Baltimore City Public Schools -

On a chilly February morning, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School students embarked on a hands-on career exploration trip to Martin State Airport. The trip was part of Baltimore City Public Schools’ (City Schools) ongoing focus on exposing students to multidisciplinary career paths. Designed by students for students, the learning experience provided a hands-on understanding of the diverse opportunities available, from aviation to law enforcement.

While we highlight Career and Technical Education month in February, these real-world experiences are a key element of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate strategic direction and the daily effort to prepare students for higher education and family-sustaining careers.

Based on student feedback gathered at the beginning of each school year, staff customize learning experiences that align with students' future goals. Whether students aim for higher education, enter a trade, or explore other career paths, these experiences offer a tangible way to envision life after graduation.

Led by the Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) Career Coach Amelia Davis and Postsecondary Success Specialist Jeremy Levinger, students explored career opportunities within the Baltimore City and County Police Department. The day began with a tour of the department's helicopter unit, where students learned about two distinct career paths: Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs) and Helicopter Pilots.

Students were shown how to join the police academy right after high school and become a TFO, or pursue aviation programs at local institutions like the Community College of Baltimore County or the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to become pilots.

Tactical Officer Andre Smith, Jr., a Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School alumnus and a 17-year veteran of the Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD), guided students through the BCPD aviation hangar. He shared his personal journey, explaining how the mentorship he received from Ms. Davis helped shape his career. “Ms.Davis was a key mentor for me, and I spent a lot of time with her talking about my future. It’s truly meaningful to be now able to guide students on the same path that helped me provide for my family,” Officer Smith reflected. Sgt. Brandon Branham of the Baltimore County Police Department also showed students the ins and outs of the County’s helicopter and tactical gear.

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations are critical in offering students insight into career options and keeping them engaged. Both Davis and Levinger recognize the power of mentorship, with professionals like Officer Smith serving as motivating student role models. “They share valuable insights about what worked for them in high school and help students avoid common pitfalls,” Levinger said.

To continue expanding these opportunities, Davis encourages local businesses and government agencies to partner with Baltimore City Schools Workforce Learning. These opportunities are shared with career coaches across the district. Building and maintaining strong relationships with local businesses and alumni is key to this effort. Notable examples of successful partnerships include apprenticeship tours with Maryland Senator Cory McCray, Local 486 Steamfitters and Plumbers Union, Local JATC 24 Electrical Union, and Local 37 Operating Engineers Union. With their help, Dunbar has toured programs in fields like heavy machinery operation, plumbing, steam fitting, and electrical work.

Thanks to mentors like Officer Smith and ongoing collaborations with businesses and agencies, Davis and Levinger are excited to continue providing students with meaningful career exploration experiences.

A special thank you goes to the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Aviation departments for their collaboration and support in making this trip successful.




Photo captions:

1. HEADER PHOTO: Students listen as Officer Smith Jr. explains the helicopter's features, including the night vision camera, heat scopes, and sirens.

2. Ms. Davis and Mr. Levinger greet Tactical Officer Smith Jr. as they arrive at the Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD) hangar at Martin State Airport.

3. Students and staff watch as a pilot demonstrates landing the BCPD helicopter.

4. Officer Smith gives students a tour of the control room, where a newly hired pilot (seated to the right) is being trained.

5. BCPD Officer Smith and Baltimore County Police Sergeant Brandon Branham spoke to students, explaining the similarities and differences between their respective departments' helicopter fleets.

6. Students explore the features of the helicopter.

7. Students pose for a photo inside the BCPD helicopter.