Maryland Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson Monday announced the award of more than $1.2 million in state funds to grow the department’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland program.

EARN Maryland is the state’s workforce solution that helps businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete while preparing Marylanders for meaningful careers.

EARN Maryland awards funding to strategic industry partnerships comprised of employers, non-profits, higher education, local workforce development boards, and local governments. Based upon employer-identified training needs, partnerships provide education and skills training to unemployed and underemployed Marylanders. The program also provides career advancement strategies for incumbent workers, leading to a more highly skilled workforce.

The 10 partnerships announced Monday are comprised of more than 70 employer partners and will train nearly 400 Marylanders for in-demand careers in industries such as health care and information technology.

Under the Hogan administration, funding for the EARN program has more than doubled, with added investments in cyber, green, and clean jobs training. The program has been recognized as a national best practice by the National Skills Coalition, Urban Alliance, and the Deloitte Center for Government Insights.

Since the creation of the program, more than 7,000 individuals trained through EARN have obtained employment and over 10,000 incumbent workers have participated in in-demand training opportunities. A recent study on the economic impact of EARN found that for every dollar the state invests into the program, an additional $16.78 in economic activity is created. The national average for programs similar to EARN is estimated to be approximately $3.41.

By: Daily Record Staff June 13, 2022