Cory McCray

(1/4) For the past 2 ½ years, I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into a project that’s deeply personal—a guidebook on apprenticeships, designed to unlock the cheat code for those growing up with similar lived experiences as mine.

Back at my 9th grade school—Edmondson High School. Talking apprenticeship, options, and making the right choices—but the best part was the questions. They poured into me just as much as I poured into them. Full circle moment. Love my young people. #ApprenticeshipCheatCode

Spent time with 11th graders at Wheaton High School talking apprenticeship, goals, and what it means to dream big. Thankful for my guy, our moderator José, who led the conversation with ease and helped me navigate the big stage. #ApprenticeshipCheatCode

In the room with workforce partners and employers talking apprenticeship—and then hearing from Jaden, a recent high school graduate now in the IBEW and working with Freestate Electric. This is what it looks like when pathways are real. #ApprenticeshipCheatCode

Six months since the book dropped—and still amplifying the message on apprenticeship. Because you can’t choose what you’ve never been exposed to. Every pathway should be visible. Every opportunity within reach. #ApprenticeshipCheatCode #IntentionallyFocused

I love how our young people have the ability to make us see things differently. Every picture I’ve ever taken on these steps has been standing. When it was time to take one with my young people from Johnston Square Elementary—they chose to sit. #BaltimoreExcellence

Cleveland — tap in this Saturday. Book talk on The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life. Making sure our people understand the value of apprenticeship and have access to real options. #ApprenticeshipCheatCode

8th graders teaching kindergartners how to plant flowers and seeds. The visual says it all for me. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

Less than four months into the year…
and I’m seeing things I never imagined. Looking back now, I can see how He was preparing me for this moment. Still processing it all—but grateful for the path. #IntentionallyFocused

Spent time with the Associated Student Congress of Baltimore City (ASCBC)—some of the best and brightest across our city schools. And it hit me… I’ve watched some of these young leaders grow from middle school to now seniors, getting ready to graduate. #BaltimoreExcellence

Spent some time with my big sis Shelonda and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore talking through the 2026 Legislative Session. Conversations like this make us stronger as a collective—and remind you how many people wake up every day betting on Baltimore. #BaltimoreExcellence

Investing in our young people on the front end. Proud to stand with Mayor Scott, Councilman Jones, and all our partners in creating safe spaces for our young people to play—and for our seniors to gather. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

#YouthResiliencyInstitute would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to author @SenatorMcCray for participating in a powerful pre-National Apprenticeship Week author talk with us and our partners in northeast Ohio. #TheApprenticeshipThatSavedMyLife

The Champs came out to Annapolis to be recognized by Governor Wes Moore. Proud of these young ladies and everything they represent. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

The Champs came to Annapolis to spend time with Governor Wes Moore Salute to Coach Peace and the Baltimore Polytechnic Girls Basketball Team, and Coach Green and The SEED School Boys Basketball Team on bringing home State Championships #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

The Champs came out to Annapolis to be recognized by Governor Wes Moore. Proud of these young ladies and everything they represent. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

Behind the scenes of Real Talk with Roberta’s House. Grateful for the conversation and the space they continue to create around grief, mental health, and community. Can’t wait for this one to drop. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

I LOVE VISITORS 💕… Thanks @SenatorMcCray for your book signing. “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” is a timely book during a time that A.I. is making jobs obsolete

Something hits different when you walk into a room full of men—dads, granddads, uncles—all there for one purpose: the elevation of our young people. Gardenville Elementary… you can feel it the moment you walk in. The love. The intention. The care. #BaltimoreExcellence

This work doesn’t happen without partners. Back in the 4x4 this week—breaking ground on six properties: one on Belair Road and five on Ravenwood, in partnership with NEHI, as part of Phase 8. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused

Speaking to those in public service about my “why” and the level of service all Marylanders deserve. Appreciate the work the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center is doing to pour into the next generation of leaders across our state. #BaltimoreExcellence #IntentionallyFocused