Principal Richard Wilson wants the students at Folly Quarter Middle School to begin thinking about potential careers.

"When you talk to middle school students and ask them their future plans, many of them cannot think beyond next week," said Wilson. "Our goal (at Folly Quarter) is to help them think way beyond that. Forming a partnership with Eyre will enhance our opportunity to do just that."

In upcoming months, students will learn about the travel and tourism industry's wide array of career options.

Students in all three grade levels will participate in the partnership, according to Wilson.

While many additional aspects of the partnership are still in the planning stages, according to Wilson and Eyre vice-president Matt Eyre, one of the initial aspects is for student to visit the Glenelg-based company and talk with different professionals about their jobs.

"There are a lot of different career options available at this company and in the travel and tourism industry in general," said Matt Eyre. "There are drivers, mechanics, tour planners, travel agents, and marketing reps, among other positions."

Wilson said it will be a valuable experience for students to observe hard-working professionals at their respective jobs.

"The more we can demonstrate to students at an early age that they have to work hard to find success down the road, then the better it is," said Wilson. "The employees at Eyre have strong work ethics and are committed to excellence. Those are the same type of values we want to instill in our students during the time that they are here with us."

Matt Eyre said the company sees the partnership from its end as a dual opportunity of making young people aware of a future career path in "a fun industry" and giving back to the community.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work closely with Folly Quarter," said Matt Eyre. "This industry is important to our economy, and we want to share that information with students."

The Folly Quarter-Eyre partnership is one of many in the county where a school is paired with a local business. The partnerships are overseen by the Howard County Public School System's Partnership office.

"I think in general we are very fortunate in Howard County to live in a community that truly does value education," said Mary Schiller, the manager of the Partnerships office. "There are many businesses and organizations that are willing to give time to and share its expertise with students, so that the students have the best advantage to move forward."