Night of Engineering Introduces Students to Seamless, Affordable Path from CSM to USMSM And Engineering Careers in Southern Maryland

Building awareness around the College of Southern Maryland's (CSM) engineering pathways and workforce development partnerships continues in March when CSM hosts 'Night of Engineering' at its Leonardtown Campus. During ‘Night of Engineering,’ CSM spotlights its Electrical and Mechanical Engineering majors and the Southern Maryland ENTRY Program – a partnership with the University of Maryland that offers a seamless path to an engineering bachelor’s degree and allows students to stay close to home by attending the University System of Maryland Southern Maryland (USMSM).

“Our elected officials, business partners, and engineering alumni know that CSM is committed to building a strong workforce pipeline to meet the region’s needs,” said CSM Pre-Engineering Coordinator Jehnell Linkins. “The Night of Engineering on March 23 is one of the ways we introduce new students interested in engineering to the many well-rounded opportunities we provide at CSM.”

The ENTRY program has students earning their associate of science engineering degree at CSM, and upon completion, transferring with junior status to earn a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering at USMSM. Students also have the opportunity to do an internship with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), a division of NAVAIR, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River with a possible employment opportunity upon successful graduation and completion of all requirements.

“Along with their studies and classwork, our engineering students are encouraged to engage with their communities by volunteering and giving back,” she said. “The students can also join the Talons robotics team, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Engineering Club, and the Math Club to further their skills and build their social network.”

“The reason I came to CSM is because it was affordable and because I wanted to stay connected to my community,” confirmed CSM Electrical Engineering student and CSM's National Society of Black Engineers Chapter President Jordan Riggs, pictured right with Linkins.

“Helping our students be involved in our communities, keeps our students in our community,” explained Linkins. “That is just one of the ways we work at building the workforce pipeline, and ensuring student success.”

The Night of Engineering program will be held March 23 at the Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium and online via Zoom. Registration is required and can be completed online at https://www.csmd.edu/calendar/2023/03/night-of-engineering-23.html.

Southern Maryland’s three counties’ Board of County Commissioners presented CSM with proclamations in February to highlight the college’s commitment to a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce. The recognitions came as the college celebrated National Engineer Week/E-week Feb. 19-25.

Joining Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and staff on the far right are CSM student Dwight Stephens and Professor Byron Brezina.

Joining Charles County Board of County Commissioners are CSM professor Brian Warneke, student Glenn Teegaurden and Pre-Engineering Coordinator Jehnell Linkins.

Receiving the St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioner proclamation are CSM student Aaron Urea, Professor Ann Stine and CSM '22 Alum Dylan Payne.

Mark Your Calendar: Night of Engineering: Southern Maryland Entry Program. March 23. 6:30-8 p.m. Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium and online via Zoom. Learn more about the seamless pathway to a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering offered through CSM in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD). Upon completing the engineering program at CSM, students may transfer with junior status to earn an engineering degree at UMD. Students can also do an internship with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, a division of NAVAIR, with a possible employment opportunity upon successful graduation and completion of all Pathway Program requirements. Free. Registration required https://www.csmd.edu/calendar/2023/03/night-of-engineering-23.html.