Columbia, MD – Governor Wes Moore announced today a $1.8 million investment aimed at strengthening Maryland’s cybersecurity talent pipeline. The funding, secured through the efforts of U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, will support cutting-edge cybersecurity training at Maryland’s 16 community colleges, with Howard Community College serving as the first to host a new cyber range facility. The announcement was made during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the college’s campus.
The funding, made possible by the state’s new Talent Innovation Fund, will allow all Maryland community colleges to establish cyber opportunities—interactive, simulated environments where students can gain hands-on, real-world experience in cybersecurity. This initiative is designed to complement traditional technical skills training, equipping students with the practical expertise needed to compete in the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector.
“Maryland’s pathway to national leadership in cybersecurity runs through our community colleges,” said Governor Moore. “Today marks another important milestone in our effort to make Maryland the cyber capital of the United States and to ensure that all Marylanders have access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.”
This new cyber venture will provide critical learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity, with a focus on cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce. Over the course of the three-year grant period, more than 1,100 individuals will receive training through the initiative, with an emphasis on providing opportunities to underrepresented groups, including women and people of color.
Building the Future Cyber Workforce
Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, who championed the funding, praised the investment for its role in expanding Maryland’s cybersecurity education and workforce development efforts. “Maryland’s community colleges are leading the way in strengthening our workforce,” said the senators. “This investment builds on previous efforts to provide state-of-the-art cyber education and opens doors for individuals seeking good-paying jobs in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.”
The initiative is also backed by the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Commerce, which have been working to develop Maryland’s competitive edge in sectors like cybersecurity. “Cyber ranges provide the hands-on experience that employers demand and workers seek,” said Portia Wu, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor. “Maryland is committed to cultivating top-tier talent and building a robust pipeline for high-demand, high-growth jobs.”
In addition to the $1.8 million from the Talent Innovation Fund, the state has already invested in cybersecurity workforce development through other programs, including the Build Our Future grant program and the Senator George C. Edwards Fund. The new Talent Innovation Program, which Governor Moore signed into law earlier this year, allows the Department of Labor to make targeted investments in workforce practices that align with Maryland’s strengths in growth sectors such as cybersecurity.
Strengthening Maryland’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Howard Community College’s newly operational cyber range marks a key achievement in this effort. “We are proud to be the first Maryland community college to offer a cyber range and to partner with BCR Cyber and the Maryland Workforce Association,” said Dr. Daria Willis, President of Howard Community College. “This collaboration allows us to offer world-class training and experiential learning that will help our students enter the cybersecurity workforce prepared and confident.”
BCR Cyber, a key partner in the initiative, will work with local colleges and workforce development organizations to ensure that training aligns with industry needs. “This investment will allow us to amplify our efforts to meet the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Maryland,” said Bruce Spector, Chair of BCR Cyber. “Together, we can bridge the gap between industry needs and the availability of qualified workers.”
The program is expected to make a significant impact on Maryland’s competitive position in the national cybersecurity sector. Maryland already has a cybersecurity workforce that is nearly three times the national average, and the state’s demand for cybersecurity talent continues to grow. “Our goal is to build the most advanced and diverse cybersecurity workforce in the nation, while also boosting economic mobility for all Marylanders,” said Senator Katie Fry Hester. “This investment in training centers across the state is a vital step in securing our future as a leader in the cybersecurity industry.”
With these new investments, Maryland is positioning itself as a national hub for cybersecurity education and workforce development, ensuring that both local businesses and residents benefit from the state’s growing prominence in the sector.
