Maryland National Guard and University of Maryland Eastern Shore establish Educational Partnership

PRINCESS ANNE, Md — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) entered into an official educational partnership on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.

The partnership centers on an educational mentorship partnership program with UMES’s Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences. Both organizations will benefit from enhanced collaboration in the world of aviation and furthering education opportunities, and establishing a pipeline for MDARNG involvement on campus, including special events, inactive duty and annual training, the potential for guest speakers and participation in campus events.

“Maryland can rely on the Maryland National Guard – and now, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore can rely on a smart new partnership to help students in the new Aviation program experience, explore, and excel,” said Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the adjutant general for Maryland. “Matching our seasoned aviation professionals with ambitious young aviation students, the Maryland National Guard will mentor and coach through practical hands-on experience.”

UMES Students will gain valuable mentorship from army aviation professionals with years of real-world experience.

“We are an aviation-focused institution,” said Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, the President of UMES. “It is a critical part of who we are and that’s why this partnership is so important.”

The Maryland Army National Guard has 4,600 soldiers and 1,500 combat platforms located at 45 installations statewide. The majority of the force serves part-time training to serve their community during natural disasters or other state emergencies and to be ready to deploy overseas to protect the nation. Opportunities include over 130 career paths including innovative work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).