UMD Launches Hub Offering ‘Pathways Forward’ for Maryland’s Displaced Federal Workers

The University of Maryland has launched a new resource for Marylanders impacted by federal workforce layoffs, job transitions and funding changes, following Gov. Wes Moore’s announcement last month of new actions to support the state’s displaced workers.

Through a partnership between the university’s Center for Community Engagement, Extended Studies and Division of Information Technology, the Pathways Forward Resource Hub includes professional and continuing education programs, special support for new entrepreneurs and UMD alums and free career development tools.

“Our mission is to educate and empower future leaders, discover new knowledge, and make groundbreaking discoveries—all while serving the public good and creating a community of care,” said President Darryll J. Pines and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice in a message to campus on Thursday. “We are proud to be the state’s flagship university, and it is our honor to serve both our university community and the people of Maryland.”

Included on the hub is information on:

• Non-credit educational opportunities on career readiness, upskilling and growth through Coursera and edX that can be audited for free;
• Online, in-person and hybrid graduate programs and professional certificate programs that build specialized skills in high-demand fields;
• Consulting centers, business development programs and entrepreneurship workshops that support innovators, small businesses and startups; and
• Career support, transition and growth resources from the Alumni Association.

Pines and Rice encouraged the community to share the hub with people in their communities and networks who have been impacted and are looking for support.

“This initiative is an excellent reflection of our continued commitment to invest in people and communities—both inside our campus and beyond,” they said.