LA PLATA, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has been named a subrecipient of Maryland’s Road to Careers initiative, a $24 million, six-year program announced by Governor Wes Moore on July 2, 2025. In partnership with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, CSM will lead an Integrated Education and Training (IET) program for GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) students, combining foundational academics with job-specific training in construction and transportation trades. The initiative aims to prepare 1,200 Marylanders for skilled careers while addressing employment barriers.
The CSM-led program will serve up to 14 students in its first cycle, offering 115 hours of instruction. Participants will develop math and language skills alongside technical training, earning a pre-apprenticeship workforce training certificate upon completing courses in OSHA 10-Hour Construction, American Traffic Safety Services Association Flagger, National Safety Council First Aid, CPR, AED, and Construction Trades Core Skills. CSM will provide tutoring, books, and basic tools, while the Tri-County Council will offer wraparound services, including transportation assistance, case management, and job placement support.
“This initiative meets students where they are,” said Ellen Flowers-Fields, Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at CSM. “We’re helping learners move forward academically and professionally, all while building a strong pipeline of local talent for in-demand trades.”
The program targets low-income individuals, justice-involved individuals, and English language learners, addressing systemic barriers to employment. “This is about changing lives and opening doors,” said Ruthy Davis, Workforce Director at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. “Our adult learners are gaining confidence, skills, and a clear path into meaningful work that sustains families and builds communities. This initiative expands access to pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, meets critical industry demand, and creates career pathways for Southern Marylanders who have historically faced systemic barriers to employment.”
The Road to Careers initiative aligns with Maryland’s workforce development goals, focusing on high-demand sectors like construction and transportation. The state’s investment aims to equip participants with credentials and practical skills for immediate workforce entry. CSM’s program emphasizes hands-on training, ensuring graduates are job-ready with industry-recognized certifications.
The partnership between CSM and the Tri-County Council leverages local expertise to deliver tailored support. The council’s wraparound services address non-academic challenges, such as transportation and childcare, which often hinder program completion. By combining these resources with CSM’s educational infrastructure, the initiative creates a comprehensive pathway from learning to employment.
Maryland’s transportation and construction industries face growing demand for skilled workers, driven by infrastructure projects and economic development. The IET program’s focus on pre-apprenticeship training positions graduates for Registered Apprenticeships, which offer paid, on-the-job learning and long-term career stability. The initiative also supports regional employers by building a local talent pipeline.
CSM’s role as a subrecipient reflects its commitment to workforce development in Southern Maryland. The college has a history of offering continuing education and trade programs, making it a natural fit to lead this effort. The first cycle’s small cohort size ensures personalized instruction, with plans to scale up as the program progresses over six years.
The Road to Careers initiative is part of Maryland’s broader strategy to promote equitable economic growth. By targeting underserved populations, the program seeks to reduce disparities in employment access and foster community development. Interested individuals can learn more at the Maryland Department of Labor’s website.
