State Announces 11 New EARN Maryland Implementation Grants Targeting Cybersecurity and Green Industries

BALTIMORE (Nov. 7, 2017) – Kelly M. Schulz, secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, today announced 11 new recipients of EARN (Employment Advancement Right Now) Maryland Implementation Grants. Thanks to Governor Hogan’s targeted investment, the Department is proud to fund strategic industry partnerships in Maryland’s cybersecurity and green industry sectors. After an in-depth review by workforce and industry experts, the funded proposals will meet employer demand and train Maryland residents in these exciting and growing fields.

“Due to Governor Hogan’s significant investment into EARN Maryland, we are thrilled to award EARN funding to these e11 partnerships,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Schulz. “The growth of this program represents the administration’s commitment to aiding the growth of Maryland employers while providing opportunities to Maryland’s workforce.”

EARN Maryland is an innovative, industry-led initiative that helps businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete while preparing Marylanders for meaningful careers. The program, which has been recognized as a national best practice in workforce development, awards funding to strategic industry partnerships comprised of employers, non-profits, higher education, local workforce development boards, and local governments.

The 11 partnerships announced today, which kick off training in January of 2018, are comprised of 70 employers who have identified training needs and developed a responsive, comprehensive curriculum to address those needs. Over 650 Maryland residents from around the state are expected to benefit from these training opportunities.

“The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation is elated to be a recipient of EARN funding for workforce development programming in the Energy Industry,” said Walter Simmons, executive director of the Division of Workforce Services - Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “Employers such as Pepco, located in Prince George’s County and the Capital region, have expressed overwhelming needs for qualified and skilled workers. EARN funding will help us improve the Prince George’s County public workforce system, meet the needs of employers, and upskill disadvantaged residents in Prince George’s County.”

Get more information about EARN Maryland and to learn how to become involved with the program.

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