Mikulski Announces Almost $10 Million in Federal Funding to Connect Long-Term Unemployed with Jobs in Information Technology and Bioscience Industries

Press Release

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) announced today that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded $9,995,047 in funding to the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation to connect long-term unemployed Marylanders with job-training and employment in Maryland's information technology and biosciences industries.

The grant is part of the DOL's Ready to Work Partnership initiative to support innovative collaborations between employers, nonprofit organizations and federal job training programs to connect ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs.

"I believe that in America, if you're ready to work and want a job, you should have one," Senator Mikulski said. "Families who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own need a helping hand to help get back on the job so they can pay for food, housing and day-to-day needs. These funds in the federal checkbook will help Marylanders who have been looking for a job get the on-the-job training and know-how they need for good-paying jobs that are available now."

The Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation will receive $9,995,047 to fund Maryland Tech Connection (MTC). MTC will help prepare the long-term unemployed for jobs with a demand-driven system conducted in partnership with 22 business partners. The effort will include comprehensive wrap-around services structure to address the unique barriers faced by the long-term unemployed as they prepare for middle and high skilled jobs in information technology and biosciences industries.

MTC will provide 975 job seekers with intensive coaching and job placement services, short-term occupational training, and career pathways skills training. Keeping the focus on helping those who need it most, 85 percent will be long-term unemployed, 10 percent will be individuals unemployed over 19 weeks, and 5 percent will be incumbent workers.

All unemployed enrollees will participate in a unique Career Re-Start bootcamp that will help them reimagine their job search and develop a dynamic self-marketing portfolio. Specialized services will include trauma-informed services, public benefits applications, hands-on career exploration, and financial education and coaching. Enrollees will receive certifications or credentials depending on which customized job-training track they select: Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Programing/Software Development, Healthcare IT, Green Belt Process Improvement, Protein Purification or Lab Associates Certification.

Business partners will provide continual guidance on program design to ensure the program meets their workforce needs.

This grant is part of more than $169 million in federal funding made available through the DOL's Ready to Work Partnership initiative. The program is paid for with revenues from the H-1B visa program to support high performing partnerships between employers, non-profit organizations and America's public workforce system that will help provide long-term unemployed individuals with the range of services, training, and access they need to fill middle and high-skill jobs. Programs in 16 states and Puerto Rico received funding and will incorporate outreach and recruitment, training and support services, and placement strategies for the long-term unemployed.

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