Maryland Department of Labor Seeking EARN Maryland Workforce Proposals

BALTIMORE, MD (January 23, 2017) – Under the leadership of Governor Hogan, Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, announced that Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland, the industry-led, competitive workforce and economic development grant initiative, is now accepting Implementation Grant Proposals. The State is encouraging the submission of proposals specifically targeting careers in “green” energy related fields. An additional $3 million total investment over the next three years will target training in industries in solar, wind, and other Tier 1 renewable energy solutions. Applications will be due on March 3, 2017 and awards will be made by the end of April.

“Maryland has been recognized on a national stage by the Urban Institute for its innovation in providing employers with in-demand, relevant training through our EARN Maryland program,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Expanding this initiative will ensure employers have the talent they need to compete in and contribute to Maryland’s growing economy.”

“Ensuring that our workforce system is connected with businesses will be the way to adequately meet the needs of jobseekers,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “EARN Maryland places employers at the forefront of the program, ensuring that the State is improving business outcomes while providing valuable opportunities for Maryland’s workforce and we look forward to growing the program’s reach throughout the State.”

EARN Maryland is a business-led initiative, designed with the flexibility to ensure that Maryland’s businesses have the talent they need to compete and grow. The program encourages collaboration, investing in Strategic Industry Partnerships comprised of employers, non-profits, higher education, local workforce investment boards, and local governments.

More than 650 employers have participated in the program, which has resulted in more than 1,400 Marylanders obtaining employment and an estimated 3,000 incumbent workers advancing their skills. For every dollar spent on EARN Maryland, the State's return on investment is almost $15 -- compared with the national average return on investment of $3.41.

For more information about EARN Maryland and for a link to the Solicitation for Implementation Grant Proposals, please visit the EARN web page.