At the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT), we believe that career readiness starts with curiosity, exploration, and action. That’s why our Grade 10 programming is designed to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore career pathways, develop essential skills, and take confident steps toward their futures.
Bringing Careers to Life
Our tenth-grade program focuses on real-world application of skills and knowledge. Students engage in hands-on activities, hear directly from local professionals about their career journeys, and participate in exploration activities that connect classroom learning to real-life scenarios—all tailored to each student’s interests.
One of the tools we use to guide this journey is MBRT’s award-winning Way to Be magazine, which serves as a roadmap for students as they investigate career and college pathways. Partnering with district career coaches, provided by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, MBRT staff collaborate to deliver impactful lessons, activities, and experiences that inspire students to think boldly about their futures and take steps to prepare now.
Learning Through Experience
There’s no substitute for seeing careers in action. That’s why MBRT’s Career Tours take students out of the classroom and into the world of work.
On November 14, Kent County students explored four local businesses and organizations, gaining firsthand insights into diverse career pathways:
- CreaFill Fibers Corp: Students learned how renewable resources like cellulose are used to create sustainable solutions, showcasing the innovative potential of manufacturing.
- Modern Stone Age Kitchen: Students dove into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, learning from the experience of owning and growing a local business—a story featured in the 2024 Way to Be magazine.
- Kent County Government: Students discovered public service careers by meeting commissioners and exploring roles in IT, finance, human resources, and other departments. Some even shared their own ideas and concerns with local leaders.
- Deep Blue Restaurant at the Historic Kitty Knight House: Chef Robbie Jester, a Kent County High School alum and star of Beat Bobby Flay and Pressure Cooker, shared his culinary journey, inspiring students to dream big and celebrate local success stories.
These visits weren’t just educational—they were transformative. Students secured job leads, explored career paths, and found mentorship opportunities that aligned with their passions.
Similarly, nearly 30 Wicomico High School students visited Delmarva Power’s Training Center in Salisbury, where they explored careers in the utility industry. From electric and gas operations to customer care and field engineering, students gained a comprehensive view of this vital field. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—100% of participants reported that the experience was valuable, deepening their understanding of how education connects to professional success.
Why It Matters
This programming is about much more than career exploration; it’s about empowering students to dream big and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. By exposing students to real-world environments, connecting them with mentors, and helping them build actionable plans, MBRT helps students build confidence and take ownership of their futures.
For businesses, this is an opportunity to shape the future workforce and inspire young minds, while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Every professional who shares their story or opens their workplace for a tour becomes a catalyst for change, sparking ideas and ambitions that can last a lifetime.
Get Involved
Are you a business professional interested in inspiring the next generation? Join us by participating in classroom activities, hosting a career tour, or mentoring students. Together, we can create brighter futures. Contact us today to get involved!