Exploring in Mecklenburg County Council

05/30/2026

“The Explorers made me love the job,” Munoz said. “They made me want to become a firefighter, but they made me want to join this department especially.”

Five recruits. Five different paths. One shared goal.

A Charlotte native inspired through the Explorers program. A college graduate moved by the impact of Hurricane Helene. A military veteran searching for a new way to serve. A fourth-generation firefighter continuing a family legacy. A recruit who chose Charlotte Fire after considering a career in law enforcement.

Their stories are different, but each found a future with Charlotte Fire.

Read their story and learn what it takes to become part of the next generation of Charlotte firefighters.

Read the story and apply today: bit.ly/Class135

05/29/2026

Our Interior Design Explorers with Little Architectural Diversified Consulting held their capstone presentations the other night, and we could not be more proud of this incredible group of students!

Throughout the program, explorers worked directly with a client to design a coffee house tailored to the client’s specific needs and lifestyle. Students thoughtfully considered material selections, space needs, and traffic flow while bringing their creative visions to life.

The level of professionalism, innovation, and creativity shared during these presentations was truly impressive. Every year, our explorers continue to amaze us with their talent and fresh ideas, and this year was no exception.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this program possible and invested in the next generation of designers and leaders. We had an incredible year and cannot wait to see what these students accomplish in the future!

05/20/2026

What an incredible way to wrap up our final session with our Architecture Explorers with the & Will Charlotte Office! 🎉

The Explorers absolutely rose to the challenge during their final critique and pavilion project. We were blown away by their creativity, dedication, willingness to explore new ideas, and the thoughtful feedback they gave one another throughout the program. 👏🏽✨

We are also thrilled to share that Perkins&Will has brought back the Pipeline Scholarship this year! Congratulations to Fernanda, who will be attending the UNCC Architecture Camp this summer on behalf of Perkins&Will! 🏛️🎓

The future of architecture is bright and we are so grateful to have such amazing partners!! 🌟

11/13/2025

It's almost time for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department 51st Explorers Christmas Toy Drive!!

Since 1974, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the CMPD Police Explorers have partnered with the community to provide a Christmas for less fortunate families in Charlotte. When this project started, the Police Department helped 15 families by providing them with gifts for their children. Today, the project is much larger and provides gifts to thousands of children across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

A program of this size is well beyond the reach of what the CMPD and the Explorer Post can do alone. It is only through the generous giving of others that we can meet the needs of our community.

General 2025 Toy Drive Schedule:
Drop-off Period: Mid-November 2025 – December 19, 2025
What to donate: New, unwrapped toys for ages 0-14
Where to donate:
Any CMPD Division Office
Any Charlotte Fire Station
E.R. Services in Mint Hill (11345 Allen Station Dr)

10/08/2025

Our Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers are getting an inside look at the car-buying journey at Hendrick BMW Northlake — from the excitement of choosing the right vehicle to understanding how financing works on both the business and personal sides.

Through hands-on learning and real-world insights from our BMW team, they’re gaining valuable knowledge about what goes into making smart automotive and financial decision decisions!

09/06/2025

This morning, Charlotte Fire welcomed 33 new explorers!!!

08/14/2025

We had an incredible night welcoming our new Explorers to the 2025 Medic Explorers program!

This amazing program accepts just 20 students each year, giving them hands-on exposure to the fast-paced and rewarding career of being an EMT or Paramedic.

Tonight, our Explorers toured an ambulance and the ambulance bay, took part in a PPE (personal protective equipment) competition, and even reviewed real 911 calls! 🚑📟

We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see all they accomplish!

08/05/2025

🚨🚔 SAVE THE DATE: CMPD EXPLORERS OPEN HOUSE! 🚔🚨
Are you (or someone you know) a teen who’s curious about a career in law enforcement? Want to learn what it’s really like behind the badge?

Join us for the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Explorers Open House on Wednesday, September 4th at 6 PM at the Police & Fire Training Academy (1770 Shopton Rd)!

RSVP Here: https://www.mccscouting.org/CMPDExplorers

👮‍♂️ Meet real officers
🚓 Check out patrol cars & gear
🔥 Tour the training facility
💥 Hands-on demos & activities
📣 Learn how to join CMPD Explorers — our premier youth program for teens 14–20 who want to lead, serve, and make a difference in Charlotte!

Whether you’re dreaming of a future in public safety or just want to explore something new, this FREE event is the perfect way to take the first step.

📆 Mark your calendar. Bring a friend. Your journey starts here.

08/04/2025

You're Invited to the Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers Open House!!
RSVP Here: https://www.mccscouting.org/Autos
Discover your future in the fast lane! Join us for an Open House on Wednesday, September 3rd from 3–6 PM at the Hendrick Independence Center (6030 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212) and learn about the exciting Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers Program — a hands-on career exploration experience designed just for high school students.
This dynamic program offers an inside look into all aspects of the automotive industry, including sales, service, collision repair, finance, and more. Meet industry professionals, explore real-world career paths, and get inspired to drive your future forward.
🗓 Program Dates: September 24 – November 12
🕓 Time: Every Wednesday, 4–6 PM
🍱 Perk: Boxed dinner included!
📍 Locations: Various Hendrick sites across the Greater Charlotte area
Come see what’s under the hood of your future career — we can’t wait to meet you!