Governor Wes Moore announced more than 5.2 million dollars in awards through the Employment Advancement Right Now EARN Maryland program on April 16, 2026, in Annapolis.
The funding will connect more than 2,000 Marylanders to training and credentials while linking nearly 1,000 residents to jobs in high-demand fields such as technology and healthcare. It will also provide upskilling for more than 1,100 incumbent workers to support career advancement and help employers retain talent.
Maryland Department of Labor officials said the grants target key growth sectors with 1.9 million dollars directed toward healthcare initiatives and 1.1 million dollars allocated for information technology programs. The awards support industry-led partnerships between employers, education providers, and training organizations to deliver targeted, job-driven instruction that matches current workforce needs.
Governor Moore stated, “Maryland’s competitive edge is dependent on how we prepare our people. By connecting thousands of Marylanders with high-quality training and career pathways in high-growth sectors, we are strategically preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and actively fueling economic growth across our state.”
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu added, “EARN Maryland is creating real opportunities for Marylanders to access good-paying, in-demand careers while helping businesses grow and compete. Workforce training and industry partnerships drive economic growth for our state and build financial security for Maryland families.”
The EARN Maryland program has produced strong returns, generating an estimated 19 dollars in economic impact for every one dollar invested. Since the start of the Moore-Miller Administration, nearly 6,000 Marylanders have accessed training through the program, and more than 4,000 have secured jobs following a 35 million dollar investment.
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget signed by Governor Moore in April 2026 maintains 15.3 million dollars in annual funding for EARN Maryland. The program received a 5 million dollar expansion in Fiscal Year 2026.
Award recipients include community colleges, local workforce development boards, and nonprofit organizations that will collaborate with hundreds of employers statewide. The list of awardees and their primary focus areas includes 1199SEIU for healthcare, Adventist HealthCare for healthcare, Allegany College for information technology and cybersecurity, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation for healthcare, Associated Catholic Charities Incorporated for healthcare, Baltimore BioWorks for biotechnology, Civic Works for clean energy, Community College of Baltimore County for healthcare and dental, Community College of Baltimore County for healthcare and sign language, Franciscan Center for hospitality, Health Tech Alley Incorporated for healthcare, Howard EcoWorks for clean energy, It Works Learning Center Incorporated for healthcare, Jack and Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center for healthcare, Jane Addams Resource Corporation for manufacturing, Living Classrooms Foundation for skilled trades, Maryland Cannabis Administration for biotechnology, Maryland MEP for the Maryland Manufacturing Technical Pathways Program, Maryland MEP for rural initiatives, Maryland Tech Council for biotechnology, Montgomery College for childcare, SANS Institute for information technology and cybersecurity, Seeking Employment Equality and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities for healthcare, Sunflower Bakery for hospitality, and Susquehanna Workforce Network for information technology and cybersecurity.
While many awardees serve broader regions, Southern Maryland residents have benefited from prior EARN Maryland rounds. In January 2026, the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland received support for a healthcare workforce project serving Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties through partnerships with local employers and training providers.
The latest investment arrives as Southern Maryland continues to experience demand for skilled workers in healthcare facilities, technology roles tied to federal and defense operations, and emerging sectors. Community colleges and workforce boards in the region often align such grants with local needs, including training for nursing assistants, medical coders, cybersecurity technicians, and support roles in growing medical centers.
No specific award amounts or Southern Maryland organizations appear in the April 16, 2026, announcement list. Full details on each awardee, including regions of impact, are available through the Maryland Department of Labor.
The EARN Maryland program operates by matching employer needs with customized training delivered through community colleges, nonprofits, and workforce boards. Participants gain industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to employment or promotions. Employers benefit from a pipeline of qualified candidates and opportunities to upskill existing staff without bearing full training costs.
State officials expect the new awards to begin implementation in coming months, with training programs rolling out across Maryland. The initiative forms part of broader workforce efforts under the Moore-Miller Administration to strengthen economic competitiveness without raising taxes.
Southern Maryland residents seeking information on workforce training opportunities, including those supported by EARN Maryland or similar programs, can contact the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland or visit local workforce development offices in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties. The Maryland Department of Labor maintains resources for job seekers and employers interested in participating in future funding cycles.
The announcement underscores continued state focus on workforce development as a driver of economic growth in all regions, including Southern Maryland’s mix of healthcare providers, defense-related industries, and service sectors.
