Aspiring Engineers Explore Seamless Transfer and Career Paths During Night of Engineering

More than 130 Southern Maryland students with sights on an engineering career learned about pathways and partnerships to reach their goals during Night of Engineering on October 29, 2025.

Night of Engineering introduces middle school, high school, and college students to the associate of science degree programs at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), transfer pathways to four-year bachelor’s degrees with the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM), and engineering career opportunities in the region.

Valeria Corona is a second-year electrical engineering student at CSM. Corona is one of several students who took the podium to share their experience in the Engineering Transfer Recruitment Opportunity (ENTRY) program which allows students who graduate from CSM associate of science programs to transfer with junior status to a mechanical or electrical engineering bachelor’s program at USMSM.

“College is an investment. You want to minimize the input and maximize what you get out of it,” said Corona. “As a real engineer you should recognize what you can do to set yourself up for future success and maximize the opportunities around you.”

This event, held at the USMSM Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology (SMART) Building in St. Mary’s County, was hosted by the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership, a program which allows mechanical and electrical engineering CSM graduates to transfer to the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering at the USMSM in California, MD. Through this partnership, students can intern with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), often leading to full-time employment.

CSM faculty and staff worked closely with USMSM to ensure courses allow a seamless transition to the four-year program. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson shared how students who begin their higher education journey at CSM are set up to succeed in their next steps. 

“When students start at CSM, they benefit from smaller class sizes, saving money and resources and funds, and staying close to home where support is within reach,” Dr. Wilson said. “We are designed to help you reach your goals. Our purpose, our intent, and our mission, is to make sure every student walks across that stage.”

USMSM Executive Director Dr. Dale Nesbary spoke to students about the need for skilled engineers in Southern Maryland. He said the faculty at these institutions recognize this need and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to prepare students to fill high-demand positions.

“You’re next to the one of the largest naval air stations in the country, and that requires extreme talent to help them do what they need to do, and that’s you,” Nesbary said. “So listen, learn, and then contribute.”

Night of Engineering participants heard inspiring testimony from Grady Klaas, 2025 USMSM graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a product of the transfer program. Klaas earned his Associate of Engineering Science degree from CSM.

Klaas encouraged the next generation of engineers to join this program, which he said was less of a financial burden than other degree programs, allowed him to stay local, and take advantage of the close ties with Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a civil engineer.

“During lessons we were exposed to the challenges that civilian engineers face every day. This didn’t just sharpen my academic skills, it prepped me for my career in ways that other programs couldn’t,” Klaas said. “If you’re passionate about engineering and want an affordable, practical path that keeps you connected to industry leaders, USMSM is the place.”

Attendees toured the state-of-the-art SMART Building and viewed demonstrations of the research and technology labs.

Night of Engineering is hosted each spring and fall. Visit the CSM Engineering webpage for more information on the partnership and degree programs.