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New American Workforce Program - Workforce Development & Adult Learning

Welcome to DWDAL's New American Workforce Program’s webpage—a self-help tool designed to empower New American job seekers and English Language Learners alike as they navigate the state workforce system while being informed of their rights as a job seeker, employee, consumer. Here, New American job seekers can find information on:

  • The location of English as a Second Language (ESL) educational opportunities;
  • How to pursue your GED® diploma;
  • All of the tremendous career training resources offered at the 32 American Job Centers throughout the State of Maryland; and,
  • Other valuable information.

Since its inception in 2010, the DWDAL-New American Workforce Program has sought to help “expedite immigrant integration into the economic and civic life of the state.” We do that by partnering with other agencies and organizations, coordinating and offering technical assistance, training, and policy guidance to the twelve local workforce areas.

Download the New American Workforce Program (NAWP) - Ensuring the Success of New Americans, Refugees and Asylees brochure
El Programa de Fuerza Laboral del Nuevo Americano (NAWP) - Asegurando el éxito de los nuevos americanos, refugiados y asilados (en español)

Workforce Services, Career & Business Resources

If you are qualified to work, have a work permit and Social Security card, and are looking for employment, or if you wish to be trained in a new career, you should visit a American Job Center near you and ask to talk with a job specialist.

All 32 American Job Centers in Maryland are equipped to assist in your native language. Additional information is available in Spanish or you may contact us by e-mail.

Create your profile for businesses to look at on the Maryland Workforce Exchange-Virtual One Stop MWE-VOS). Be sure to provide any professional experience and college degrees acquired prior to entering the U.S.

Licensing: For professional licensing, call 410-230-6231 or visit Occupational and Professional Licensing

Start a Business in Maryland: It's easy to start a business in Maryland. Call 410-767-6300.

Education & English as a Second Language Courses: To improve your English skills, to further your education through ESL (English as a Second Language), or to pursue your GED, visit any of the following places:

  • Maryland Adult Education and Literacy Services Program’s county directory for programs and free ESL classes for out-of-school adults 16 and older.
  • Local Community Colleges In addition to offering ESL courses, our local community colleges offer high-quality post-secondary training and workplace certification for good-paying jobs.
  • Adult instructional programs for those interested in improving basic skills in reading, writing, and math, learning to speak or understand the English language. Some of the 34 One Stop Career Centers also offer free English classes. Adults may earn a high school diploma passing the GED® test or through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).
  • Maryland Public Schools for students K-12.
  • Educational institutions and nonpublic schools are registered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) which supervise home instruction under regulation 05 of COMAR 13A.10.01, Home Instruction.
  • ESL courses may be offered at Maryland Public Libraries.

Important notice: Anyone who finishes high school prior to entering the U.S may not be required to take the GED classes because their high school diplomas may be the direct equivalent to U.S. high school diplomas.

Education and Training Scholarship Resources

Other Resources

Selective Service Registration: Did you know that all males 18 – 25 years old when entering the United States must register with the U.S. Office of Selective Service? Failure to register may make you ineligible for certain benefits & workforce programs offered at the One Stop Career Centers.

Social Security Administration: Contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office if you need a new SS card, or if you become a U.S. citizen through the process of naturalization, as they will need to update your file and issue you a new card.

Equal Employment Rights: Learn about your equal employment rights as an employee or job applicant.

In Maryland, “A qualified person cannot be denied employment because of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Age, National Origin, Marital Status, Disability, Sexual Orientation or Genetic Information” (Article 49B, Annotated Code of Maryland).

Consumer Rights: Visit Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

Green Card: Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for questions about your Green Card, working in the US, Citizenship, or Immigration.

Contact the Division of Workforce Development at 410-767-2173 with questions or e-mail.

Disclaimer: DWDAL- New American Program webpage cannot guarantee an individual employment or training eligibility. We hold no responsibility for the conduct of these agencies or offices we mention.