must be a resident of Maryland Legislative District 29B, which covers the southern portion of St. Mary's County, including some areas of California, Lexington Park, Great Mills, Ridge, and others. If you are unsure whether you live in District 29B, you may confirm by using the Lookup option on the Maryland General Assembly's website linked below. You may apply as either a full-time or part-time student, however, you must be taking at least 6 credits per semester to qualify as a part-time student under Md. Code, Educ. § 18-504. If you have applied for this scholarship in the past, you may apply again as long as you remain a qualified student. This scholarship does not automatically renew. Students must reapply each year.
For the application link and more information read here: https://paxpartnership.org/del-brian-crosby-2025-26-sy-academic-scholarship-application/
Applications are open for TPP Pathways Scholarship – The scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan on attending the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and majoring in engineering will be eligible to receive a full scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and books for up to two years, providing they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and remain in good standing. For Scholarship Eligibility Requirements and to apply: https://csmd.academicworks.com/opportunities/3953
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2025
Contact information regarding this scholarship: CSM Foundation at 301-934-7599 or csmfoundation@csmd.edu
American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Scholarships! ASNE proudly supports future engineers, awarding $4,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students each academic year who have a potential interest in naval engineering. We understand education is expensive, which is why we encourage those qualified to apply!
Are you pursuing an education and career in engineering? Interested in applying your skills to the exciting and broad field of naval engineering in support of our Navy and Coast Guard? Seeking a merit-based scholarship? Look no further! The American Society of Naval Engineer's Scholarship Application is officially open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year!
Application submissions are due February 10, 2025. If you have a question, please read the "ASNE Scholarship FAQs" online or email scholarships@navalengineers.org or visit their website to learn more about our application criteria/process: http://www.navalengineers.org/Education/Scholarships
NASA’s fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge kicked off November 7, 2024. The science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge invites kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery integral to many of NASA’s far-reaching space missions.
Students are invited to write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system they choose. Submissions are due Jan. 31, 2025. To learn more about the challenge, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/power-to-explore/
To apply for National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) scholarships!
Submit an application for an NDTA Foundation scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year! Applications may be submitted 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 can be found here.
NDTA is excited about the education and development of our Nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders! Providing scholarships and the ICP helps us promote learning and professional development. To learn about scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to https://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.
They look forward to hearing from you soon!
NEWS
Governor Moore and Team Maryland Announce Federal Funding for Maryland DefTech Center.
Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland congressional delegation today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), are once again joining forces to expand Maryland’s Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech). The expansion of the program was made possible through a $585,463 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and matching funds totaling $183,338 from the Maryland Department of Commerce and TEDCO.
RESOURCES
The International Trade administration (ITA) is your U.S. government resource for competing in the global marketplace. To download the 2025 Defense Export Handbook , and more information can be found here: https://paxpartnership.org/defense-export-handbook/
Saturday February 8th, 2025 - The Southern Maryland VEX IQ tournament - Vex IQ is a robotics program for elementary and middle school students. The event is in need of volunteers to serve as Judges.
The judges play a very important role in the tournament. You will interact with teams of elementary and middle school students who have worked hard all year to create a robotic system to compete in a game. Judges work in teams to evaluate engineering notebooks, interview teams, observe teams on the playing fields, and ultimately deliberate to determine which teams will receive judged awards.
There is no required background and all training, and a catered lunch is provided on the day of the competition.
Location: Great Mills High School Cafeteria
Judging Time Commitment: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Awards Ceremony ~ 4:00 pm
(judges are invited to stay for awards ceremony where we get a chance to show our appreciation of your efforts)
If you are interested and available, please respond to caskinner@smcps.org
Please also feel free to share this opportunity within your networks.
February 11, 2025 |5:00pm, Washington, DC & 2 :00pm, Los Angeles, CA
February 12, 2025,| 9:00am, Canberra, Australia
Join senior leaders from the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, Australian Government, and Aerospace Industries Association for an AUKUS webinar covering recent defense trade reforms that seek to bolster the trilateral partnership and better facilitate defense trade between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
What is the AUKUS Exemption: This webinar follows a key interim final rule published by the Department of State known as the ‘AUKUS Exemption,’ or the ‘§ 126.7 exemption’, designed to facilitate billions of dollars in secure, license-free defense trade. Under this exemption, the vast majority of commercial defense trade for both AUKUS and non-AUKUS programs is eligible for transfer between AUS-UK-US.
Who Should Attend: This is a unique opportunity for companies, compliance professionals, and country managers involved in the AUKUS landscape to hear directly from the leaders involved in shaping the defense trade between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Speakers:
Chris Deeble, Australian Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Australia Department of Defense
Michael Vaccaro, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls, U.S. Department of State
Philip Johnson, Chief of Staff, Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
Dak Hardwick, Vice President, International Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association
Questions, click below:
· Patrik Kjos -IA Office of Aerospace
· Doug Hartley -U.S. Embassy - Canberra
· Jason Sproule -Aerospace Defense Team
Registration: Click here
DONT MISS! Saturday January 25, 2025| 10am-3pm Southern Maryland Veterans Empowerment EXPO at Lexington Park United Methodist Church 21780 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD
This empowering event will feature a variety of local providers ready to address needs: from behavioral health, to employment, housing and beyond. Attendees can:
-
- Explore resources to provide assistance, enrich well-being and strengthen community connections.
- Get your benefits sorted through a VA claims clinic held by DAV Chapter 26
- Bring your relevant documents to get help applying for what you’ve earned.
- Engage in therapeutic activities designed to foster resilience and joy.
- Enjoy delicious food and great company while connecting with peers and providers. At noon, the first 200 people will be given a free lunch to take with them. We’ll have coffee, water and snacks available throughout the day.
- Partake in multiple raffles for chances to win valuable products and prizes. For more information https://somdvetexpo.com/
Community Visioning Sessions Announced for “St. Mary’s 2050” Plan St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) is seeking input from the community on the vision, key planning themes, and goals to be considered as the county’s Comprehensive Plan is updated. The “St. Mary’s 2050” plan will establish a cohesive, countywide vision for land use, economic development, and other quality-of-life goals, and will outline an actionable strategy to achieve this vision.
The following Community Visioning Sessions have been scheduled; Attendees are asked to attend only one 90-minute session:
1. [Sesión en español] Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Lexington Park Library located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park. This session, along with all exhibits and activities will be conducted entirely in Spanish [Esta sesión, junto con todas las exhibiciones y actividades, se llevará a cabo completamente en español].
“We urge all members of our community to attend one of these Community Visioning Sessions,” said Commissioner President, James Randy Guy. “We are grateful to our team in LUGM for their hard work in organizing these sessions, and to the St. Mary’s County Health Department for their partnership in offering one session entirely in Spanish, helping to ensure all voices in our community are heard.”
About St. Mary’s 2050
St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s existing Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future land use in the County through 2050 and beyond. St. Mary’s 2050 will chart the course for ensuring St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, and play.
Visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050 today to learn more, stay engaged, and add your voice in shaping the future of St. Mary’s County.
Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland (HRASM)dates to watch!
· St. Mary’s County Library Announces Perks Partners - St. Mary’s County Library is excited to announce a partnership opportunity for businesses! Through our Perks Partners program, the Library will spread the word about your business through our network, including social media, in-library messaging, and email messaging. In return, your business will offer a 10% discount to library card holders. This collaboration will enhance the reach of local businesses and offer another avenue for advertising services, while also raising awareness of Library offerings and attracting new library card holders.
“Our combined monthly reach within our community is over 80,000, including email, social media, and website visitors,” said Library Director Michael Blackwell, “and we believe this will be a great way to enhance communication, benefitting businesses and library users.” Perks Partners are welcome to sign up on the Library website: https://www.stmalib.org/about-us/perks-partners/
After you sign up online, a library staff person will contact you to bring you a window decal to display in your place of business.
The Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program is now accepting applications from Maryland businesses interested in exploring international markets.
Consider applying if you’re ready to:
· Expand export capabilities
· Test out a new global market at a reduced cost
· Network and receive guidance from mentors in key markets
Apply now for this dynamic program, which can connect your business to partners in Australia, Japan, Ireland, France, Netherlands, and the UK. Learn more and apply here https://marylandcommerce.formstack.com/forms/grant_application_maryland_soft_landing_exchange_2025
What is the Employer Partner Program? It’s a free Commuter Choice Maryland (CCMD) program that recognizes organizations for their leadership in offering commuter benefits and creative incentives to their employees. For more information: commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov or 410-865-1100 – Link: https://mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=29
The Maryland Association of Community Colleges newsletter found here: Read the latest article on “Middle-Skill Careers Offer a Path to the Middle Class” here: https://mailchi.mp/mdacc.org/middle-skills-opportunities
Pax River Naval Museum (PRNAM) Become a PRNAM member today: https://www.paxmuseum.com/membership
Event Calendar: https://www.paxmuseum.com/events-calendar
The PRNAM flight simulators are open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm unless posted otherwise.
Interested in joining our simulator team? The museum is seeking adults (18+) interested in supervising the simulators during the weekends. Email dan.dickey@paxmuseum.org for more information!
DOD Issues Class Deviation on Cybersecurity Standards for Covered Contractor Information Systems. The class deviation is available on the Defense Pricing and Contracting Public website:
https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA000814-24-DPC.pdf.
INCOSE SOMD https://www.incose.org/ Is running monthly "Systems Engineering Forums! Anyone with an interest in systems engineering is welcome to participate. We are looking for engineering-themed opportunities to get more engaged. For details or to share please contact INCOSE.
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region, stay informed and follow on social media and here: https://www.sbdchelp.com Check out their NO-Cost online Training & Workshops! https://www.marylandsbdc.org/training
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Tri-County Council (TCC) - Business Engagement Specialist Team (B.E.S.T.) monthly Business News/Updates newsletter! Email: BESTeam@tccsmd.org to request to subscribe. More here: https://southernmarylandjobsource.org/ Check out the most up-to-date Hot Jobs!
https://tccsmd.org/wp-content/uploads/Featured-Hot-Jobs-8-20-2021.pdf
COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 5:30pm.- St Mary’s County Recreation & Parks will host a public information gathering on a proposed Sports Complex planned for a location in the California, Maryland area. The meeting will be held in the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) Meeting Room, Chesapeake Building - 1st Floor -41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, MD 20650
and will allow the community to engage in meaningful discussions with the design team of Manns Woodward Studios of White Marsh Station, Maryland, and BallParchitecture of Bethesda, Maryland. All local citizens, other interested parties, and governmental agencies are requested to provide valuable input into the programing that would be potential for consideration for a sports complex in St. Mary's County. The study is a Maryland Stadium Authority led preliminary design project.
Additional public input opportunities will also be available online through surveys and additional gatherings will be scheduled during Spring 2025. Details and locations will be announced at a later date.
For more questions regarding Capital Project Improvements: Christina Bishop at 301-475-4200 ext.1811 christina.bishop@stmaryscountymd.gov
St Mary’s College of Maryland https://www.smcm.edu/ Check for events here: https://inside.smcm.edu/events?page=1
EVENTS: Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center (SMCM) https://www.smcm.edu/dodge-performing-arts-center/coming-attractions/
· Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Brian Ganz Solo Recital,
· Wednesday, February 5, 2025, | 4:45 - 6:30pm - The Color Curtain Project is a series of culinary experiences and art book presentations that explore the multitudes of relationships shared between Africa and Asia. More here: https://inside.smcm.edu/events/color-curtain-project-feb-5
· Saturday, February 8, 2025, | 7 – 8pm - The world-renowned The King's Singers are coming back to St. Mary's College of Maryland for another night of a cappella perfection! Tickets on Sale Now! Last year we had a sold out crowd, make sure to get your tickets early!
COSMIC Symphony -
If you’d like to be notified of the latest COSMIC news and concert updates, sign-up for their newsletter.
Song & Dance will feature the 2024 Young Artist Competition winner, Ellyanna Tyson, and a classical program including Tchaikovsky’s overture from Romeo & Juliet and several of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.
Feb 22, 2025 | 3:00pm- Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD 20639- FREE CONCERT
Feb 23, 2025 | 3:00pm -Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, SMCM-47855 College Dr, St. Mary's City, MD 20686-FREE CONCERT
Historic Sotterley - Information & to register for events here: https://www.sotterley.org/events.
Historic St. Mary’s City, (HSMC) - See all events & register 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/
St. Mary’s County Museum Division - Please visit
https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/Museums/
Sign up for their newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/8818922c0fdc/march2024?e=5cb0e4248f
For more information on hours of operation, programs, events, admission prices, and more, follow our museums on Facebook at:
· St. Clement’s Island Museum: Facebook.com/SCIMuseum
Saturday January 25, 2025 |10am -3pm Appraiser Fair-
An opportunity for the public to learn the value of their heirlooms and how to care for them. Appraisers will be available to members of the public for the following categories: fine arts, dolls, coins, and currency. The fine arts category includes ceramics, pottery, glassware, artwork/paintings, music boxes, and small furniture pieces. Items in this category are limited to two items per person at a fee of $5 per item. Other category fees are $5 each. Cash, credit card, and check are accepted.
· Old Jail Museum & Visitor Center: Facebook.com/TheOldJailMuseum
· Piney Point Lighthouse Museum: Facebook.com/1836Light
· U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center: Facebook.com/USCTCenter
Baby it's cold outside!
Wrapping Arms Round Many, Inc. (WARM), established in 2009, is a faith-based 501(c)(3) charity that collaborates with local houses of worship and other organizations to provide safe overnight shelter and meals to homeless adults from November through March. Join their e-mail list: warmsecretary1@gmail.com
Collaborate with WARM or volunteer for other tasks – meetings are open to the public at 5 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD - Questions? Contact WARM at: warmsecretary1@gmail.com - 240-587-5032
St Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen is grateful for those who assist in building a better quality of life. The following is list of needs:
Chunky Soup, Hot Chocolate Packets, Ketchup Bottles, Olive Oil (large sizes preferred), Vienna Sausages, Peanut Butter (creamy preferred), Instant Oatmeal Packets, Parmesan Cheese, Canned Tuna and chicken, Canola Oil (48 oz), Chicken, Beef and Vegetable Broth, Chili seasoning packets, Canned soups, Crackers (Saltines, Ritz, etc...), Graham Crackers, Juices - 64oz bottles or individual boxes, Mayonnaise (30oz), Microwave Popcorn, Pepperoni, Shredded Cheddar/Mexican Cheese, String Cheese, Hamburger and tuna Helper, Cheese slices, Lunch meats.
Drop-off Monday-Saturday between 8:30am and 1:00pm 20331 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills. Rear door: 301-863-5700, contact stmcaring@gmail.com
Check the website for information on monetary donations www.stmaryscaring.org
