FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2012

FOR ASSIGNMENT: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 3-5 p.m.

Contacts: Brice Freeman, MOED Communications, 410-396-1910, bfreeman@oedworks.com Joseph Dodson, Career Academy, 410-396-7454, jdodson@oedworks.com

Eighty Baltimore City Students to Graduate from Career Academy on June 14 Congressman Elijah Cummings to deliver keynote address Baltimore, Maryland (June 12, 2012) – The Career Academy, a non-traditional secondary education program for Baltimore City youth between the ages of 16 and 21, will hold its 2012 graduation ceremony to acknowledge the 80 young people who successfully completed the program this year. The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, Congressional Representative, 7th District, will be the keynote speaker. WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 3-5 p.m. WHERE: Bluford Drew Jemison Academy West (formerly Walbrook High School), 2000 Edgewood Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21216 BACKGROUND: Started in 1995, the Career Academy offers an educational and occupational learning option for Baltimore City youth. The Academy integrates academic instruction with occupational training, and focuses on providing each student with a strong academic foundation while offering various career pathways (SkillsUSA, internships, job shadowing, mentoring, etc.) that will promote professional success. Students are empowered to excel through leadership, training and coursework that will build skills for life. Dedicated staff and an advisory board of professionals serve as mentors and coaches, and support the Academy in providing instructional and training opportunities for participants. Additionally, the Career Academy incorporates activities stressing youth development, social skills and cultural enrichment helping to ensure a successful future for students. The Academy is one of several youth programs supported by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. For more information about the Career Academy, please call 410-396-7454. ### In fiscal year 2011, the Mayor's Office of Employment Development hosted more than 139,000 visits from city residents at our one-stop career centers, facilitated nearly 19,000 computer literacy training sessions at our Digital Learning Labs, and placed close to 2,700 individuals in jobs. We connected more than 5,000 youth to summer employment and assisted more than 500 businesses through our Employ Baltimore strategy. This year we are continuing our commitment to match Baltimore citizens with good jobs and satisfying careers, and to link area businesses to qualified employees.