Opening Doors to Opportunity: Teens Explore Maryland Colleges and Future Career Pathways

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their future and envision what comes next after high school. This spring, Club teens from our Club at Leonards Lane in Cambridge took an important step in that journey through a series of college field trips designed to introduce them to higher education, career pathways, and life beyond graduation.

Teens visited three Maryland institutions—University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), University of Maryland, College Park, and Bowie State University—gaining firsthand exposure to college campuses, academic programs, student life, and future opportunities. More than just campus tours, these experiences helped teens begin connecting their interests and talents to long-term educational and career goals.

Throughout the visits, teens explored campus facilities, met with university representatives, learned about admissions requirements, and experienced student life by dining in campus dining halls and engaging with current students and staff. For many participants, the trips offered a valuable opportunity to see themselves in a college environment and better understand the pathways available to them after high school. "We wanted our teens to see that college is something they can achieve" shared Club Manager Gabe Butler. "By visiting campuses, meeting staff and students, and learning about different academic programs, they're able to start connecting their interests and goals to real opportunities after high school. It's all about helping them think bigger about what's possible for their future."

Supporting Academic Success

Exposure to higher education helps young people connect today's efforts with tomorrow's possibilities. By learning about degree programs, admissions expectations, and academic opportunities, teens gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in college and beyond.

The visits encouraged participants to think critically about their future educational goals while helping them recognize the importance of academic achievement in reaching those aspirations.

Building Life & Workforce Readiness

Career exploration was a key component of each visit. Teens learned about a variety of academic disciplines and professional pathways while gaining insight into the skills and experiences needed to succeed in today's workforce.

At Bowie State University, participants received a behind-the-scenes look at the university's audio and visual production facilities. Communications professor and veteran broadcaster Dr. Otis Thomas shared how BSU-TV and WBSU Radio have evolved through the transition from analog to digital technology, providing students with advanced opportunities in broadcasting and media production.

One Club teen even had the opportunity to speak live on the campus radio station, transforming a campus visit into a hands-on learning experience and offering a glimpse into a potential future career path.

Promoting Health & Well-Being

College visits also help young people build confidence and reduce uncertainty about their future. By stepping onto college campuses, navigating new environments, and interacting with university staff and students, teens developed greater self-assurance and a stronger sense of belonging in higher education spaces.

At UMES, teens attended Engagement Day and SpringFest 2026, experiencing the vibrant energy of campus life through entertainment, student activities, music, and community celebrations. These experiences helped participants see that college is not only about academics, but also about personal growth, community, and finding a place where they can thrive.

Developing Character & Leadership

Exploring college campuses challenges young people to think beyond their current circumstances and imagine the leaders they can become. Throughout the trips, teens asked thoughtful questions, engaged with university representatives, and reflected on their own goals and aspirations.

Experiences like these encourage independence, responsibility, and self-advocacy—critical leadership skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

At the University of Maryland, College Park, teens experienced the scale and opportunities available at one of the nation's leading public universities. Walking through classrooms, student spaces, and dining facilities gave participants a firsthand look at what life as a college student could be, inspiring many to begin envisioning their own future on a campus like College Park.

Investing in Great Futures

College and career exploration opportunities are an important part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore's commitment to helping young people build bright futures. By providing meaningful experiences that connect education, career readiness, leadership development, and personal growth, we are helping teens develop the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue their goals. We look forward to creating even more opportunities for our teens to explore new possibilities, discover their passions, and prepare for success in college, careers, and life.