Over 50 Baltimore-area high school students gathered last weekend for a two-day conference on homeland security, hearing from city, state and federal policymakers and first responders.
The conference, titled "Securing the Future," sought to engage students in dialogue on issues in homeland security and teach them about the role of local officials in safeguarding Baltimore City against a terrorist attack.
Guests included Maryland Congressman Benjamin Cardin, Baltimore Fire Chief William T. Goodwin and Maryland Director of Homeland Security Dennis Schrader.
Following each presentation, students divided up into breakout sessions in which they debated the issues discussed by the speakers.
Subjects covered included the role of Baltimore City's first-responder system and the strategic implications of U.S. foreign policy.
For a final project, each student was responsible for proposing programs to promote awareness of local efforts to sustain the security of Baltimore City and prevent terrorist attacks.
