April is National Volunteer Month — a time to recognize the power of individuals who give their time, talent, and voice to create a better future. At the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT), we proudly celebrate the hundreds of passionate professionals who step into classrooms across the state as part of our Speakers Bureau. These dedicated volunteers bring college and career readiness (CCR) to life, helping Maryland students see what’s possible — and how to get there.
Whether it’s a scientist sharing her career path, a tech professional discussing in-demand skills, or an entrepreneur encouraging resilience and creativity, our MBRT volunteer speakers provide real-world connections that inspire students and open doors to opportunity. The impact is undeniable: students who hear from MBRT volunteers report a stronger understanding of career options, increased motivation to graduate, and greater confidence in their future.
And our reach continues to grow. Last year alone, MBRT speakers impacted close to 20,000 students statewide, with 85% of students saying their session helped them see the value of education in achieving their goals. But we don’t stop at inspiration — we listen and evolve.
At last year’s Speakers Bureau Roundtable event, current, former, and new speakers shared honest and insightful feedback that helped MBRT enhance our programming. Their ideas led to updates to our website, a refreshed Way to Be Magazine — our award-winning student resource — and improved student survey tools to better capture CCR growth. Their input has been vital to keeping our work relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Now, we invite you to help shape the next chapter.
Join us for the 2025 Speakers Bureau Roundtable, a virtual event on Thursday, April 24, from 12 PM to 1 PM. This is your opportunity to:
- Connect with fellow volunteers and education advocates
- Share best practices, tips, and stories from your sessions
- Learn about new CCR tools and updates from MBRT staff
- Help co-create the future of our student programming and volunteer experience
Register now for the free virtual event on April 24th and keep inspiring Maryland’s next generation of leaders.
Check out our website at www.mbrt.org and click on the “volunteer” tab or reach out to Carrie Pannone – State Program Sr. Manager at carrie@mbrt.org.
