Governor Moore Scales Up Nationally-Recognized EARN Maryland Program to Connect More Workers with High-Demand Careers
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced an additional $4 million in EARN Maryland awards and an additional $6.5 million in new EARN Maryland grants, made possible through a strategic state investment designed to provide economic mobility for Marylanders and grow the state’s economy. Together, the awards are expected to provide occupational training, credential attainment, and supportive services for more than 2,900 Marylanders.
“EARN Maryland helps grow our economy, uplift businesses, and train Marylanders for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Collaborations like this one are why Maryland is seeing some of the lowest unemployment and fastest job growth in the nation,” said Gov. Moore. “Everyone should have a pathway to work, wages, and wealth — no matter the shape or structure of their journey. This new funding will support EARN Maryland partners who are already doing the work to make that vision a reality, plus new partners who will extend EARN’s impact.”
EARN Maryland — which stands for Employment Advancement Right Now — is the state’s nationally-recognized workforce solution that helps businesses grow the skilled workforce they need to compete while preparing Marylanders for meaningful careers. Under the Moore-Miller Administration, the EARN program has placed more than 3,000 Marylanders into employment and provided upskilling opportunities for nearly 5,000 incumbent workers. EARN Maryland generates an estimated $18.16 of economic impact for every $1 invested.
“EARN Maryland continues to be one of our most effective tools for connecting Marylanders to in-demand, well-paying careers while helping businesses access the workforce they need to grow,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “The investments announced today will create more pathways to skilled jobs that support families and lift up communities.”
The $4 million in awards announced today will support 20 high-performing EARN grantees in providing training programs. Nearly half will focus on critical sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. These grantees collectively partner with over 500 employers who ensure curriculum remains industry-driven and who are committed to hiring program participants. One of the awardees, the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, will use EARN funds to train more than 50 Marylanders for careers as laboratory technicians.
“With this investment from EARN, our organization will be able to provide high quality skills training and supports to Baltimore City residents, leading to well-paying careers in life sciences and a larger talent pipeline for biotech companies,” said BioTechnical Institute of Maryland Executive Director Dr. Brandy Carter.
In addition to investing in high-performing existing grantees, the Maryland Department of Labor will provide $6.5 million in new EARN funding to support new partnerships. This new round of funding will include a focus on placement into higher-wage jobs and prioritize serving communities experiencing higher rates of poverty. Successful applicants will develop a comprehensive plan to blend occupational training and credential attainment in high-demand industries while holistically addressing the workers’ needs and eliminating barriers to employment and advancement.
Funds will target two stages of career development. EARN Tier I awards will provide a maximum of $150,000 over two years, and focus on entry-level training for unemployed and underemployed workers while providing opportunities for upskilling current workers. EARN Tier II awards will provide a maximum award of $250,000 over two years, and emphasize upward mobility and pathways to middle-skill jobs. EARN Tier II programs must lead directly to placement or advancement into roles that provide wages at or above the median wage for the region.
This latest investment will support the administration’s all-of-government approach to combating childhood poverty and boosting economic mobility. Applicants that develop plans to provide services to individuals from ENOUGH communities and those receiving SNAP benefits will be prioritized in the selection process.
Proposals are due on September 26 and grants will begin on January 1, 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in a pre-proposal conference that will take place on July 23 at 1 p.m.
For more information on this funding opportunity and to RSVP to the pre-proposal conference, visit labor.maryland.gov/earn.
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