Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Clinic Grant Initiative

The Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Clinic Grant Initiative, issued by the Maryland Department of Labor, seeks to establish Cyber and AI clinics to address the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals while enhancing the cyber resilience of critical community institutions. As threats become more sophisticated and pervasive across sectors such as healthcare, education, and utilities, Maryland recognizes the urgency of bridging the talent gap in cybersecurity and adapting to the transformational impact of artificial intelligence. The initiative is designed to provide learners with hands-on, real-world experience through clinics that integrate AI tools to perform cybersecurity assessments, training, policy development, and threat mitigation. This grant supports a multi-faceted workforce development strategy aligned with Maryland’s 2024 State Plan priorities: building a robust cyber workforce, enhancing educational outcomes, and connecting individuals to high-quality employment. Clinics funded under this initiative will serve as both training grounds for current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals and as service providers to organizations lacking internal cybersecurity capabilities. Learners will gain experience using AI tools to execute tasks such as incident response, penetration testing, and risk assessment. The program emphasizes experiential learning with support from qualified professionals and promotes industry engagement through required client and hiring partner commitments. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, local workforce development boards, and Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors. Entities do not need to be based in Maryland but must demonstrate strong employer connections and a presence in the state. Applicants must secure at least one committed client and one hiring partner, and preference is given to proposals with multiple commitments and collaboration with state agencies or defense-focused organizations. Applicants are also encouraged to support underrepresented populations in cybersecurity and to offer comprehensive wrap-around services such as stipends, coaching, and career counseling. Funding for this grant totals $1 million, with a ceiling of $500,000 per award. Grants will be reimbursable, with a performance period running from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2029. The deadline to submit applications is December 10, 2025, with selections announced in January 2026. Clinics are expected to be operational by September 30, 2026. A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for October 15, 2025, to provide applicants with technical assistance and clarification on submission requirements. The application must be submitted electronically to Seeyew Mo at the Maryland Department of Labor. Required components include a narrative not exceeding 10 pages, a detailed budget, and letters of commitment from consortium members. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the clinic model, recruitment strategies, industry engagement, learner outcomes, AI integration, sustainability, and organizational capacity. Awardees must report quarterly on financial and programmatic progress and actively participate in the Cyber Maryland ecosystem to share best practices.

Preference is given to applicants with multiple commitment letters and partnerships with institutions of higher education and local workforce boards. Proposals should show clear AI integration and sustainability beyond the grant period.