Senator Angela Alsobrooks Visits CSM Velocity Center to Discuss Aviation and Technology Economic Opportunities

Senator Angela Alsobrooks visited the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Velocity Center on October 31, 2025, to explore innovative industry growth along the Western Charles Technology Corridor, a regional hub for technological advancement and research.

Sen. Alsobrooks spoke with a panel of CSM and Charles County leaders about the importance of industry partnerships in spearheading economic development.

“The number one goal of every jurisdiction has to be to continue doing the work of building the current economy and being prepared for the new economy we’re going to see,” said Sen. Alsobrooks.

The Western Charles Technology Corridor covers more than 7.6 square miles along Indian Head Highway, connecting the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC IHD), the U.S. Navy’s center for energetics, to the Maryland Airport and Bryans Road. Within that corridor is the CSM Velocity Center, a dedicated space for community collaboration and workforce development. The Center has conference and meeting space for the community and the Navy, the Makerspace outfitted with a variety of manufacturing and maker equipment for creatives and aspiring entrepreneurs, and hands-on learning programs.

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson said, “community collaboration is key to regional economic growth, and the Velocity Center is a driving force of our regional growth, fostering partnership, innovation, and creativity to meet the demands of technological and economic advancement.”

The Velocity Center reflects CSM’s commitment to serving Southern Maryland and advancing workforce development in the region. The Velocity Center is located less than two miles down the road from NSWC Indian Head. Jim Chandler, Director of Economic Development for Charles County, said these resources spur regional growth centered around aviation and aerospace industry investment.

“These assets are the base of our economic strategy and a catalyst for future development in the area,” Chandler said. “We’re seeing significant investments in and around Indian Head to serve the growing workforce, including restaurants, hotels, and other amenities to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, or visit here.”

Aerospace and aviation are pivotal industries in the region, and the need for skilled workers in these positions is expected to grow. CSM is working to help fill gaps in this high-demand workforce through a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology program, which will include the FAA Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant certificate.

As the first institution in the state to offer a program of its kind, Dr. Wilson said it provides students with a unique opportunity to earn stackable industry recognized credentials in a high demand field.

“Many of our community partners have shared that there is a strong need for aviation maintenance technicians, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to fill that talent pipeline,” Dr. Wilson said. “This program gives students a viable career path to support themselves and their families, while allowing them to live, train and remain in southern Maryland.”

CSM received program approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Dr. Bernice Brezina, Dean of the School of STEM and Professional Studies, said receiving state approval was an arduous process, but is a significant accomplishment towards offering this program. The college is now working with industry experts, community partners, and an FAA consultant to complete the lab where courses will be offered and obtain FAA approval of program curriculum.

“Receiving MHEC approval is a big step forward in reaching our goal of offering a program to fill essential industry positions,” Dr. Brezina said. “We had to show that there was a need and that there was no duplicated program across the state. Another critical piece was to show that we had community support. We’re very pleased to have the backing from our community and the state.”

Interest in the program is growing quickly. Dr. Brezina shared CSM is collaborating with local high schools to establish dual enrollment pathways to help students get started in the program. The college has also heard from veteran organizations interested in expanded opportunities for entering the aviation workforce.

“I am encouraged and really impressed with all the work that has been done. We’ve used every single asset available in Charles County,” Sen. Alsobrooks said. “It’s not just what we have today, but the aviation program is going to ensure that we are building into the future, and I think that’s so important.”

During the discussion, Sen. Alsobrooks asked the community leaders about the challenges AI may pose as the regional technology industry advances. Dr. Wilson shared how CSM has organized a cross-institutional task force to research different components of AI, including ethics, security, privacy, policy, environmental factors, and curriculum.

“AI is a resource that can improve operational efficiency and advance technological innovation, but you have to engage key stakeholders to establish appropriate guidelines and boundaries for effective and ethical implementation,” Dr. Wilson said.

Senator Alsobrooks closed the event by expressing a shared commitment to foster economic growth and innovation in the regional workforce and hopes for more opportunities for collaboration in the future.