Carroll Community College Welcomes Justice-Involved Youth to Explore Educational and Career Training Opportunities
Westminster, MD —Carroll Community College welcomed a new cohort of Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) clients to campus on July 23rd for the second annual Justice System to Careers Initiative for Juveniles (JSCI-J) tour, an immersive experience designed to help justice-involved youth explore educational and career opportunities in a supportive, real-world environment.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s tour was formalized as an annual partnership between Carroll Community College and DJS, serving youth from Carroll and Frederick Counties. The initiative aims to shift perception and expand possibility, helping young people—many of whom have never envisioned themselves as college students—begin to see postsecondary education and career training as real, attainable goals.
“When justice-involved youth set foot on our campus, we want them to feel not only welcome, but seen,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College. “This tour is intentionally designed to show them that college doesn’t have to look one specific way. It can be short-term. It can be hands-on. It can start from wherever they are. And it can absolutely belong to them.”
The day began with a personal welcome from Dr. Mince and Vice President Kelly Koermer, signaling the institution’s deep commitment to second chances and inclusive access to education.
From there, participants engaged in a dynamic, hands-on lab tour featuring the College’s programs in manufacturing, automotive technology, healthcare, and theater. Highlights included exploring the surgical simulator, interacting with lifelike adult and infant mannequins, and learning how workforce training can be an alternative to traditional classroom education.
Students also received an introduction to non-traditional pathways including short-term credentials, apprenticeships, GED preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs—all underscoring the message that learning is accessible, flexible, and deeply personal.
The tour culminated in a Lunch & Learn session featuring a full slate of JSCI partners:
- Student Success Services spoke about academic accessibility and support.
- Campus Police reassured students of the College’s trauma-informed safety priorities.
- Adult Education staff emphasized access to foundational learning, including for those just beginning to read.
- Carroll County Workforce Development discussed co-enrollment services, funding access, and career exploration.
- Carroll County Health Department shared free mental health resources and wellness tools.
- Justice Jobs of Maryland presented on individualized case management and employment readiness services.
“Every element of this day—from who greeted them to where they walked—was intentional,” said Dr. Angelica Carter, Director of Community Engagement & Employee Development. “We showed them where to ask questions, where to go if they need help, and how many people are ready to support them on their journey.”
With the theme of going from exposure to aspiration, multiple DJS clients expressed interest in enrolling in the College’s programs during the tour, with curiosity sparked in fields like drones and automotive repair.
While the event only lasted one day, its potential ripple effect is long-term: empowering youth with a physical point of reference for their future, and showing them that college isn’t a far-off concept—it’s a community they’re already welcome in.
“DJS continues to appreciate the ongoing support and partnership with the Carroll Community College to provide our clients with opportunities for education & vocational success,” said Brian Gass, Case Management Program Supervisor, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. “We look forward to continuing this annual event in 2026,” he added.
PHOTO CAPTION: During their visit, the participants engaged with the Anatomage Table—a cutting-edge medical technology that features digitized human cadavers and offers an advanced, interactive learning experience for those pursuing careers in health and science.
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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.