TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools’ officials are encouraging eligible youth to apply for a program designed to assist students from low-income families in preparing for careers and removing academic barriers.

Students who enroll in the CareerLINK program will receive individualized support aligned with their interests, needs, and goals, and will participate in workshops related to financial planning, career readiness, and leadership development. The program is supported by funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and offered by the Baltimore County Public Schools’ Office of Career and Technical Education and Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

“We are so pleased to work in partnership with Baltimore County government to offer this opportunity to our students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Choosing a career path is an overwhelming decision for most people. Through this program, we want to provide additional supports to those students who might benefit most from them.”

“This program supplements resources and experiences within existing Career and Technical Education programs of study while expanding career exploration and post-secondary preparation opportunities to all students in BCPS,” said Dr. Michael Grubbs, BCPS Career and Technical Education coordinator.

To participate in the program, youth must be between the ages of 16-21 at the time of enrollment; U.S. citizens or non-citizens authorized to work in the U.S.; registered for Military Selective Service, if applicable; be attending school; meet income limits; and have at least one of the following characteristics: basic skills deficient; English language learner; have a criminal or juvenile record; be homeless or a runaway; be in or have aged out of the foster care system; be pregnant or parenting; or have a disability.

Questions can be directed to Sheila Young, CareerLINK project specialist, at [email protected].