Maryland expands Road to Careers program with $4 million in new funding
Governor Wes Moore announced $4 million in additional funding through Maryland’s Road to Careers program. The program is a statewide workforce initiative aimed at expanding access to skilled jobs in transportation and construction while removing barriers to employment.
Stasia DeMarco October 20, 2025
Governor Wes Moore announced that $4 million in funding is available through Maryland’s Road to Careers program. This second round of funding will expand the pipeline of highly skilled workers to build Maryland’s transportation and construction infrastructure through a six-year, $24 million program.
“Through Road to Careers, we will increase opportunities for Marylanders to get good jobs in in-demand careers while supporting critical state infrastructure projects,” said Governor Moore. “Maryland is building a workforce that reflects our vision for a future where everyone has access to jobs, wages and wealth, regardless of their background or background.”
Launched in 2024, Road to Careers is a six-year, $24 million joint initiative between the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Transportation aimed at strengthening Maryland’s transportation and construction talent pipeline. This program expands access to pre-practicum and registered practicum opportunities. Importantly, program participants are also provided with comprehensive services such as transportation, child care, and mental health support, addressing barriers that often prevent workers from completing training and maintaining employment.
“Road to Careers is a game-changer for hard-working Marylanders seeking greater opportunity,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Combining training with child care and transportation assistance will enable more Marylanders to get good jobs that support their families.”
This unique approach meets industry demand for highly skilled workers while also opening career paths for Marylanders who have historically faced systemic barriers to employment, including low-income individuals, law enforcement personnel, and English language learners.
“The Road to Careers program is helping meet critical workforce needs in the transportation industry, creating substantial economic opportunity for people across the state while strengthening our infrastructure,” said Samantha J. Biddle, Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. “This is a win for our infrastructure and our community.”
Funding is awarded to organizations through a competitive grant process. The successful candidate will provide training tailored to the needs of the transportation and construction industries and provide comprehensive support to guide participants from registration to placement and retention.
The deadline to apply for this round of Road to Careers funding is 11:59pm on January 23, 2026. Awards will be announced in April 2026. Eligible organizations include local labor boards, nonprofit organizations, labor unions, community colleges, and other training providers.
For more information about Road to Careers and to apply for funding, visit labor.maryland.gov/employment/roadtocareers.shtml.
About the author
Stasia DeMarco is a content editor at OH&S.
