JOPPA, MD —
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin today visited the Joppatowne High School Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Magnet Program to learn about the nation’s first comprehensive program devoted to training high school students for careers in homeland security and emergency preparedness.
 The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) process has recommended that more than 8,000 new jobs move to Harford County’s Aberdeen Proving Ground by 2011. Many of these jobs will require contractors and support personnel with an expertise in homeland security and emergency preparedness.

“Homeland security and emergency preparedness are realities of our world, and I commend the Harford County Public School system for preparing students for careers that will be needed in the future,” said
Senator Cardin.
  “Joppatowne High School students participating in this magnet program are fortunate because they will have the knowledge and training that will enable them to pursue careers in a field with growing opportunities.”

In 2007, Joppatowne High School established the first homeland security magnet program in the nation for 61 Harford County high school students interested in pursuing careers in homeland security.
  Joppatowne’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Magnet Program includes three career pathways for students: science, engineering and technology; homeland security, sciences and health and human services; and criminal justice/law enforcement.
  It is estimated that the homeland security industry will increase from a $40 billion business in 2004 to $180 billion in 2015.

Joppatowne High School’s magnet program has also received support from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center and Aberdeen Proving Ground.