Howard Community College seeks $5 million to finish workforce and skilled-trades center; local employers back training pipeline

Vivian Moore Lawyer, interim chair of the Howard Community College Board of Trustees, and Dr. Daria Willis, president of Howard Community College, testified that the college seeks $5,000,000 in FY26 capital funding for the second year of construction on a workforce development and skilled-trades center.

Moore Lawyer said nearly half of Maryland jobs are middle-skill occupations and noted a local shortage of workers with those credentials. “This center will be a pathway into skilled trade occupations,” she said, and listed programs to be served including automotive technology, welding, electrical, HVAC and plumbing.

Dr. Daria Willis said the college serves more than 23,000 students and more than 2,200 employees and expects to receive permits to begin grading and building later this month with an anticipated fall 2026 opening. “We are in the process of developing curriculum, hiring for faculty positions within the center, and we are actively seeking its inaugural director,” she said.

Luke Chow, a first-time testifier and owner of a local manufacturing company, endorsed the concept and asked the council to support establishment of a skilled-labor workforce training center at Howard Community College, saying it would create a pipeline connecting students with local employers and attract businesses.

College leaders framed the request as part of a broader workforce strategy tied to local economic development but did not record any formal council action during the public hearing.