BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Labor and its Cyber Maryland program have announced the launch of a $1 million grant to establish Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Clinics across the state. The competitive program is designed to simultaneously address Maryland’s cyber talent shortage and strengthen the digital defenses of vulnerable community institutions.
The grant is described as the first investment of its kind, aimed at preparing the workforce for a future where AI and cybersecurity are inextricably linked.
Eligible applicants, including colleges, workforce training providers, nonprofits, and apprenticeship sponsors, can receive up to $500,000 each to establish and operate the clinics.
“Cyber clinics provide exciting opportunities for learners to gain real-world skills that lead to family-sustaining careers, while providing local schools, small businesses, and hospitals with cutting-edge cyber protection,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu.
Addressing Talent Gap and Digital Threats
The initiative seeks to solve two urgent challenges: filling thousands of unfilled cybersecurity positions in Maryland and deploying AI responsibly to protect digital infrastructure.
The clinics will train Marylanders for high-demand technical roles, such as cyber engineer and cyber analyst, as well as non-technical fields like compliance, policy, and risk management. Simultaneously, these trainees will deliver vital cybersecurity services to organizations like schools, hospitals, and small businesses that often lack the resources to defend themselves against evolving digital threats.
Grant recipients will be required to train at least 100 cyber professionals annually between 2027 and 2029. Crucially, they must integrate AI into both the training curriculum and service delivery, ensuring workers gain “future-ready skills” while providing organizations access to AI-enabled protections.
“This initiative puts AI into practice by preparing Marylanders for the jobs of the future while delivering real protections to the places that need them most urgently,” said Seeyew Mo of Cyber Maryland.
The training is expected to align with national security standards by pairing real-world learning with direct, real-world impact.
Prospective applicants must submit proposals by Dec. 10, 2025. The grant period is scheduled to run from Feb. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2029, with selection announcements slated for January 2026.
Image via Pixabay
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