Montgomery College was selected as a host site for Gov. Wes Moore’s inaugural class of service year option and Maryland Corps members. The college is partnering with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation.
The program is designed to expand service and volunteerism statewide and was something Moore pushed during his gubernatorial campaign. The idea is to meet community needs, enhance workforce development and promote preparedness for higher education or vocational education.
“Montgomery College is proud to serve as a host site for the Service Year Option and Maryland Corps Program,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College, in a news release.
A Maryland Corps member serves as a student ambassador lead for MC Votes, which is a group of faculty, staff and students encouraging voter education and engagement at Montgomery College.
“It’s a thrill to watch how a campaign promise became a new law… and now an exciting new program that is changing lives!” said Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-17), vice chair for the state’s Education, Energy, Environment, and Elections Committee. “The partnership between the participants and the host employers is a win/win and will help to mentor and inspire Maryland’s future leaders.”
“The launch of the Service Year Option and Maryland Corps Program represents a renewed commitment to cultivating opportunities and inspiring a spirit of service in Maryland,” said Moore. “We’re not just launching programs; we’re connecting Marylanders to their communities and unlocking their potential in ways that will shape our collective future.”
The Service Year Option is a service opportunity for recent high school graduates. Members earn at least $15 an hour and work at least 30 hours a week.
Maryland Corps is a service opportunity for people of all ages. Like the Service Year Option, members earn a minimum of $15 dollars an hour working in organizations that provide job training and professional development. Program partnerships with both Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and community colleges provide an additional level of collaboration and support for members, in addition to alignment with skilled trades and apprenticeship programs to facilitate transition into continued education or the workforce.
Following completion of their service year, participants in both programs earn a $6,000 completion award that may be accessed as a direct payment or as a deposit into a Maryland 529 Education Account.
