Blueprint in Action: How Frederick County’s Career Coaches Are Shaping Student Success
By Lawrence J. Kaiser, Ph.D., Coordinator, Career Coach, Program, “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” (Pillar 3)
At the June 2025 National Career Development Association (NCDA) global conference held in Atlanta, Frederick County Workforce Services (FWS) showcased the evolution and impact of the county’s Career Coach program, emphasizing its alignment with workforce readiness and student-centered career guidance as called for by the statute, Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
The presentation highlighted how the program—now in its third year—has matured into a robust model that blends personalized coaching with data-driven insights to support students in navigating post-secondary pathways. The team’s coordinators, Larry Kaiser (FCWS) and Laura Brown Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), shared how its structure—anchored by dedicated Career Coaches in each middle and high school—has enabled consistent, high-touch engagement with students across grades 6–12.
Key outcomes presented included a significant increase in student participation in career exploration activities, internships, and dual enrollment opportunities. The team also emphasized the program’s success in building strong partnerships with local employers, as well as relying on their third partner – Frederick Community College (FCC), which has expanded access to real-world learning experiences. Notably, the presentation underscored how Career Coaches have become trusted advisors, helping students make informed decisions about their futures while also supporting school counselors and administrators in broader college and career readiness efforts.
The Atlanta audience responded positively to FCWS’s discussion of both successes and challenges, including strategies for scaling the program and sustaining funding in the diverse environments found throughout the U.S. The presentation concluded with a forward-looking vision: expanding digital tools for career planning, enhancing equity in access to opportunities, and deepening employer engagement. The session positioned Frederick County’s model as a replicable framework for districts nationwide seeking to embed career readiness into the fabric of secondary education.