What are the principles of Maryland RISE?
Maryland RISE is DHR's education/training and employment agenda to improve employment outcomes for four target customer groups:
- heads of households receiving temporary cash assistance (TCA)
- non-custodial parents who owe child support
- transitioning foster care youth
- youth in households receiving TCA.
Through Maryland RISE, the Department is forging strategic partnerships on the state and local level with government agencies, employers and training providers such as community colleges to offer customers skills training in targeted sectors identified by the Governor's Workforce Investment Board. Maryland RISE training and employment partnerships will provide customers with the concrete job-specific skills necessary to obtain jobs that offer a wage of at least $10 per hour, benefits and a career ladder. We are proud to be a feeder program to Skills2Compete Maryland.
What Maryland RISE industry and employer collaborations are proposed, in negotiation or currently underway?
DHR is working aggressively to develop and implement partnerships with employers in targeted sectors identified by the Governor's Workforce Investment Board such as biotechnology, pharmacy, construction and green jobs. 
The Department's work in the area of green jobs received an added impetus with the passage of the HB 268 - Welfare to Work - Job Skills Enhancement Program - Green Jobs which requires state agencies, local government and state contractors to consider Maryland RISE target customer groups for employment.
As a workforce preparation partner within the Maryland's Energy and Greener Jobs Strategic Vision, the Department will also benefit from the recent award of $5.8 million to the Maryland Energy Sector Partnership for green jobs training.
What funding sources will support Maryland RISE training and employment partnerships?
In addition to Temporary Cash Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funding, the Department is working aggressively to secure private funds to ensure parity in access to services across all Maryland RISE target groups, some of which TANF funding cannot be utilized to provide services or support.
How can a customer take advantage of Maryland RISE training and employment partnerships?
Eligible customers in all 24 local departments will be informed of Maryland RISE training and employment partnerships as they become available.
How can I obtain more information about Maryland RISE?
Employers who are interested in obtaining more information about Maryland RISE training and employment partnerships may contact Scott Adams, MD RISE Partnerships Coordinator, via email at sadams6@dhr.state.md.us or (410) 767 - 3964. Customers may contact their local department of social services.
What is the Department of Human Resources (DHR) doing to support Skills2Compete Maryland?
DHR will contribute to Skills2Compete Maryland by implementing training and employment partnerships that will result in industry-recognized certification. For a list of employment partners, click here.