NEWS: The Southern Maryland community stepped up in a major way to support the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation, raising a college record of $321,400 for college programs and scholarships.
January 16, 2026 St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair (SMCSEF) will be at the USMSM SMART Building and is open to St. Mary’s County residents. It is the perfect venue for students to share their talents in experimental methodologies, engineering design and testing, and other scientific projects.
Please check the website for ways to partner with SMCSEF, including sponsoring awards and scholarships, advertising opportunities, and volunteering as board members, judges, and project mentors. Your support has an impact! Contact Mark Ragland, SMCSEF President, at smcsefpresident@protonmail.com for additional information. Please send advertisement artwork and sponsorship questions directly to Samantha Nelson at smnelson@smcps.org
NEWS: Congratulations to the Grand Award Winners of the 2025 St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair! Téa Combs, Thomas Fucito, Collin Haycraft, Rishi Sheth, and Stephen Krasznay
The January Spotlight shines brightly on Adrianna Reloba! Adrianna is a visual artist, art instructor, and owner of Freedom Palette, a mobile art studio which hosts guided and DIY craft workshops that include either natural, foraged and/or ethically sourced materials. Click here for the full article. This feature is in partnership with The Southern Maryland Chronicle. You may know Adrianna as part of our support team at TPP events. She is the daughter of our Director of Operations, Michelle Reloba.
SCHOLARSHIPS
THE PATUXENT PARTNERSHIP PATHWAYS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2026 - 2027
APPLICATION FOR 2026 - 2027
TPP Pathways Scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend CSM and major in engineering and will be eligible to receive a full scholarship covering tuition, fees, and books for up to two years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and remain in good standing.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
• Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Southern Maryland (Calvert, Charles or St. Mary's Counties)
• Enroll as a full-time student at CSM (minimum of 12 credits)
• Possess and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no grade lower than a B in designated courses such as Calculus II and Physics, and no grade below a C in other courses
• Agree to apply to the Southern Maryland Pathways Program in Engineering, majoring in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, A. James Clark School, taught locally at the USMSM, and enroll upon acceptance.
Applications may be submitted now through April 15
This holiday season is a great time to submit an NDTA Foundation scholarship application for the 2026-2027 academic year. 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 can be foundhere. 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 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.
Please help us spread the word about our Lexington Park Business Association Survey!
We appreciate your feedback!
ALL Businesses and Organizations located in Lexington Park, Maryland 20653. Including Home-Based, Part-time, Online/Web-Based, etc.
Deadline December 31, 2025 Late survey will be accepted if necessary.
January, 13, 2026 3:00pm EST or 12:00pm PSTWebinar: International Trade Administration Resources to Support Uncrewed Systems Exports
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has a powerful suite of resources which empower U.S. uncrewed systems companies to compete and thrive in today’s global markets. In this webinar, leaders from ITA’s Industry & Analysis, U.S. Commercial Service, and Advocacy Center will outline the policy landscape shaping UxS competitiveness and walk participants through the full lifecycle of export support- from identifying overseas partners to securing foreign government contracts. Attendees will gain actionable insight into navigating supply chain and manufacturing resiliency, leveraging U.S. Commercial Service field offices, and understanding the role of U.S. Government Advocacy in pursuing international opportunities. Join us to learn how your organization can tap into ITA’s extensive global network and elevate its international growth strategy.
Featured Speakers:
Michael Robbins, CEO, AUVSI
Bradley A. McKinney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Commercial Service
Hiro Rodriguez, Executive Director, Advocacy Center
Topics:
Policies to Advance Uncrewed Systems Competitiveness
Leap Forward is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves underrepresented youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds and other underrepresented communities through programs, personal mentoring, and enrichment activities. Leap Forward focuses on helping students complete college. The students have the opportunity to tackle STEM-related challenges and to hear from guest speakers. Leap Forward need a coach for one of their STEM competition teams. They are forming an after-school program at Patuxent High in Lusby, MD. Please contact Rhonda Thomas at leapforwardinc@yahoo.com for more information.
Flight Simulators open Tuesday to Sunday 12-4 pm, and 10-4 pm on Saturdays.
The museum seeks adults (18+) interested in supervising the simulators on weekends. Emaildan.dickey@paxmuseum.orgfor more information!
January 15, 2026 -Break Free from Burnout: Reclaim Your Energy and Impact The Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland (HRASM) invites you to join leadership coach Stephanie Bidle for a 1‑hour virtual session to spot burnout early, protect your energy, and create habits that boost focus, fulfillment, and impact. Free for HRASM members and $10 for all others. 1 PDU for SHRM/HRCI certified professionals, and also be used for those requiring continuing education credits For more information and to register, please visit: Breaking Free from Burnout: Reclaim Your Energy and Impact | Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland.
A February Virtual TECH Test Prep by Constellation's 2026 HIRE360 scope and sequence. They have identified a clear need for a fleet-wide virtual TECH option that supports multiple sites, based upon M&T projections and demand across the entire fleet (visual below).
This virtual TECH test prep will be:
4 days
Virtual (evenings)
Open to candidates across the entire nuclear fleet
*Participants who complete the entire training will receive a stipend.
If you have questions, concerns, or considerations that they should be aware of, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact: Stefanie Barone, Local Government Affairs Manager, Mobile: (301-653-1415), Stefanie.Barone@constellation.com
February 4-5, 2026- University of Maryland Development, Test, Evaluation, Verification & Validation (DTEVV)workshop at the USMSM SMART Building.
Technology continues to evolve, including the prominent integration of intelligent/autonomous capabilities. Every emergent capability and system requires some form of assessment, but current test and evaluation practices are unable to keep pace with this evolution. The result is a slowdown in the adoption of these technologies.
Register for ‘Defend The Airport’ and advance Rail Cybersecurity Through Collaboration.’
February 10–11, 2026, at The Link in Columbia, Maryland, for a powerful two-day event focused on protecting one of our nation’s most critical transportation lifelines. Defend The Railroad 2026 is a mission-driven initiative led by TAC, uniting industry, government, and cybersecurity leaders to strengthen the security of our rail systems. This year, we’re proud to partner with Cylus, Amtrak, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to build a collaborative defense against rising digital threats. Together, we’re shaping the future of transportation security.
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.
March 24, | 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
COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Historic Sotterley - Information & to register for events here:
Find Local Farmers Markets Near You! Southern Maryland Buy Local Guide Available Now- Your one-stop resource for local farmers and enjoy the best of SoMD. View the SoMD Farmers Market Guide HERE
Planning a Conference or meeting? St Mary’s County is a prime location. Partner with organizations to highlight local lodging options and 'things to do' for conference attendees. Check out the St. Mary’s County website: Visit St. Mary's MD
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
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.
Baby it's cold outside. Please consider dropping 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!
