Workforce Development Awarded Funds from State’s Local Workforce Impact Fund

Westminster, MD, Monday, February 23, 2026 – Carroll County Workforce Development (CCWD), an office of Carroll County Economic Development, is pleased to announce it was recently awarded $150,000 from the Maryland Department of Labor’s new Local Workforce Impact Fund.

According to a Maryland DOL news release, “The Maryland Department of Labor today announced nearly $3 million in awards through the new Local Workforce Impact Fund, a statewide initiative investing in community-driven workforce projects across Maryland’s Local Workforce Development Areas. The investment will connect nearly 700 Marylanders to occupational training, industry-recognized credentials, and supportive services—helping Maryland businesses access the talent they need to grow.”

“Carroll County’s workforce is critical to every business. This grant will help ensure current and future workers are a well-trained and reliable workforce to help our businesses grow. With advancing technology enhancements, CCWD works with businesses and training providers to offer workplace learning and advanced training and technology skills to meet today’s workplace requirements,” stated Denise Beaver, Director of Economic Development.

“We are grateful for the state’s investment in Carroll County’s workforce program and will leverage the funds to advance our local workforce development efforts,” said Heather Powell, Manager of Carroll County Workforce Development.  “The funding will directly support our summer youth employment program over the next two summers.  Youth are our future talent pipeline, and the opportunity to secure summer jobs allows them to develop their skills while exploring career pathways.  If you can’t see it, you can’t be it!”

Carroll County Workforce Development operations and programming are supported by federal, state, and local resources. The federal funding for Program Year 2025 is $1,560,810.74. This represents 55.14% of available funds.

About Carroll County Workforce Development
Carroll County Workforce Development (CCWD), part of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, serves as an American Job Center dedicated to employment, training, and workforce advancement. CCWD administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and works with the Carroll Workforce Development Board to connect businesses with qualified talent and strengthen Maryland’s local economy. For more information, visit www.carrollworks.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise Beaver, CEcD
Director, Carroll County Economic Development
410-386-2070