ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore on Wednesday announced the release of $4 million in the second round of funding for the Road to Careers program, a six-year, $24 million initiative aimed at building Maryland’s skilled transportation and construction workforce.
The program, a joint effort between the Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), seeks to expand the state’s talent pipeline by funding pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
“Through Road to Careers, we’re creating more opportunities for Marylanders to access good jobs in high-demand careers, while supporting critical state infrastructure projects,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland is building a workforce that reflects our vision for the future—one where everyone has access to work, wages, and wealth, no matter their background or journey.”
Addressing Barriers to Employment
A critical component of the Road to Careers program is its focus on wraparound services—such as transportation, childcare, and mental health support—to eliminate common barriers that prevent workers from completing training and sustaining employment.
MDOL Secretary Portia Wu called the program a “game changer,” stating, “Pairing training with childcare and transportation supports will enable more Marylanders to move into good, family-sustaining jobs.”
The initiative is designed to open career pathways for Marylanders who have historically faced systemic barriers, including individuals with low incomes, justice-involved individuals, and English language learners, while simultaneously meeting industry demand for highly-skilled workers.
MDOT Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle added, “The Road to Careers program is helping us meet critical workforce needs in transportation—strengthening our infrastructure while creating real economic opportunities for people across the state.”
Competitive Grant Application Now Open
The $4 million in funding will be awarded to organizations through a competitive grant process. Successful applicants will be required to deliver training that aligns with the needs of the transportation and construction industries and provide the necessary holistic support to guide participants from enrollment through job placement and retention.
Eligible organizations include local workforce boards, nonprofits, labor unions, community colleges, and other training providers.
Key deadlines for the current funding round are:
- Pre-Proposal Conference: November 3 at 2 p.m. (RSVP to [email protected])
- Application Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Award Announcements: April 2026
Interested parties can learn more and apply for funding by visiting https://labor.maryland.gov/employment/roadtocareers.shtml.
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