Governor Moore Announces Program Investments to Prepare Maryland Workers for AI and Emerging Technology Economies

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 18, 2026) – Following last week’s State of the State address, Governor Wes Moore today announced details surrounding the administration’s $4 million investment to help prepare Maryland workers, employers, and community organizations to succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. The funding—administered by the Maryland Department of Labor through three grant programs—expands hands-on training opportunities to grow Maryland’s lighthouse sector workforce, strengthen local cybersecurity initiatives, and ensure that no Maryland worker is left behind in the AI economy.

“Artificial Intelligence was considered science fiction just a few years ago. Today, it is a reality,” said Gov. Moore. “That’s why we need a broad-based strategy—not just for government, but for all of society. This investment is a continuation of our administration’s commitment to strengthening our workforce, and ensuring that pathways to work, wages, and wealth remain open to all as our state leads in a rapidly changing economy.”

The funding includes $2.5 million toward quality internships and upskilling opportunities in Maryland’s lighthouse industries and $1.5 million to support supervised training for aspiring cyber professionals through hands-on work providing cybersecurity services to community organizations and small businesses. The opportunities are made possible through the Talent Innovation Fund and the Cyber Maryland Program, created in partnership between the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly.

“Maryland’s economy depends on people having access to real opportunities as industries evolve,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “We are creating clear pathways for Marylanders to start and advance careers in growth sectors. At the same time, we’re helping employers access the talent they need to compete and helping community organizations access cybersecurity services and AI skills that might otherwise be out of reach.”

Lighthouse Sector Grant Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Labor’s two new lighthouse industry programs are designed to help workers and employers build skills and adapt to AI and other emerging technologies in Maryland’s lighthouse sectors, including the life sciences, information technology, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing.

The Maryland Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship Program is a $1.5 million initiative to increase the number of experiential learning opportunities for students and prospective workers pursuing careers in Maryland’s lighthouse sectors. Eligible employers and partner organizations may apply for grants of up to $150,000 to support internships, including wages of up to $10,000 per intern, funded through the Talent Innovation Fund and Cyber Maryland. Awardees will be responsible for recruiting and onboarding interns, and providing them with direct experience that helps bridge the gap between education and employment.

Employers of all sizes are invited to apply, whether they have one intern or several. Applications for the Maryland Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship Program are being accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

The Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program is a $1 million competitive grant opportunity designed to strengthen transferable and emerging technology skills for Marylanders seeking lighthouse industry careers through training programs. The program—funded through the Talent Innovation Fund—provides support for workforce development partners, including non-profits, higher education institutions, and industry associations. Applicants may request up to $200,000 and must partner with at least three employers and ensure training programs are aligned with Maryland’s workforce needs.

Proposals for the Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program are due on April 24 and grants will begin on June 1. Organizations that are interested in applying may email Brittney Hansen at brittney.hansen@maryland.gov to register for the February 26 pre-proposal conference.

The Maryland Department of Labor developed the programs in consultation with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the governor’s chief policy-making body for workforce development. The board gathered robust feedback from industry leaders—including lighthouse sector leaders—to inform how workers and employers can integrate AI within their organizations confidently, safely, and effectively.

“As technology and industries evolve, employers need talent that can adapt. These investments give Marylanders practical experience and training that lead to real jobs in high-growth sectors,” said Governor’s Workforce Development Board Chair Delali Dzirasa. “The Governor’s Workforce Development Board is proud to support efforts that make our workforce more dynamic, more diverse, and future-ready.”

Cyber and AI Clinics

To fill the gap in Maryland’s cybersecurity workforce and strengthen the cybersecurity of critical community institutions, Governor Moore announced three cyber and AI clinic grants funded through the Cyber Maryland Program. The funding will support three organizations in operating clinics that provide low- or no-cost cybersecurity services to schools, hospitals, nonprofits, small businesses, and other community institutions that may often lack resources to safeguard against growing cyber threats. Through the program, approximately 600 Marylanders will gain training from the awardees, in addition to real-world cybersecurity experience supporting dozens of client organizations across the state.

The awardees, selected through a highly competitive statewide proposal process, include:

• Center for Critical Infrastructure Security: Creating a statewide cyber and AI clinic to help nonprofit organizations safeguard essential services from cyber threats.

• TCecure: Creating a statewide cyber and AI clinic anchored in Prince George’s County to serve defense industrial base sector organizations and train under-resourced students for cyber-readiness.

• Howard Community College: Expanding an established cyber and AI clinic started in partnership with Frederick Community College and Carroll Community College to serve small businesses and nonprofits in health, youth services, disability services, workforce development, and more.

“Establishing these three new cyber clinics marks a defining moment for our state,” said Cyber Maryland Board Chair Roger Austin. “Aligned with Cyber Maryland’s 2025 statewide plan, this is our first significant step in building a more robust, resilient cybersecurity workforce. These clinics will serve as hubs for cultivating talent and strengthening communities, helping Maryland lead in confronting cyber threats and in securing our digital future.”

Over the grant period, each clinic is expected to train at least 200 current or prospective cyber professionals. Clinics will work closely with employers to ensure training reflects real-world needs, while strengthening cyber resilience in local communities across the state.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dinah Winnick