Work On Wheels Program Launched In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Office of Workforce Development has partnered with the Howard County Library System to launch its innovative Work on Wheels program to offer such services as resume reviews, connections to jobs and potential training, to underserved communities throughout the county.

“While Maryland’s unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with Howard County’s below the state rate, it is still vital that we do our part to ensure the workforce and employment needs of our residents are being met,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This initiative highlights our commitment to working with our community partners to think outside the box and utilize resources already on hand to provide enhanced services to our residents.”

Work on Wheels will utilize HCLS’s STEAM Machine, a mobile classroom purchased in 2022 using American Rescue and Recovery Act funds. The classroom, which regularly brings science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education to students, will provide OWD services and staff to promote overall economic mobility amongst county residents.

“The Work on Wheels partnership is a perfect fit for HCLS and our mission to provide high-quality education for our community, including opportunities to meet people where they are,” said HCLS President and CEO Tonya Aikens. “The STEAM Machine continues to play an essential role in our outreach strategy, and we look forward to collaborating on this program with Howard County’s Office of Workforce Development.”

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 26, Work on Wheels will be set up outside the county’s Human Services campus at Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The mobile classroom will be available at the campus the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, before it expands to other areas of need throughout the county, including along the Route 1 Corridor. Work on Wheels has partnered with local shopping plazas to host its resource days. The full Work on Wheels schedule will be posted on OWD’s website at www.howardcountymd.gov/workforce-development.

Interested residents will not need an appointment to take advantage of this workforce development program.

In addition to Work on Wheels, residents and businesses can still access OWD services at its Columbia Workforce Center, located at 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive or at the North Laurel Multi-Service Center at 9900 Washington Boulevard in Laurel.