Maryland Department of Labor Announces $1.8 million in Funding for Cyber Ranges to Address Cybersecurity Workforce Gap

BALTIMORE, MD (August 27, 2024) –  The Maryland Department of Labor today announced the availability of $1.8 million in new funding to support the development of cyber ranges that will provide in-demand cybersecurity training to help close a critical workforce gap. Cyber ranges are interactive, simulated platforms that have been identified as a critical tool for providing hands-on, experiential learning in a secure environment. Labor is leading this initiative in partnership with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) and the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). 

Maryland had over 30,000 estimated cybersecurity job openings in 2023 according to Cyberseek. However, the state did not have enough trained workers to fill one in four of those positions, worse than the national average. The increased funding to build and expand the use of cyber ranges for training will bolster the availability of highly skilled workers to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state. 

“Employers want cyber professionals with hands-on experience. Cyber ranges can help provide that experience to complement the technical skills learned in the classroom,” said Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Maryland will continue to invest in innovative approaches to cultivate top cyber talent while providing access to high-demand, high-growth jobs.”   

Grant applicants must demonstrate the ability to engage employer and industry partners to develop cutting-edge cyber range scenarios that directly correlate with the skills necessary for cybersecurity roles. In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to develop partnerships with an array of organizations to ensure populations typically underrepresented in the industry, including women, people of color, and individuals with differing abilities, are able to access support services and training that leads directly to employment in the cybersecurity industry.

“To secure the State long-term, we need to prioritize best-in-class, hands-on education for the next generation of Maryland cybersecurity professionals,” says DoIT Secretary Katie Savage. “This investment will help strengthen our cybersecurity posture even further and help make Maryland a home for a diverse, thriving cybersecurity industry.”

A virtual pre-proposal conference hosted by Labor will be held on September 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Proposals are due October 4, 2024 and grants will begin November 1, 2024. 

For more information on the Accelerating Cyber Careers program, including the Solicitation, please visit labor.maryland.gov/employment/acc/.  

About the Maryland Department of Labor

The Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

About the Maryland Department of Information Technology