About FCWS and the American Job Center

Connecting Talent, Opportunity, and Community

Who We Are:

As a proud partner in the American Job Center network, Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) links businesses in need of qualified employees with individuals seeking employment opportunities.

What We Do:

For job seekers, we provide comprehensive career management services, including: career assessment and vocational counseling, computer and job search seminars, assistance with resume and interview preparation, career training scholarships, and access to hundreds of current job listings through the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

For businesses, we utilize innovative strategies to help identify and achieve recruitment, retention and training goals. Services for businesses include: placement assistance, job listing opportunities, customized employee training, access to funding for training, outplacement services, use of onsite facilities, and on-the-job training programs for new hires.

Our Mission:

To be the leader in workforce development for Frederick County and contribute to the economic prosperity of the community. ​ ​

Our Vision:

Every employer has the talent they need to grow now and in the future. Current and future members of the workforce have universal access to high quality employment and training programs that support career mobility. ​

Why It Matters:

Frederick County Workforce Services supports the County's revenue base by helping unemployed workers to re-enter the local workforce and become contributing tax payers again. We also utilize grant funding to provide occupational training in high-demand industries to help alleviate critical skills shortages in the current and future labor market.

Program Funding

As required with the Stevens Amendment, federal funding details for Program Year 25/Fiscal Year 26 are provided as follows:

  • The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $227,842 (24%) with $715,403 (76%) local funds.

  • The WIOA Dislocated Worker Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $315,534 (51%) with $299,247 (49%) local funds.

  • The WIOA Youth Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $240,109 (90%) with $27,547 (10%) local funds.

As required with the Stevens Amendment, federal funding details for Program Year 24/Fiscal Year 25 are provided as follows:

  • The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $277,498 (28%) with $699,364 (72%) local funds.

  • The WIOA Dislocated Worker Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $378,277 (57%) with $284,944 (43%) local funds.

  • The WIOA Youth Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a grant award for $295,885 (96%) with $11,953 (4%) local funds.

  • The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury through a grant award of $1,237,500 (100%) in FY22 and 1,245,552 (100%) in FY23 with $0 (0%) in local and/or non-governmental funds.

  • The Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending funds is funded by the U. S. Department of Labor through a grant award of $250,000 in FY23 with $0 (0%) in local and/or non-governmental funds.

  • Workforce Development Board

    2024-2028 Frederick Local Area Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Local Plan

    Board’s Purpose

    Representing both public and private sector organizations, members of the Frederick County Workforce Development Board (WDB) provide ongoing leadership to the Frederick County Workforce Services organization as well as to the entire workforce development system in Frederick County.

    Meeting Dates

    Meets quarterly the months of March, June, September and December at 8:30 a.m. at 200 Monroe Ave., Suite 1, Frederick, MD.

    2026 Upcoming Meeting Dates:

    Friday, March 13, 2026 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. AGENDA

    Friday, June 12, 2026 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

    Friday, September 11, 2026 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

    Friday, December 11, 2026 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

    Individuals requiring accommodations for a disability or language translation can contact 301-600-2255 or dial 711 for Maryland Relay Services at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting.

    Prior Meeting Dates:

    Friday, March 14, 2025, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. AGENDA

    Friday, June 13, 2025, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. AGENDA

    Friday, September 12, 2025, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. AGENDA

    Friday, December 12, 2025, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. AGENDA

    Meeting Notes

    December 2025 Meeting Notes

    September 2025 Meeting Notes

    June 2025 Meeting Notes

    March 2025 Meeting Notes

    December 2024 Meeting Notes

    September 2024 Meeting Notes

    June 2024 Meeting Notes

    March 2024 Meeting Notes

    Board Members

    Philip Brown, DBA, Chair - Phoenix Mecano Inc.

    Dani Adams, Vice Chair - Frederick County Building Industry Association

    Jacqueline Byerly - Department of Social Services

    Dr. Molly Carlson - Frederick Community College, Continuing Education and Workforce Development

    Courtney Cline - Frederick Health

    Vacant - City of Frederick Department of Housing and Human Services

    Molly Coughlan - Country Meadows Retirement Communities

    Michelle Day - Director, Frederick County Workforce Services

    Chantell Duckett - Frederick County Division of Family Services

    Jenna Freeman - Maryland Department of Labor

    Heather Gramm - Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity

    Richard Griffin - City of Frederick Department of Economic Development

    M.C. Keegan-Ayer - Frederick County Council

    Kimberley Levine - Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

    Lisa Littlefield, Ph.D. - Hood College

    Patti Maluchnik - Georgetown Insurance Service

    Anne Paxton - Frederick County Public Schools

    Jonathan Pernell - Bolt Innovations Group

    Sharon Plump - Division of Rehabilitation Services

    Emily Snyder - Horizon Farm Credit/Rocky Point Creamery & Farm

    Jennifer Szabo - FCC Adult Education and Family Literacy

    Carmen Voso - IBEW Local No. 24

    How to Get Involved

    Residents are encouraged to consider attending the public meetings held if interested in this Board. If you have expertise in this topic, please consider applying for a seat. Frederick County would appreciate your perspective and service.

    The Board shall consist of not more than twenty-nine (29) members and shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and approval of the County Executive. Appointments occur on a rolling basis and as positions open. Non-members are encouraged to attend and participate in activities. Board members shall include those representing employment sectors (minimum 51%) and will be consistent in reflecting the Frederick business community. The private sector members of the Board shall be owners of businesses, chief executives, or chief operating officers of nongovernmental employers and/or have substantial management or policy responsibility. Prospective Board members must either live or work in Frederick County to be considered for membership.

    Workforce Development Board - Bylaws

    Procedure for Appointment:

    The Board shall recruit new Board members to fill vacancies. Members serve four-year terms. If your qualifications match current openings, please apply by sending your letter of interest along with a current resume fcgboards@frederickcountymd.gov.

    For general questions regarding membership, please contact fcgboards@frederickcountymd.gov. For questions regarding this Board please email fcws@frederickworks.com.

    Catalyst Young Adult Scholarship Program

    Founded by the Frederick County Workforce Development Board, this program grants scholarships to Frederick County residents between the ages of 17 and 24, who can demonstrate that they have encountered a barrier in their educational path. Scholarships are available for young adults seeking assistance with college, university and trade school education.

    Worker Shortage?

    Are you a business leader or employer? Donate to the Young Adults Catalyst Scholarship and become a part of the solution and enable training opportunities that will help build the workforce of tomorrow!

    Frederick County Workforce Scholarships are available for young adults seeking assistance with college, university, and trade school education. We need your help in keeping the scholarship fund active!

    Eligible Programs

    The Frederick County Workforce Development Board grants scholarships of up to $3,500 to eligible applicants entering the following industries: • Life Sciences • Construction & Skilled Trades • Professional & Technical • Healthcare & Social Assistance • Manufacturing • Admin & Business Support Services Your donation to the scholarship fund is tax-deductible and brings you opportunity for increased community focus and the ability to network with trained and eager workers from all walks of life!

  • Questions?

    For additional information, contact the Community Foundation at 301-695-7660.
    For more information and to donate.

    The Frederick County Workforce Development Board is an Equal Opportunity service provider and is committed to non-discrimination under Federal, State and local laws. To request a reasonable accommodation in connection with scholarship applications, please contact the Community Foundation at 301-695-7660.