Maryland agencies launch safer stronger together initiative to boost youth apprenticeship pathways

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss significant initiatives aimed at workforce development and community safety. The meeting highlighted a new program designed to provide young people with pathways to career opportunities, particularly focusing on those at risk of delinquency.

A key point of discussion was the collaboration between the Department of Human Services, Public Safety, and Correctional Services under the "Safer Stronger Together" initiative. This program aims to engage communities in Salisbury, Hagerstown, and East Baltimore City, allowing residents to identify their own safety needs and solutions. The initiative encourages local input through community advisory boards, which will help determine how allocated funds can best be used to enhance safety in their neighborhoods.

The committee emphasized the importance of providing diverse career paths for youth, noting that not all young people will pursue traditional routes like college. Instead, the program aims to connect them with apprenticeships and job opportunities that can lead to stable employment. The initiative seeks to address the lack of accessible pathways for those ready to enter the workforce immediately.

Additionally, the meeting referenced successful strategies from other cities, such as Philadelphia, where transforming vacant lots into gardens led to a reduction in crime. This data-driven approach will inform the decisions made by community advisory boards in Maryland, ensuring that local solutions are tailored to specific needs.

As the session progresses, the committee anticipates receiving proposals from these boards, which will guide the implementation of safety and workforce development strategies across the targeted communities.