ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Labor is offering up to $1 million in funding through its new Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Clinic Grant Initiative, designed to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity workforce and improve digital protections for community organizations.
Grants of up to $500,000 each will support projects running from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2029. The department is accepting proposals until December 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The initiative aims to give Marylanders hands-on experience in cybersecurity and AI, while helping local institutions enhance digital resilience. Projects may involve AI-driven threat detection, penetration testing, and other cybersecurity services delivered by program participants.
Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, non-profits, workforce development boards, registered apprenticeship sponsors, and other organizations approved by the Department of Labor.
A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held on October 15 at 11 a.m. Interested applicants must RSVP to attend. Proposals and questions should be sent to Mary Keller at mary.keller@maryland.gov.
Full application guidelines and budget templates are included in the request for proposals.
This initiative is part of Maryland’s broader effort to prepare a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving challenges in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. More information is available at https://labor.maryland.gov/cybermaryland/
Photo: labor.maryland.gov/cybermaryland/