About Us

FirstTeam connects teens with veterans to create a culture of belonging and membership where every teen can thrive through mentoring, career/college guidance, community service, leadership opportunities, and internship placements.
FirstTeam is an out-of-school time, community-based initiative that works with high school teens in the Ft. Meade footprint to create a successful post-high experience.
Fiscal sponsorship support for FirstTeam is provided by the University of Baltimore's Uplift Alliance.
How We Work
Mobilize Veterans As Volunteers to Support Teens
Fostering belonging and membership for at-risk teens to create supportive networks and social capital.
Prepare Teens to Excel in Life After High School
Creating pathways for careers and education after high school through coaching, internships, professional development, and case management support. Teens are provided up to two years of support after high school graduation.
Nurture Leadership Skills and Civic Involvement
Encouraging responsible and involved citizenship through community service.
Internship placements are in high-growth industries (healthcare, hospitality, public works, and IT). Through the program, teens will have access to career-building credentials such as OSHA-30, CPR/First Aid certification, AHLEI Certified Guest Service Professional, and CompTIA IT Fundamentals.