Green and cyber industries can apply for EARN grants

From the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation:

(June 29 – BALTIMORE, Md.) — Today, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation announced a solicitation for implementation grant proposals for the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland Initiative. As a result of Gov. Hogan’s substantial investment into the program, this opportunity seeks to fund strategic industry partnerships targeting the cybersecurity and green industries. For the purpose of this solicitation, green is defined as any industry that is affected by, or related to, Tier 1 of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Program, which includes solar, wind, qualifying biomass, methane from a landfill or wastewater treatment plant, geothermal, ocean, fuel cell that produces electricity from a Tier 1 source, hydroelectric power plants of less than 30 MW capacity, poultry litter-to-energy, waste-to-energy and refuse-derived fuel. Proposals will be due on Sept. 12 and awards will be announced in October.

EARN Maryland is an innovative, industry-led initiative that helps businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete while helping prepare Marylanders for meaningful careers. The program, which has been recognized as a national best practice in workforce development, awards funding to strategic industry partnerships comprised of employers, nonprofits, higher education, local workforce development boards, and local governments.

Under Gov. Hogan’s leadership, the funding for this initiative has doubled, with an added $4 million for cyber and green training in FY18. Awards provide funding to start or maintain partnerships comprised of at least five employer partners who provide employment and training opportunities to Maryland’s workforce.

“This added investment is another example of our administration’s commitment to helping businesses grow and putting Marylanders back to work,” said Gov. Hogan. “The cybersecurity and renewable energy industries are vital components of our thriving economy, and initiatives like the EARN program will ensure that Maryland continues to be at the forefront of innovation.”

“The department is grateful for Gov. Hogan’s significant investment into EARN Maryland,” said Sec. Schulz. “Growing this nationally recognized program is a win-win. Employers will benefit from a more highly-skilled workforce while providing Marylanders the skills and credentials necessary to obtain in-demand jobs.”

For more information about EARN Maryland and for a link to the solicitation for implementation grant proposals, visit http://www.dllr.maryland.gov/earn.