HAGERSTOWN, MD (December 18, 2024) – The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Developmentin partnership with the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH), is excited to announce that a project submitted by USMH is one of 14 initiatives selected to receive funding in the inaugural round of the Equitech Growth Fund of TEDCO. This groundbreaking fund, created to foster inclusive and diverse growth across Maryland, is a critical driver for advancing workforce development and infrastructure in key sectors.
Nearly $7 million in total funding will be allocated to the 14 projects statewide, including more than $4.7 million to support infrastructure development and more than $2.2 million earmarked for efforts workforce development. USMH’s award-winning project will fund updates to its computer labs, creating a state-of-the-art learning environment for students to explore the principles of computer science. These upgrades will support IT workforce development in the region, providing local and surrounding communities with increased access to training 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 to our community, and we are proud to support their efforts to expand 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 established during the 2023 legislative session as part of the Cultivate Maryland initiative, designed to address the need for greater diversity and inclusion within the Maryland’s tech ecosystem. This year’s awards cycle is expected to support the computer science education of more than 3,200 students, place up to 2,500 of them in jobs each year, and create more than 160 new STEM jobs in Maryland during its inaugural year.
“We are grateful that our proposal resonated with the Equitech Growth Commission,” said Dr. Jacob Ashby, executive director of USMH. “This opportunity will allow us to provide students with cutting-edge technology education resources, enhancing workforce development opportunities at a reduced cost.”
TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall noted the competitive nature of the inaugural round, which attracted 75 applicants from across the state offering innovative approaches to workforce and infrastructure challenges in areas such such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and quantum computing. “We are excited to help Maryland develop a sustainable and competitive ecosystem,” LeMaile-Stovall said.
For more information about the Equitech Growth Fund or upcoming USMH 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 Equitech Growth Fund Page.
About the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH):
USMH is a regional center of higher education offering affordable undergraduate and graduate programs through partnerships with institutions across the University System of Maryland. Its mission is to improve socio-economic mobility, meet labor needs and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
For more information, please contact the Washington County Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or (email protected).
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