Howard County Schools Piloting Electrician Apprenticeship Program

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has introduced a new program for students interested in a career as an electrician. Student Apprenticeship Pathways, which began in February, is the only opportunity of its kind in the state and, for its first cohort, is providing electrician youth apprenticeships for approximately 15 students.
Participating students spend part of their week learning from certified electricians in a classroom environment while gaining industry knowledge, OSHA 10 certification, direct entry to a registered apprenticeship and employment upon completion of their coursework. Students receive a weekly stipend, mileage reimbursement and necessary industry tools.

“I am very excited that we can offer this opportunity for our students to explore in-demand career paths while in high school,” said HCPSS Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “I am very appreciative of Independent Electrical Contractors and Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, who share in our commitment to preparing students for successful and rewarding careers.”

There is a shortage of qualified electricians nationally.

Bright Minds Creates Wallen Scholarship Fund

Bright Minds, the official foundation of the Howard County Public School System, has established the Laura E. Wallen Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Wallen family is establishing the scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Wilde Lake High School social studies teacher Laura Wallen.

Wallen joined HCPSS in 2007 as a social studies teacher at Murray Hill Middle School and transferred to Wilde Lake High School in 2014, where she worked until her untimely death in September 2017. The scholarship is intended to help Wilde Lake graduates who wish to major in one of the social sciences to pursue college studies at a two- or four-year institution. Winners will receive between $1,000 and $2,500, which can be used to pay tuition, fees or the cost of books.

To contribute to the fund, mail a check to the Bright Mind Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042, and designate Wallen Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 410-740-0707 or [email protected].