Cyber Maryland Launches $1 Million Cyber and AI Clinic Grant to Strengthen Maryland’s Cybersecurity Workforce and Protect Digital Infrastructure

Baltimore, MD (October 3, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Labor and its Cyber Maryland program today announced Maryland's Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Clinic Grant. This is the first investment of its kind-designed to grow a cyber workforce that is ready for a future where AI and cybersecurity are inseparable, while also fortifying the digital infrastructure of schools, hospitals, small businesses, and other community institutions.

Through this competitive grant program, eligible applicants-including colleges, workforce training providers, nonprofits, and apprenticeship sponsors-can receive up to $500,000 each to create and operate Cyber and AI Clinics. These clinics will train Marylanders for high-demand occupations in technical roles, such as cyber engineer and cyber analyst, as well as non-technical roles in compliance, policy, and risk management. At the same time, they will deliver vital cybersecurity services to organizations that often lack the resources to protect themselves against evolving digital threats.

"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.

The clinics funded by this grant program will address two urgent challenges: Filling Maryland's cyber talent gap and harnessing AI responsibly.

Maryland faces thousands of unfilled cybersecurity positions each year, and filling these positions with skilled talent will propel economic growth. At the same time, advanced training and hands-on experience are necessary to ensure that workers are equipped with the adaptive skills needed to protect businesses and community institutions at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming both cyberattacks and defenses.

Grant recipients will be required to train at least 100 cyber professionals annually between 2027 and 2029. They will integrate AI into both training and service delivery. This will equip participants with future-ready skills while helping organizations access AI-enabled protections they could not otherwise afford. By pairing real-world learning with real-world impact, Maryland is building a cybersecurity workforce designed for the age of AI and aligned with national security standards.

"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.

Key Dates:

• Proposals Due: December 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST

• Selection Announcement: January 2026

• Grant Period of Performance: February 1, 2026 - January 31, 2029

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick