FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2025
Baltimore Students Present Community Solutions at Case Study Challenge Hosted by The Congressional Award and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
BALTIMORE, MD — The Congressional Award, the United States Congress’s only award program for youth, in partnership with BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, proudly hosted the inaugural Baltimore Case Study Challenge on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center.
The event brought together student teams from across Baltimore to present innovative, youth-driven solutions to real-world challenges in the categories of Building a Better Baltimore and Civic Engagement.
More than a competition, the Case Study Challenge offered participants the opportunity to engage in long-term leadership development, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and explore how local communities can collaborate to drive meaningful change. Students worked for several weeks in small teams to develop proposals addressing issues such as transportation access, youth civic participation, public safety, and economic opportunity.
Each team delivered a live presentation before a panel of expert judges from the public and private sectors, followed by a networking reception and awards ceremony. In addition to the chance to be named the winning team, all participating students received BWI swag bags and a behind-the-scenes airport tour.
“At BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, we are proud to support the youth of our community by creating and fostering opportunities for education, career development, and engagement through a variety of aviation programs,” said Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “This partnership with the Congressional Award empowers students to lead with creativity and purpose. It is a great opportunity to showcase the next generation of Baltimore’s leaders.”
“The Congressional Award is proud to provide platforms like the Case Study Challenge that amplify youth voices and leadership,” said Erica Heyse, National Director of The Congressional Award. “These students are not only identifying key issues in their communities, they’re working collaboratively to solve them. That’s exactly what this program is all about.”
The Congressional Award’s Baltimore Case Study Challenge exemplifies the Award’s mission to foster civic responsibility, personal growth, and community engagement in young Americans.
To learn more about The Congressional Award or to support future youth initiatives, visit www.congressionalaward.org.
About The Congressional Award
The Congressional Award is the U.S. Congress’s highest honor for youth, recognizing young people for initiative, service, and achievement. Through service-oriented programs, The Congressional Award encourages youth to engage with their communities and make a lasting impact.
Check out event photos here.
Bethie Woodall | Deputy National Director | woodall@congressionalaward.org