# Maryland Launches Nursing Workforce Loan Fund

The State of Maryland, in partnership with Social Finance and Blue Meridian Partners, launched the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund on August 20, 2026, a **$3 million** initiative providing zero-interest loans to approximately 80 nursing students enrolled in Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. This fund aims to address Maryland's critical nursing shortage by covering tuition gaps and living expenses, with repayment contingent on graduates' income. The pilot program begins in the 2026-2027 academic year at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).

- This initiative represents a novel funding mechanism to support nursing workforce development through income-contingent loans, potentially reducing financial barriers for nursing students.
- Procurement professionals should note the involvement of state agencies including the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Department of Health, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, indicating cross-agency collaboration opportunities.
- Contractors and service providers in education financing, student support services, and workforce development may find partnership or service delivery opportunities linked to this fund.
- Organizations supporting nursing education and workforce expansion should consider engagement with CCBC and related Maryland entities to align with this funding model and upcoming program expansions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Policy
**Published:** August 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- State of Maryland
- Maryland Department of Labor
- Governor’s Workforce Development Board
- Maryland Department of Health
- Maryland Higher Education Commission

### Vendors
- Social Finance (partner organization)
- Blue Meridian Partners (philanthropic funder)

### Key Quotes
> Our administration is committed to building pathways to work, wages and wealth for individuals who aspire to care for Maryland’s community health needs, because nurses are our state’s frontline defense in providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.
> — Wes Moore, Governor

### Sources
- [State of Maryland and Social Finance Announce Maryland Pay It Forward Fund to Strengthen Maryland’s Nursing Workforce | The Office of Governor Wes Moore](https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/state-maryland-and-social-finance-announce-maryland-pay-it-forward-fund) - MD
- [
	
	Pages - State of Maryland and Social Finance announce Maryland Pay It Forward Fund to strengthen Maryland’s nursing workforce

](https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/State%20of%20Maryland%20and%20Social%20Finance%20announce%20Maryland%20Pay%20It%20Forward%20Fund%20to%20strengthen%20Maryland%E2%80%99s%20nursing%20workforce.aspx) - MD