BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Labor this week announced $1 million in grant funding for frontline healthcare workers. The funding aims to recruit, retain, and develop the careers of these essential professionals. Applications are open now for the Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program and the Career Pathways for Healthcare Workers Program, with proposals due April 4, 2025. Grants will be awarded starting June 1, 2025.
Portia Wu, Maryland Department of Labor Secretary, extolled the vital services frontline healthcare workers provide to keep communities healthy and safe. “These initiatives provide the training, resources, and support needed to develop and retain a strong, highly-skilled healthcare workforce.”
The Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program, funded by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021, will grant a total of $250,000 in FY25 to eligible non-profit and labor organizations, direct care employers, and shared labor management entities. The program seeks to increase the number of direct care workers in the state through recruitment and retention strategies. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to develop comprehensive plans addressing employment barriers like transportation and childcare costs. These grants will prepare individuals for roles such as geriatric nursing assistant, home health aide, and nursing assistant.
The Career Pathways for Healthcare Workers Program will provide $750,000 in FY25 to support continuing education for current frontline healthcare professionals. To be eligible, applicants must partner with a Maryland-based Historically Black College or University or community college and commit to increasing wages for employees who successfully complete training. Grants are capped at $50,000 and require full cash matching.
A pre-proposal conference will be hosted by the Maryland Department of Labor on February 5, 2025.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
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