Learning never stops at City Schools. This summer, hundreds of students across Baltimore took part in programs that kept their minds active, their creativity flowing, and their connections strong. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight three standout programs from summer 2025. Each story will show student growth, family engagement, and community impact. Together, these programs demonstrate how learning in City Schools extends far beyond the traditional school year.
On a sunny afternoon in late July, an aspiring actress, a future engineer, and a budding paramedic shared their aspirations.
“I like learning about different careers, and I know I like acting,” said Hannah.
“Engineering seems creative and fun,” noted Cormac. “I like finding solutions to problems.”
Added Harrison, “I like following directions and having a certain way to do things. And if I'm a paramedic in the Air Force, I can see the world!"
Hannah, Cormac, and Harrison—as well as 25 of their middle school peers from across the city (including a future construction worker, a nurse, a digital artist, and a football coach) - participated in the five-week, summer Middle School Career Camp at Hampden Elementary/Middle School. The camp allows middle school students to explore career opportunities and paths as they develop an understanding of their skills and interests.
“When students can conceptualize themselves in the world, they can discover what they enjoy,” says Adam Payter, site administrator and Program Supervisor with the Baltimore Career Coaching Initiative (BCCI) at the Mayor's Office of Employment Development(MOED). “When they can articulate who they are, they can see more opportunities. It builds confidence.”
Each morning, Career Coaches from BCCI guide students through interactive activities that explore personal interests and skills, as well as the wide range of career options available to them. That morning, students filled out “Brag Sheets” listing their achievements and experiences. The prompts provide a foundation to reflect on what led to their—and each other’s—successes as they discuss the differences between feedback, praise, and criticism. Coaches Daria Ferrara and Makayla Jefferson guided campers to consider their personal brands, including how they present themselves and their accomplishments to others.
Students learn about, and from, each other. When one student expressed an interest in cycling, another asked him, “What would you do with that interest?” That prompted a camp-wide discussion about the various aspects of owning a bike shop. A passing remark about another camper’s interest in football became a conversation about teamwork, different roles in teams, and how every role and personal interaction impacts others.
Every afternoon at camp, professionals from the community introduced students to careers and industries. On the day of the branding activities, retired Northrop Grumman engineer Katherine Dougan outlined her career path and described her former job duties. She then led students to create a piano using a banana as a fun way to explain energy and circuitry.
Wednesdays at the camp were devoted to field trips; over the summer, students explored the city's industrial and manufacturing heritage at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, media and production at Maryland Public Television, and the wide variety of options in medical fields at Baltimore City Community College. They also visited the Ravens' training camp, where they were surprised to find that, beyond athletes, the organization employs health professionals, human resource staff, facilities and maintenance managers, nutritionists, and food service workers.
The Middle School Career Camp supports City Schools’ creation of innovative college and career readiness programs. While this summer’s campers directly benefited from the experience, they also provided valuable data for the Office of Secondary Success and Innovation. Student interests throughout the district are followed over time, aligning future opportunities to evolving interests. The 46 Career Coaches at City School middle and high schools play a central role in monitoring and reporting on student career aspirations.
The camp also illustrates the quality partnerships developed by City Schools to support student success. The camp’s coaches are part of the BCCI, a collaboration with MOED and Baltimore City Community College. Afternoon speakers are enlisted and coordinated by the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education. Professionals from Mindgrub, 32 Sports, Northrop Grumman, and APG Federal Credit Union introduced students to their work and careers.
Concluded Harrison, the future paramedic, “I want to get the point across to other students that it’s helpful to start thinking about your career as soon as you're in middle school!”