Camontae’s Story

Camontae Chester became the first apprentice intern at MCB Real Estate, the firm awarded the high-profile Harborplace redesign project. As part of MCB Real Estate’s inaugural apprentice cohort, Camontae is learning from within MCB as an Assistant Building Engineer, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to one of Baltimore’s most iconic redevelopment projects at Harborplace.

Camontae’s story began with an unexpected challenge. At the start of the school year, he and his classmates in the electrical trade program at Carver Vocational-Technical High School learned they would be without a teacher—with no time to find a replacement. Rather than letting this setback define their year, Camontae and his peers took the initiative to seek support, coming to Requity with a direct request for help.

Their proactive approach led to a series of transformative opportunities. In collaboration with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and Baltimore City Schools (BCS), Camontae and two of his classmates participated in a pilot EV charging station project, where they applied their trade skills to real-world sustainable infrastructure development. The project provided hands-on experience in designing and implementing green energy solutions, equipping them with the skills needed for a fast-growing industry.

Through this effort, Requity partnered with Urban Alliance to include Carver students in their program for the first time. Camontae joined this inaugural cohort, where he gained professional experience and mentorship, and his performance stood out—earning him recognition as Intern of the Year among 80 students from 10 high schools.

Camontae’s success with Urban Alliance opened the door to first-ever apprenticeships for Requity students with companies like MCB Real Estate, Cornish Companies, and Apprentice Center (name forthcoming).

Camontae’s journey—from taking the initiative to seek help, to excelling in hands-on projects, to earning industry recognition—encapsulates the transformative power of Requity’s mission. His story demonstrates how partnerships and determination can empower students to overcome barriers, take control of their futures, and make a lasting impact on their communities.