FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2026
MBRT Releases 2026 Way to Be Magazine Supporting the Readiness of Maryland’s Middle and High School Students
BALTIMORE – The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) announces the release of the 2026 special double edition of Way To Be, its award-winning college and career readiness guide designed to inspire and empower students as they plan for life after high school. Published in English and Spanish and delivered to 55,000 students in Maryland’s 24 school districts, the magazine has been published each school year for over two decades in partnership with The Daily Record. The magazine is provided as a complimentary resource to Maryland public schools and is utilized by students as well as teachers, counselors, career coaches, family members, caregivers and MBRT Speakers Bureau industry professional volunteers as they support student success.
The student-friendly theme for this year’s almost 100-page Way To Be publication is “Mirrorball.” When a mirror ball is illuminated, the mirrors reflect light in all directions – similar to the lighting of various pathways that students may explore. With thoughtful design, updated information, useful data, and a clean visual style, each page helps middle and high school students explore and prepare for college and career.
This year marks MBRT’s second single-issue bilingual edition, with one half of the magazine in English and the other half featuring a complete Spanish translation. This ensures increased access and inclusion for students and communities across the state. The MBRT utilized Cool & Associates in Maryland for translation services that ensure an authentic, conversational and student-friendly style.
The magazine’s popular “Meet the Pros” section returns in 2026 with a focus on young professionals in diverse industries sharing their unique career journeys and practical advice for students. New this year, each early-career professional is paired with a student pursuing a similar industry pathway, creating a meaningful connection between today’s workforce and tomorrow’s talent. Together, the 2026 profiles demonstrate that there are multiple pathways to achieve career goals, including career connected learning, college, credentials, technical training and military service.
“Way to Be is more than a college and career readiness magazine—it’s a tool to empower students to take charge of their futures,” said Sharon Markley Schreiber, MBRT Executive Director. “This year’s bilingual edition brings the message home: there are incredible opportunities across Maryland and students have the power to shape their path.”
The 2026 edition includes:
- A comprehensive guide to paying for college, internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing,
- A step-by-step look at the interview process and building a personal brand,
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways across Maryland’s 24 school districts,
- and student-friendly tools, checklists, and tips for preparing for life after high school.
Read the digital version at mbrt.org or email info@mbrt.org to request copies for your school or organization.
About Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
Founded in 1992, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is a coalition of leading employers that have made a long-term commitment to support education reform and improve student achievement in Maryland. The MBRT drives meaningful partnerships between business, government and education that empower student achievement to meet Maryland’s talent needs. For more information, visit http://www.mbrt.org/.
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