Governor Moore Unveils $4 Million Initiative to Equip Maryland Workforce for AI and Emerging Technologies

Governor Wes Moore has announced a substantial $4 million investment aimed at preparing Maryland’s workforce, businesses, and community organizations for the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. This funding, managed by the Maryland Department of Labor through three distinct grant programs, is designed to enhance practical training opportunities within the state’s key industries, bolster local cybersecurity efforts, and ensure that all Maryland residents have the chance to thrive in the evolving AI-driven economy. The initiative represents a continuation of the administration’s dedication to fostering a robust workforce and maintaining accessible pathways to employment, financial stability, and wealth creation as Maryland positions itself as a leader in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The investment is strategically divided, with $2.5 million allocated to expanding high-quality internships and upskilling programs focused on Maryland’s “lighthouse sectors”—industries identified as critical to the state’s economic future, including life sciences, information technology, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing. An additional $1.5 million will support supervised training for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. These programs will gain practical experience by providing cybersecurity services to community organizations and small businesses, addressing both workforce development needs and the critical need for enhanced digital security in the non-profit and small business sectors. These opportunities are being facilitated by the Talent Innovation Fund and the Cyber Maryland Program, initiatives established through a collaboration between the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly.

The Maryland Department of Labor is launching two new programs under the lighthouse industry umbrella. The Maryland Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship Program, backed by $1.5 million, aims to increase the number of hands-on learning experiences available to students and individuals seeking careers in these vital sectors. Eligible employers and partner organizations can apply for grants of up to $150,000 to support internships, which can include stipends of up to $10,000 per intern. These grants, funded through the Talent Innovation Fund and Cyber Maryland, will assist awardees in recruiting, onboarding, and providing interns with direct experience designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional employment. Applications for this program are being accepted on a continuous basis until all funds are disbursed, and employers of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

Complementing the internship program is the Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program, a $1 million competitive grant opportunity. This program is designed to equip Marylanders pursuing careers in lighthouse industries with transferable and emerging technology skills through dedicated training initiatives. Funded by the Talent Innovation Fund, this program offers support to workforce development partners, such as non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and industry associations. Applicants can seek up to $200,000 and are required to collaborate with a minimum of three employers to ensure that training programs are closely aligned with Maryland’s current and future workforce demands. Proposals for this program are due on April 24, with grant awards expected to commence on June 1. Interested organizations can register for a pre-proposal conference by contacting Brittney Hansen at brittney.hansen@maryland.gov. The development of these programs involved close consultation with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the state’s primary policy-making body for workforce development, which gathered extensive input from industry leaders to inform strategies for the confident, safe, and effective integration of AI in the workplace.

In addition to bolstering the state’s key industries, Governor Moore also announced the establishment of three cyber and AI clinic grants, totaling $1.5 million and funded through the Cyber Maryland Program. These grants will empower three selected organizations to operate clinics offering low- or no-cost cybersecurity services to community institutions, including schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and small businesses. These entities often face significant challenges in protecting themselves from escalating cyber threats due to limited resources. Through these clinics, an estimated 600 Marylanders are expected to receive valuable training and real-world experience in cybersecurity, while simultaneously strengthening the digital defenses of numerous organizations across the state. The selected awardees, chosen through a rigorous statewide proposal process, are the Center for Critical Infrastructure Security, TCecure (anchored in Prince George’s County), and Howard Community College, which will expand an existing cyber and AI clinic in partnership with Frederick Community College and Carroll Community College. Each clinic is projected to train at least 200 cybersecurity professionals and will work directly with employers to ensure training content remains relevant to current industry needs, thereby enhancing community resilience against cyber threats.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore.

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