ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore, in collaboration with Arnold Ventures, announced $20 million in grants through the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs to support initiatives uplifting young men and boys and enhancing community college outcomes. The funding targets Maryland’s Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates and four community colleges adopting the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model, aiming to benefit over 3,000 Maryland youth and students. The grants, part of a $40 million partnership, focus on evidence-based programs to improve education, workforce training, and community well-being across the state.
The Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs, launched in February 2024, pairs state resources with Arnold Ventures’ $20 million in matching funds to scale proven initiatives. “Maryland’s young people are the future. We share a common duty to unlock their potential and elevate their dreams,” said Gov. Moore during the announcement. The partnership emphasizes measurable outcomes in economic mobility and cradle-to-career success, prioritizing programs with demonstrated effectiveness.
The largest share, $14.4 million, goes to Harford Community College, Prince George’s Community College, Wor-Wic Community College, and the Community College of Baltimore County, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission. These institutions will implement the ASAP model, a structured program offering academic, personal, and financial support to low-income students needing remedial education. Research shows ASAP doubles graduation rates, with students receiving advising, tuition waivers, and transportation assistance to ensure degree completion within three years. The model’s success at institutions like the City University of New York underpins its adoption in Maryland, where it will support students in achieving associate degrees and transferring to four-year programs.
An additional $5.6 million will bolster Big Brothers Big Sisters, working with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and the Governor’s Office for Children. The funds will expand community-based mentoring in Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Cecil, Frederick, Kent, Prince George’s, Somerset, Washington, and Wicomico counties, reaching 1,000 more youth, primarily boys. Hundreds of Maryland youth currently await mentors, and this investment aims to clear that backlog. Mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters has proven effective in addressing mental health, substance use, and violence prevention while fostering career and educational pathways. “With committed partners like Governor Moore, we’re changing the conversation,” said Laura Arnold, Co-Founder of Arnold Ventures. “Both ASAP and Big Brothers Big Sisters improve lives, and we’re pleased to extend these programs to thousands of Maryland’s young people.”
Program implementation begins in 2025 and will continue over four years, with rigorous evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The state and Arnold Ventures are working with the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, a nonprofit, to identify and sustain high-impact programs. Previous grants under the partnership supported ASSISTments, an online math learning platform for 11 schools, and Saga Education, providing intensive tutoring in 16 schools, both showing significant academic gains.
The initiative reflects Maryland’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, a priority for the Moore-Miller Administration. By focusing on programs with proven results, the partnership seeks to maximize public and private investments. The ASAP model, for instance, has a track record of increasing graduation rates from 25% to over 50% in similar settings, offering a clear return on investment for students and taxpayers. Similarly, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentorship reduces juvenile delinquency and improves school attendance, directly addressing challenges in Maryland’s urban and rural communities.
The partnership’s focus on measurable outcomes sets it apart from traditional funding models. Arnold Ventures’ emphasis on data-driven philanthropy ensures that each dollar spent is tied to programs with verified impact. The state’s collaboration with the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy further strengthens this approach, providing technical expertise to evaluate and sustain initiatives. As Maryland faces challenges like educational disparities and youth violence, these grants offer a targeted strategy to build stronger communities.
Residents can learn more about the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs through Arnold Ventures’ website. The initiative’s progress will be closely monitored, with reports expected to detail outcomes for students and youth over the next four years.
