Maryland law directs college to study and build aerospace training

The Board of Community College Trustees must establish an Aerospace Technology Studies Program at Prince George’s Community College. The Board must consult with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. The program must include industry-linked learning and a path from high school to college and aerospace careers. The Maryland Higher Education Commission must approve the program. The Governor must include $100,000 in the fiscal year 2028 budget bill for the study and program design work. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2028. Until the program is established, the Board must report on its status each December 15, beginning in 2026. After establishment, it must report each October 1 on placements and outcomes from the prior academic year.

Prince George’s Community College must study and design aerospace and aviation workforce training programs, then report its findings and plans to lawmakers. The study must examine employer demand, suitable degrees and credentials, needed facilities and equipment, instructor needs, work-based learning, costs, long-term sustainability, and how to phase in the programs. The college must consult employers, workforce groups, state agencies, and other appropriate industry and economic development groups. It must hold employer discussions to check that plans match labor market needs. The report is due by December 1, 2027. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2028.