Our Community Colleges have joined with local businesses and industries to develop Advanced Technology Centers. They offer instruction and field experience tailored to meet specific needs of the local job market. Students receive hands-on education working with the newest and most advanced technologies.

Higher education collaborates with business and industry through programs like the Maryland Industrial Partnership (MIPS) and the Technology Extension Service (TES). MIPS provides matching funds for technology-based research projects at the University of Maryland's 13 institutions. It helps companies to leverage their R&D dollars, by providing faculty expertise and the use of specialized facilities at any University of Maryland institution. The Rural Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore finances projects and provides technical assistance to businesses and county governments.

Other collaborations between business and education include programs like the Project Management Group at Salisbury State University. They provide companies and organizations with consulting, research, marketing and economic development support activities. The European American Business Institute helps small to medium-sized enterprises form joint international business ventures. The Maryland Export Assistance Network offers international business, trade and investment assistance by coordinating local, state and federal resouces for companies. These special partnerships are important to workforce development since they allow students to work alongside faculty helping business develop new markets and products.

Regional schools like The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland campuses, the U.S. Naval Academy, Washington College and St. John's College offer undergraduate and graduate courses to help employees maintain their skills in a number of industries and occupations. A state-of-the-art distance education network ensures that every person in the region has access to high-quality educational advancement.