Maryland Partners with RAISE US to Enhance AI Workforce Training

Maryland is taking a significant step toward preparing its workforce for the demands of an increasingly AI-driven economy with a new partnership with RAISE US, a national nonprofit organization. On June 25, 2026, Governor Wes Moore announced this initiative, which seeks to align training programs with the demands of emerging technologies. RAISE US is known for collaborating with states, employers, workers, and educators to create robust workforce infrastructure.

This partnership will build upon the state's existing $4 million investment in hands-on training and the Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship program. Focused on empowering Maryland workers, the initiative reflects a commitment from the Moore-Miller administration to address public concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its implications for employment. Governor Moore articulated the urgency of this partnership, stating, "Marylanders are concerned about how quickly artificial intelligence is moving, and they want to know what it means for their jobs, their families, and their future."

The initiative is designed to implement innovative corporate incentives that will help retrain and redeploy workers while also developing new approaches to assist individuals during their transition between jobs. Moreover, there will be a focus on real employer demand by adopting training models that directly respond to what businesses require from their future workforce. This is critical in an environment where traditional roles are being redefined and new opportunities are continually evolving.

In support of the program, RAISE US will expand pathways familiar through its Service Year Option into promising sectors, notably healthcare and education. A competitive fund is being launched to support innovative career transition models, alongside an entrepreneurial accelerator aimed at helping displaced workers start their own ventures. This multifaceted approach to workforce development not only seeks to enhance skills but also to provide practical solutions for economic challenges arising from technological displacement.

As noted by Gina Raimondo, Co-founder and CEO of RAISE US, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive people strategy that complements America's technological advancements. "If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything; we’ll have automated our own decline," she posited. The acknowledgment of these transitional challenges signals a crucial opportunity for companies and educational institutions that specialize in AI education and workforce development.

Procurement professionals should take note of the trend toward integrating AI training and workforce transition support, as several procurement opportunities will emerge from this initiative. It's anticipated that the state will require vendors who can effectively deliver training programs, manage technology platforms, and facilitate internships and job placements. Organizations involved in workforce development and AI education can leverage this partnership to forge strategic alliances and tap into funding opportunities provided by Maryland state agencies, particularly through the Maryland Department of Labor.

As businesses and educational institutions prepare to participate in this evolving landscape, the emphasis on upskilling and reskilling the workforce in AI-related fields cannot be overstated. This initiative not only aligns with the current trends in workforce development but sets a precedent for future programs aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impacts of rapid technological change.

Maryland’s approach highlights the importance of proactive workforce planning aimed at empowering individuals with the skills necessary to thrive alongside AI innovations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of technological evolution.

• This partnership signals increased demand for training providers and contractors specializing in AI workforce development and career transition services within Maryland.
• Procurement professionals should anticipate opportunities related to program implementation, including vendor selection for training delivery, technology platforms, and internship coordination.
• The initiative underscores the importance of aligning workforce programs with AI advancements, encouraging contractors to develop offerings that support upskilling and reskilling in AI-related fields.
• Organizations involved in workforce development and AI education may find strategic partnerships and funding opportunities through Maryland state agencies, particularly the Maryland Department of Labor.
• The investment of $4 million highlights Maryland's commitment to comprehensive training and development programs.
• RAISE US aims to create pathways in growing sectors like healthcare and education, responding to real employer needs.
• Emphasizing a non-partisan approach, RAISE US encourages collaboration among all stakeholders involved in workforce training and development.
• This program is designed not just to retrain workers but also to support individuals through job transitions, reflecting an understanding of the modern economy's demands.