CCG_Annual Report_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 40
SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH
Charles County Government Annual Report • 2025
STARS! APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Acknowledging the talents and skills that STARS (Skilled Through
Alternative Routes) contribute to our community, the Department
of Human Resources partnered with Charles County Public Schools
to join the Apprenticeship Maryland Career and Technical Education
(CTE) Program, which prepares students (age 16 and older) for
careers in STEM, manufacturing, and traditional occupations.
OVERVIEW
REQUIREMENTS
Piloted in
Frederick and
Washington
Counties;
now available
statewide
At least one year of classroom instruction
Students start in
their junior year
Provides real-world experience serving the
community while building career skills
Minimum of 450 hours of paid, workbased training with a mentor
Formal agreement among student, school,
and employer
IMPACT — The program introduces students to County
Government, and helps them gain valuable technical skills and
insight into future careers
2023
HR applied for and
was approved as
a participating
employer with the
Charles County
Board of Education
CHARLES COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
CONTRIBUTION
TO STARS!
2024
HVAC Apprentice (DPW, Facilities)
Electrical Technician Apprentice (DPW,
Facilities)
Engineering Apprentice (PGM,
Infrastructure)
2025
HVAC Apprentice (DPW, Facilities)
Electrical Technician Apprentice (DPW,
Facilities)
Meter Technician Apprentice (DPW, Utilities)
Engineering Apprentice, (PGM, Infrastructure)
40 /
YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS
Charles County’s Department
of Recreation, Parks and Tourism (DRPT)
continued to expand meaningful opportunities for youth and teens through programs
that support social connection, personal
grow th, and future readiness. Inclusive
and accessible, these initiatives provide
safe environments where young residents
can engage with peers, explore interests,
and gain exposure to pathways beyond the
classroom.
A cornerstone of the County’s youth offerings is the Friday Teen Hangouts, a free
weekly program for teens ages 13–17 held at
multiple community centers across Charles
County. These Friday evening gatherings
offer structured recreation, games, and
social activities in a supervised setting,
giving teens a consistent and welcoming
space to connect, unwind, and build positive
relationships. With a free RecCard available
to all participants, the program removes barriers to participation and promotes broad
community involvement.
Beyond weekly programming, DRPT supported teens’ long-term success through
targeted career and college exploration
events. In partnership with county agencies and communit y organizations, the
Trade Skills Career Fair introduced teens
to hands-on demonstrations, skilled trades,
and workforce opportunities, highlighting
viable career pathways. Additionally, the
County hosted an HBCU College Fair, connecting students with representatives from
historically black colleges and universities
and providing guidance on college planning
and academic opportunities.
Together, these programs reflect Charles
County’s commitment to investing in its
young people — supporting not only their
social well-being, but also their educational
and career aspirations. Through recreation,
mentorship, and exposure to future pathways, the County continues to play a vital
role in preparing the next generation for
success while strengthening community
connections.
CharlesCountyMD.gov
