When Jerry McLaurin and Sandy Pruitt of the People for Change Coalition first visited the Eastern Shore, they had no idea the impact they would one day have on hundreds of rural students.
What began as a grant-funded pilot in Charles County has grown into a transformative summer school enrichment program for kids in grades 6 through 9 in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Now in its fifth year, the program heads to Talbot County for two sessions, July 7–17 and July 21–31.
Students attend from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., exploring classes that feature hands-on learning in cutting-edge subjects such as robotics, cybersecurity, animation, graphic design, and more. It also teaches essential soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication—skills that, like chess, require strategy, patience, and practice.
Launched after the pandemic to re-engage middle school students and bridge opportunity gaps in rural education, the free program offers a rare and valuable opportunity for young people to explore technology-based careers—many for the first time.
“That’s where we come in, by offering a variety of technology courses that expose kids to fields like cybersecurity, robotics, animation, graphic design, and presentation skills,” McLaurin says. “We want to make sure that these kids get a good start in life by having a good foundation in the technology arena.”
Closing the Opportunity Gap
In suburban and urban areas, exposure to STEM curriculum is increasingly common. But in rural communities, these kinds of programs remain elusive. The People for Change Coalition, in partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Rural Maryland Council, is working to change that.
“We don’t want any kids to be left behind in technology—and rural students too often are,” McLaurin stresses.
Through partnerships with local school systems, the program provides laptops, supplies, breakfast and lunch, and instruction from experienced professionals—many of them successful entrepreneurs and members of the Black Chamber of Commerce. Instructors are carefully selected not just for their credentials, but for their ability to connect with students and spark curiosity.
Life Lessons Through Technology—and Chess
While the program’s focus is tech, the lessons go far beyond coding. One of the most popular classes is chess—used to teach critical thinking, strategy, and discipline.
“We use chess as the game of life—every decision you make, you’ve got to live by it,” says McLaurin. “That’s just like coding, AI, or cybersecurity. It all comes down to critical thinking.”
And the impact is tangible. A student who once struggled with attendance and social interaction became a leader in the program — eventually founding a chess club at his school. Another student, initially withdrawn and distrustful, found confidence through a hands-on computer engineering class. He later told a judge during a court appearance for a family matter, “Whatever you do, don’t take me out of that program.”
These stories are not outliers. They are the norm in a program designed to build confidence, inspire ambition, and help students envision a brighter future.
“A lot of these kids had never touched a computer—or a chess board,” McLaurin explains. “Every summer, we see students grow in ways that are hard to describe. But you can see it in their eyes. Whether they’re flying drones or playing chess, they’re thinking ahead—for the first time—and starting to believe in who they can become.”
A Regional Effort with Deep Commitment
The Mid-Shore Regional Council has been instrumental in growing and sustaining the program. Executive Director Scott Warner first connected with Jerry and Sandy during a Rural Maryland Day event in Annapolis. Once he saw what they were doing, he knew the program belonged on the Eastern Shore.
“This program helps level the playing field for students in our rural communities,” Warner says. “It introduces young people to technology, but it’s also a transformational opportunity that opens doors, builds skills, and plants the seeds for future success.”
By removing cost barriers and ensuring every student—regardless of income, ability, or background—can participate, the program stands out in a crowded education landscape.
Warner recounts a moment when a parent, whose child attended an elite summer program at Johns Hopkins, toured the classrooms and said, “Your kids are learning more here—even better than what my son is getting there.”
Looking Ahead
With more than 300 students registered this year, the Summer Career Enrichment Program is growing fast—and so is its ambition. A new student ambassador program will elevate young leaders who’ve completed at least one session and shown aptitude and engagement. These ambassadors will serve as role models, helping to spread the program’s impact throughout the school year and beyond.
“We’re not trying to pigeonhole kids,” Warner says. “We’re giving them a chance to explore, to learn, and maybe even to lead. That’s where real development begins.”
A Call to Action
McLaurin and Pruitt have raised four successful children of their own—including a doctor and a top lobbyist—and now they’re working to ensure other kids have the same chance.
“These aren’t just kids—they’re our kids. And we have a responsibility to give them the best possible start in life.”
The business community plays a vital role, too. McLaurin sees corporate support as essential fuel for the program’s continued success.
This is Talbot County’s workforce pipeline,” McLaurin said. “If you’re a business leader, this is your future employee. Your customer. Your community leader. We need you to help fuel this journey.”
In a world driven by technology, the Summer Career Enrichment Program isn’t just about teaching students how to use tools—it’s about helping them discover who they can become. In that mission, everyone has a role to play.
To learn more or get involved, contact the People for Change Coalition at 301-772-1552 or email contact@pfccoalition.org.
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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