CAMBRIDGE — The Dorchester County Public Schools’ Minority Achievement Summit took place on Nov. 25 at the Career & Technology Center, attracting a wide range of prospective employers and freshmen — 22 from ND and 15 from C-SD — who were interested in exploring their options after graduation.

They can get a leg up on competition in the job market by taking advantage of opportunities available at Dorchester Career & Technology Center (DCTC). “The purpose was to expose them to the 17 programs available here,” said Monique Ward, who serves on the Minority Achievement Task Force.

The main hallway in DCTC was lined with displays from the many companies and organizations that attended. There were manufacturers, government agencies, restaurants and more, all with representatives eager to tell the students that there are good jobs waiting to be filled locally.

“We’re here today looking for kids interested in manufacturing, shipping and logistics,” said Victoria Renehan of Trenton Pipe from Federalsburg. “There are a lot of jobs available.”

“The mission of the Minority Achievement Summit program is to promote academic achievement and positive behaviors for minority students in Dorchester County Public Schools,” the task force’s mission statement said. “The summit will provide an opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills, set goals to obtain high academic standards and to learn tools he or she needs to become college and career ready.”

Interim Superintendent Dave Bromwell spoke to the students as they took their lunch break, telling them how much potential he sees in their class.

“You all can be the most successful people that ever came out of DCPS,” he said. As for their future careers, “It’s your joy,” he said. “You should want to go to work.”