ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday announced a significant expansion of the state’s EARN Maryland program, committing an additional $10.5 million to connect more than 2,900 Marylanders with training and high-demand careers.
The funding includes $4 million in awards for 20 high-performing existing EARN grantees and $6.5 million in new grants aimed at fostering new partnerships, with a focus on higher-wage job placement and serving communities with higher poverty rates.
Moore emphasized the program’s role in economic growth and workforce development.
“EARN Maryland helps grow our economy, uplift businesses, and train Marylanders for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” Moore said in a statement. “Everyone should have a pathway to work, wages, and wealth — no matter the shape or structure of their journey.”
EARN Maryland, which stands for Employment Advancement Right Now, is a nationally recognized workforce solution designed to help businesses secure skilled employees while preparing residents for meaningful careers. The program has placed over 3,000 Marylanders into jobs and provided upskilling opportunities for nearly 5,000 incumbent workers under the Moore-Miller Administration. The state estimates EARN Maryland generates $18.16 in economic impact for every $1 invested.
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu highlighted the program’s effectiveness.
“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,” Wu said.
The $4 million in awards will support training programs across various sectors, with nearly half focusing on critical areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. These grantees collaborate with over 500 employers who help shape curriculum and commit to hiring program participants. The BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, for example, will use its EARN funds to train more than 50 individuals for laboratory technician roles.
Dr. Brandy Carter, Executive Director of the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, expressed optimism about the impact. “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,” Carter said.
The new $6.5 million in funding will establish new partnerships, prioritizing applicants who develop comprehensive plans blending occupational training and credential attainment in high-demand industries, while addressing workers’ needs and removing employment barriers.
The grants will target two career development stages: EARN Tier I awards, up to $150,000 over two years, will focus on entry-level training for unemployed and underemployed workers and upskilling current employees. EARN Tier II awards, up to $250,000 over two years, will emphasize upward mobility and pathways to middle-skill jobs that offer wages at or above the regional median.
This investment aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to combat childhood poverty and boost economic mobility. Priority in the selection process will be given to applicants providing services to individuals from “ENOUGH communities” and those receiving SNAP benefits.
Proposals for the new grants are due Sept. 26, with grants commencing Jan. 1, 2026. A pre-proposal conference for prospective applicants is scheduled for July 23 at 1 p.m. More information is available at https://labor.maryland.gov/earn.
