By ELISABETH HULETTE, Staff Writer, Capital Gazette

David Brewer is getting his initiation in the field of computer hardware this semester as an intern with Sidus Group, a local Web applications company.

The Broadneck High School senior said someday he wants to work in computer security. "I'd say this is a pretty good starting point. It's just good experience for later."

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during the Anne Arundel County Career Expo 2008, other county students can look into internships and careers at Sidus Group, as well as about 30 other area businesses and government agencies.

The event is organized by the 21st Century Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to pull resources from the business community into the county's public schools.

It is a chance for students in grades 8-12 to learn more about career options, said Lois Lanier, chief development officer for schools. "It's a networking opportunity."

Anne Arundel Community College also will offer short breakout sessions about career paths including homeland security, culinary arts and transportation.

"It's important for them in terms of their academic growth. It helps them to focus on what classes might be necessary for some careers, and they might learn that they're not interested in something."

Students who attend the event also will pick up non-academic tips, such as how to present themselves to employers, she said.

Sharon Finn, associate director of development for the county public school system, said it's even more important for students to know early what they want to do after high school because they can choose themed magnet and signature education programs that are being rolled out at during the coming years.

The signature programs, such as the new Homeland Security Signature program starting next year at Meade High School, are offered, in part, to put students in a pipeline toward a specific career.

"The schools are asking students to decide on a career earlier and earlier," said Ms. Finn, who worked on organizing the event. "So students really do need to start looking not only at careers for after high school, but careers they would choose their college for."

It's also good for businesses to get involved with their local schools, said Mark Powell, CEO of Sidus Group and secretary of the 21st Century Education Foundation. The two interns he has this year at Sidus have brought new talent to the company, he said.

"There is a tremendous amount of talent in our school system," Mr. Powell said.

It's also a way for businesses to make sure local students are graduating with the skills they need to fill their jobs in the future, he said.

"One of the major considerations we have is the future workforce. It's better to train your own workers here than have to worry about where they're going to come from."

The Career Expo will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Annapolis, 210 Holiday Court. Admission is free, and students who attend will get a free lunch and a chance to win door prizes including iPods and a laptop computer.