Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a new statewide parenting support program Wednesday aimed at helping fathers strengthen relationships with their children and address challenges facing young men and boys.
Beginning next week, Maryland will partner with the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) to offer an eight-week virtual program serving up to 300 fathers. Participants will meet weekly in small groups led by trained facilitators, focusing on parenting strategies, family connections, children’s mental health, and academic success.
“Here in Maryland, we see young men and boys not as problems to be solved, but as assets to be cultivated,” said Moore. “This new initiative helps Maryland fathers foster meaningful connections with their families and contributes to our administration’s larger goal in closing opportunity gaps for young men and boys.”
The program will prioritize fathers from communities participating in Maryland’s ENOUGH Initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood poverty.
The announcement is part of Maryland’s Young Men and Boys Initiative, a statewide effort supporting boys and young men ages 0 to 34 through mental health resources, educational opportunities, mentorship, and family engagement.
Recent efforts include expanding mental health resources, developing a wellness guide, and launching a literacy and mentorship pilot program for middle school boys. The initiatives are funded through partner organizations, with the state coordinating access to services.
