arl continues to lead howard county students in career exploration

By: Spencer Gonce

Recently, the Howard County school system moved toward a more sustainable model to ensure students are prepared for college or a career upon graduation.  

Following the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future College and Career Readiness (CCR), a standard that, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, “prepares graduates for success in college and the workforce by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to complete entry-level credit-bearing college courses and work in high-wage and high-demand industries,” the county added 13 career readiness advisors to select middle and high schools. 

And while the changes and additions aim to usher in more current practices to meet students’ expectations and demands, there has been one county program, in particular, that has consistently played a vital role in providing students with career related opportunities.

​For at least the last 23 years, the ARL (Applications and Research Laboratory) has been home to 13 distinct academies, including Bio Tech, Health professions, and Animation Design, and currently offers 79 courses across all disciplines. 

Since its establishment, ARL has provided the best opportunity to learn about a certain subject, college or a career field. According to the ARL’s online description, student attendees have the opportunity to earn industry certifications and college credits, preparing them for success in all postsecondary pathways and opportunities.

“ARL connects interests to pathways,” said Daniel Rosewag, coordinator of CTE (Career and Technical Education).  

A three-year coordinator and CTE teacher for 12 years, Rosewag said students who take part in CTE Career Academies, at the ARL or at their home schools, are provided career related experiences that help them identify their career paths and develop their post-secondary plans.  

ARL offers a variety of two-year programs that students begin as juniors. Students work with professionals and complete authentic tasks designed to help them understand core concepts and fundamentals, all while using technology and programs to progress in various skills within each academy. 

“We offer valuable opportunities for students to explore and find their interests and the impacts of learning are not just positive, but very often life-changing and life-guiding,” Rosewag said.

Rosewag’s comments certainly apply to several Glenelg students, including senior Griffin Rill, who looks to become an EMT upon graduation.  

“ARL has given me a great opportunity to explore what I am passionate about,” Rill said. “The teachers are some of the best I’ve ever had. You can tell they enjoy being there, and they’ll often pass on their own experiences.”

Other seniors, like Molly Miller, say the environment created at ARL has been a welcome experience.

“Everyone is very friendly and always willing to help get us where we need to be for our future careers,” Miller said. “I also value getting to meet other students from all other county schools, making connections and building relationships.” 

While other students said they highly recommended attending ARL, one of the barriers to entry, according to Rosewag, is its popularity. With up to 1,100 students attending from 13 county high schools, Rosewag said there is usually limited capacity depending on course selections, the largest waitlist being the Health professions academy. Students should, therefore, begin exploring ARL programs as early as possible.

“Start exploring, for example, the CTE option to be prepared to register,” Rosewag said. “But understand one the biggest misconceptions of ARL is that it's the only place that you can take CTE class and course work. CTE is everywhere, not just ARL. “Don't put all eggs in one basket because of limited capacity and make sure you look at all options other than CTE.”

Some of those other options for students who might not get into ARL include enrolling in apprenticeship – Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) – where senior students receive career training while working full time. According to Rosewag, students can earn between $6,000 to $8,000. 

​Still, it’s the philosophy and the direct benefit of attending ARL that carries significant weight as the program prepares students for careers, rather than jobs or employment.

“I am really grateful to attend ARL,” Rill added. “The teachers and students want to be there, and that makes such a difference. I am excited for my future because of ARL.”