Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:27 pm GMT
Governor Wes Moore officially launched the second year of Maryland’s public service program on September 11, gathering over 600 enthusiastic participants for a day of community service. The event, held at the University of Maryland’s Reckord Armory, coincided with the national day of remembrance for the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing the spirit of service and unity during challenging times.
A Growing Commitment to Service
The Maryland Corps and Service Year Option programs aim to provide job opportunities for young adults while encouraging civic engagement. Participants in this year’s cohort will work primarily with nonprofit organizations, companies, or government agencies, earning at least minimum wage throughout the year. Governor Moore expressed his commitment to creating pathways for youths, stating, “This is not just a moment; this is a movement.”
On the first day, participants joined forces with National Guard members, AmeriCorps volunteers, and other community supporters to assemble first-aid kits and care packages for children. This collaborative effort highlighted the program’s focus on community impact and service.
Program Success and Expansion
The inaugural cohort, which began in October 2023, successfully retained approximately 84% of its 280 participants, finishing the program in July. This success opened the door for further expansion, which is mandated by legislation that Governor Moore sponsored early in his administration. Under this law, the program will scale up to accommodate 2,000 participants annually by 2026, with aspirations of including every recent high school graduate in Maryland. According to state estimates, about 10,000 graduates each year do not pursue college immediately after high school.
However, as officials plan for this growth, they acknowledge the need for balance. Maryland is facing projected multibillion-dollar budget deficits, making the sustainability of such programs an ongoing concern.
Financial Support for Participants
To facilitate the program, significant financial resources have been allocated. The state budget for the current year includes $56 million designated for the newly established Department of Service and Civic Innovation, which oversees these initiatives. Key financial components of the program include:
- Minimum Wage: Participants will earn at least $15 per hour.
- Stipends: Individuals who complete nine months of service are eligible for a $6,000 stipend.
Some organizations, particularly larger for-profit companies, are contributing to salary costs, but the state is covering the majority of participant wages. This structure aims to ensure that the program remains accessible while providing participants with meaningful work experience.
Program Structure and Opportunities
Participants are divided into two main categories:
- Maryland Corps: This program includes about 100 individuals of varying ages.
- Service Year Option: This initiative specifically targets individuals within three years of their high school graduation or equivalent education.
Each category offers the same financial incentives and aims to foster a sense of community service among participants. This year, a notable addition is the “climate corps,” comprising about 40 participants focusing on environmental initiatives. These individuals will have the opportunity to work with organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore City’s Office of Sustainability.
Personal Impact of Participation
Participants like Jabria Ford, a 22-year-old from Baltimore, are already taking advantage of these opportunities. Ford, who graduated from the Harbor City High School Achievement Academy in 2023, expressed her motivation for joining the program. “I wanted to be a part of something positive,” she said. Her work will focus on environmental initiatives through the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative nonprofit, tackling pollution and food desert issues in her community.
Ford learned about the program from a friend’s parent and saw it as a chance to gain experience while connecting with others. Her sentiments echo the broader goals of Governor Moore’s initiative: to empower young people and cultivate a culture of service within Maryland.
Looking Ahead
As the program gears up for another year, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The ambition to expand the service year initiative reflects a commitment to civic engagement and youth empowerment in Maryland. However, as noted by officials, careful planning and financial management are crucial due to the state’s budgetary constraints.
Governor Moore’s emphasis on service as a remedy for societal divides underscores the broader mission of this initiative. His call to action resonated through the excited crowd: “You all are the ones who are raising your hands and saying, ‘Not here. Not today.’ And service will save us and we will lead the way.” This energetic kickoff signals a hopeful future for Maryland’s young service members and their communities alike.
As this second group starts their journey, their hard work may inspire more people in the future to help make their communities better and do good things for everyone.
