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Empowering Maryland's Youth

On September 16, 2025, a pivotal moment for Maryland's young men and boys was marked as Governor Wes Moore and Arnold Ventures publicly announced a significant $20 million grant. This funding supports vital programs aimed at enhancing educational pathways and mentorship opportunities for Maryland’s youth. The announcement came as part of the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs, a collaboration designed to uplift boys and men, particularly through community colleges and established mentorship organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

In his impactful statement, Governor Moore emphasized the collective responsibility to nurture the potential of the younger generation: "Maryland's young people are the future. We share a common duty to unlock their potential and elevate their dreams." This funding represents an extension of their ongoing commitment, bringing the total investment in youth and educational initiatives to $40 million,
showcasing a concerted effort to improve the educational outcomes and well-being of children and young adults in Maryland.

Investment Breakdown and Project Scope

The newly announced grants will distribute $20 million specifically to enhance various educational and mentorship initiatives:
1. Community Colleges Funding: $14.4 million will be allocated to four community colleges—Harford Community College, Prince George's Community College, Wor-Wic Community College, and Community College of Baltimore County. This grant, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, aims to implement the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model. ASAP is crucial in providing comprehensive support, including academic, personal, and financial assistance to low-income students requiring remedial education. The model has previously shown remarkable success in significantly enhancing graduation rates, thus empowering more students to achieve their educational goals.
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters Contribution: The remaining $5.6 million will focus on expanding the reach of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Maryland. In conjunction with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and the Governor's Office for Children, this investment is set to address a critical backlog of youth waiting for mentorship matches—many of whom are boys. This funding allows the program to connect with an additional 1,000 young people across nine counties, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Cecil, Frederick, Kent, Prince George's, Somerset, Washington, and Wicomico counties. The benefits of mentorship programs are profound, effectively tackling issues such as mental health support, safe environments, and providing pathways to further education and careers for young men.

Commitment to Evidence-Based Solutions

The Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs reflects an evidence-driven approach to philanthropy and social responsibility. Governor Moore's administration underscores the importance of scaling programs that yield measurable outcomes. Through partnerships with organizations like Arnold Ventures, the collaboration is tailored to expand programs that have already demonstrated success in education and community support.

Laura Arnold, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Arnold Ventures, remarked, “Leaders often talk about money spent on a program, but they rarely talk about how well that program worked.” By focusing on scaling evidence-based initiatives, this partnership aims to refine educational and mentoring services, ensuring that funding translates into real-world success for Maryland's youth.

Future Impact and Expectations

As the implementation of these grants begins this year, there are optimistic expectations surrounding the increase in resources dedicated to Maryland's youth over the next four years. Past successful programs have already illustrated the impact of strategic investment in education, advocating for the continuation of embracing innovative models for learning and community engagement. By investing in programs aimed at enhancing educational achievement and personal development, the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs is setting the groundwork for a brighter, more successful future for its young people.

In conclusion, these initiatives stem from a commitment to fostering a holistic environment in which Maryland's youth can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. With Governor Moore and Arnold Ventures at the helm, the aim is to propel a generation forward, enabling them to excel in various aspects of life.