The state of Maryland has announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the tech workforce in collaboration with HBCU Bowie State University.
Announced yesterday by the Labor Department, the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s program will work alongside Bowie State University and the non-profit CodePath to provide more tech career opportunities, particularly within the state’s cybersecurity sector.
The program is reportedly designed to provide free training in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to a minimum of 800 students. The initiative will also provide career support and offer direct employer engagement opportunities for students. Through this collaboration, the labor department aims to provide tech internships and job placement opportunities for 60% to 80% of CodePath students.
The non-profit, which aims to provide certificates to underserved students, has introduced several new courses as part of its initiative. New lessons include the “Secure By Design” course which focuses on providing lessons for secure coding.
“This is about helping students in the state access rigorous technical training, real industry-aligned projects and career support that they need to excel in leading tech roles,” said CEO and co-founder of CodePath, Michael Ellison, per a statement. “We’re excited to be collaborating with Bowie State University and look forward to working with many more institutions across Maryland.”
The latest program comes amidst a decrease in the state’s overall workforce. Per a new report released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3,200 jobs were lost in August. The decline was prominent amongst private sector jobs with more than half of the job cuts originating from this field.
However, while losses were incurred in administrative and support services, gains were reportedly made in technical services. According to the report, 600 positions were added amongst professional, scientific and technical services.
As of late 2023, Maryland ranks among the top states in terms of high-tech job opportunities. The total employment in Maryland is reportedly higher than the overall national average. Maryland also ranks seventh in terms of tech wages, with a median annual wage of $110,000.
The state has continued to nurture its growing tech workforce. Earlier this month, the Department of Labor and its Cyber Maryland program announced that they will provide a $500,000 grant to open up Cyber and AI clinics across the state. Through these clinics, Maryland citizens can be trained for high-demand tech positions, including those in cybersecurity, such as cyber engineer and cyber analyst roles.
“By joining forces with education and industry partners, we are not only helping students to complete their education but also ensuring they gain the hands-on experience that employers demand,” said the Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu per a statement. “This will prepare them to move into good jobs in a dynamic and increasingly technology-enabled economy.”
