Maritime jobs have always been vital locally here in Baltimore, with both national and world impact. The industry dates back to the 1600s, with ports, shipyards, and lighthouses, and as the tragic destruction of the Key Bridge last year showed, it remains a crucial part of the city's economy today.
Maritime education has also long been part of Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Baltimore was one of the first cities to offer vocational courses at public expense and the first to establish a nautical training school. In 1855, the Board of Trade and the Baltimore City Board of Education partnered to create a floating school aboard a ship named the Ontario.
Today, the maritime industry includes a wide range of jobs, including cargo shipping, shipbuilding and repair, managing artificial intelligence technology for logistics, tugboat towing, fishing vessels, ferries, cruise ships, offshore operations, and more. More than 90% of products in the U.S. are transported via maritime shipping at some point.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway for maritime at Digital Harbor High School allows students to explore these careers and earn certifications that can help them secure jobs after college. Some of these certifications also include college credit.
“When they’re applying for jobs, there are thousands of other candidates,” said Ben Graeff, the Maritime Transportation and Technology Pathway Instructor at Digital Harbor. “So what can they do to make their résumés stand out more?” According to Graeff, who was in the maritime industry before teaching, the certifications students earn through City Schools can help give them an edge.
The students we talked to enjoyed their introduction class. “I find it really helpful to learn new things and prepare for our future,” said Scarlett, a student at Digital Harbor High School. She said she has learned about many careers she didn’t know were available to her. 
Another student, Khaliyah, isn’t sure if she will pursue a maritime career after high school but is interested in health care and was glad she took the class. “But there are medical careers in maritime. There are a lot of positions, and you can travel,” she said.
Students in the introductory class have also been learning about offshore wind, a growing sector in maritime careers, and creating their own turbines. While it may seem odd, offshore turbines will need individuals with the training that the pathway provides. “In order to service those, it will require some sort of maritime background to both create and maintain them,” Graeff said.
During a recent class, students worked through the engineering process to design wind turbines and test their effectiveness.
“We came up with an idea and then tested it out, and if it wasn’t effective, we tried new things,” Scarlett said. She decided to add another blade to her turbine to see if it increased energy output. Meanwhile, her classmate Kenniah adjusted the angle of her blades before testing her turbine. “It’s a new record—just watch!” she said. And, thanks to using the engineering method, it was!
As Baltimore continues to evolve, the maritime industry remains a key driver of economic opportunity and innovation. Through the Maritime Transportation and Technology CTE pathway, City Schools students are gaining the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing field. Through hands-on learning and industry certifications, they are not only preparing for future careers but also contributing to the city’s rich maritime legacy.
Discover more about the maritime pathway at Digital Harbor:
Read about the maritime program at Digital in a recent article by the Baltimore Sun.