***NEWS RELEASE***
Cambridge, MD – The Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development Office has been awarded the prestigious Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Small Community Economic Development Program Award for its visionary Queen Anne’s County Career Center Initiative.
This recognition celebrates the county’s outstanding work to expand access to career development and workforce preparation by establishing career centers at both Queen Anne’s County High School and Kent Island High School. The initiative was spearheaded by Connie Dean, Workforce Development Administrator, and Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS).
“We could not be prouder of Connie and Adam’s efforts,” said Heather Tinelli, Director of Economic & Tourism Development. “They have brought our vision to life by ensuring students across the county are supported with real-world career guidance, employer connections, and pathways to meaningful employment.”
Each center is staffed with a Career Coach who works one-on-one with students to support career exploration, coordinate internships and apprenticeships, and assist with job readiness and placement. “This initiative is about opportunity,” said Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education at QACPS. “By embedding career coaches in both high schools, we are helping students navigate their future with purpose and confidence — whether that path leads to college, skilled trades, or immediate employment.”
The MEDA Small Community Economic Development Award recognizes high-impact programs that drive economic vitality in Maryland’s smaller jurisdictions. The Queen Anne’s County Career Center Initiative was selected for its innovative, student-centered approach and collaborative execution.
A short video highlighting the initiative is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPq-HpOuNig
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.