HAGERSTOWN, MD (December 18, 2024) – The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development, in partnership with the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH), is excited to announce that a project submitted by USMH is among 14 initiatives selected to receive funding through the inaugural round of TEDCO’s Equitech Growth Fund. This groundbreaking fund, established to foster inclusive and diverse growth across Maryland, serves as a vital engine for advancing workforce development and infrastructure in key sectors.
Nearly $7 million in total funding will be allocated among the 14 projects statewide, with over $4.7 million supporting infrastructure development and more than $2.2 million designated for workforce development efforts. USMH’s awarded project will fund updates to its computer labs, creating a cutting-edge learning environment for students to explore computer science principles. These upgrades will support IT workforce development in the region, providing local and surrounding communities with increased access to educational opportunities.
“This award represents a critical investment in Maryland’s future workforce,” said Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Business and Economic Development for Washington County, MD. “The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown is a tremendous asset for our community, and we’re proud to support their efforts in expanding technology education locally. I want to thank Governor Wes Moore for the opportunity to represent Western Maryland on the Equitech Growth Commission and help secure this important funding.”
TEDCO’s Equitech Growth Fund was created during the 2023 legislative session as part of the Cultivate Maryland initiative, designed to address the need for greater diversity and inclusion within Maryland’s technology ecosystem. This year’s award cycle is projected to support IT training for more than 3,200 students, place up to 2,500 of them into jobs annually, and create over 160 new STEM jobs in Maryland during its first year.
“We are grateful that our proposal resonated with the Equitech Growth Commission,” said Dr. Jacob Ashby, Executive Director at USMH. “This opportunity will allow us to provide students with state-of-the-art resources for technology education, enhancing workforce development opportunities at a reduced cost.”
TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall highlighted the competitive nature of the inaugural round, which attracted 75 applicants from across the state offering innovative approaches to workforce and infrastructure challenges in fields like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. “We are thrilled to help Maryland grow a sustainable and competitive ecosystem,” LeMaile-Stovall said.
For more information about the Equitech Growth Fund or USMH’s upcoming initiatives, please contact Jonathan Horowitz, Director of the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development, at [email protected] or 240-313-2283.
To learn more about TEDCO’s Equitech Growth Fund, visit TEDCO’s Equitech Growth Fund page.
About the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH):
USMH is a regional higher education center offering affordable undergraduate and graduate programs through partnerships with University System of Maryland institutions. Its mission is to enhance socioeconomic mobility, address workforce needs, and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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