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The Office of Governor Wes Moore

Governor Moore Launches Fourth Class of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program on the Day of Service and Remembrance

Press Release |
Updated:
Governor Moore speaking at lectern

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today launched Class 4 of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program at Bowie State University, welcoming the largest incoming class of young Marylanders into a year of paid, full-time service. The launch coincided with the National Day of Service and Remembrance, marking the anniversary of September 11 with a renewed statewide commitment to service.

“On a day we will always remember, Maryland chooses to honor immeasurable loss with meaningful service,” said Gov. Moore. “I am struck by the fact that many of these young people were not alive when our nation faced the 9/11 tragedy. For them, it remains a history lesson. And yet, they are here—stepping up for their neighbors just as members of our community did 25 years ago. Our state is stronger for it.”

Since its inception in April 2023, the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program, facilitated by the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, has graduated over 1200 Members hosted by over 300 employment partners across all 24 jurisdictions of Maryland. 

"We are immensely proud to welcome our newest Members and Host Site Partners into a program that is fundamentally transforming lives and strengthening our state," said Jonny Dorsey, Secretary, Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. "Service is a catalyst—it equips young Marylanders with critical skills that open career pathways, build bonds across differences, and drive lasting progress in the communities they call home." 

The University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute recently released an impact evaluation report that analyzed data from the first two classes (2023–24 and 2024–25) of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program. The data shows promising early outcomes for its members, such as:    

  • Members were more likely to be employed six months after completing their service than when they enrolled, with a substantially larger pre-post increase in employment rates than the comparison group drawn from the Current Population Survey. 
  • Among Members already employed at enrollment, hourly wages rose 57.5%, compared with 23.0% among the comparison group. 
  • Members reported increased voter registration rates and a higher projected likelihood of voting in national elections. 

“I had the pleasure of joining the inaugural class of the Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps, a collective of young adults who are passionate about changing the lives of young people by expanding access to in-school mental health support,” said Taylor Bowers, an alumnus of the second year of the program. “I am now an alumnus of both the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option and the Youth Mental Health Corps. My experience in these programs allowed me to receive an offer for a permanent position in a field I love.”

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program is a cornerstone of Governor Moore’s commitment to making Maryland a state that serves and creates opportunities for Marylanders to serve their communities and gain paid professional experience. Through the program, young adults from every region in Maryland are hired by community organizations, schools, and government agencies for a year of paid service, professional development, and civic engagement. 

“As we work to expand our impact, partnering with Maryland Corps/Service Year Option provides an exciting opportunity to engage more young people in meaningful service while also investing in Maryland’s K-8 students,” said Mysiki Valentine, Executive Director of Maryland Programs, Ampact. “Working together with the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, we've recruited 56 tutors who will be trained to provide high-impact tutoring to support students in Cecil, Charles, and Prince George's counties. In our inaugural year, we plan to serve more than 1,000 Maryland students, making this partnership a big WIN for Maryland students, young professionals, and local communities." 

As Maryland Corps/Service Year Option continues to grow and serve Maryland communities, DSCI is leveraging state, federal, and philanthropic resources to drive impact in high need sectors across the state. Building on the momentum of the Youth Mental Health Corps, DSCI is expanding the specialty corps offered in Class 4 to include education, technology,  literacy, and health. Among the newest specialty corps is the Immigrant Opportunity Corps, established in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, focuses on assisting local immigrant families. 

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program is still accepting applications for Members and employment partners for Class 4. Marylanders, ages 18-24, and potential employment partners can learn more and apply here. 

About the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI)

DSCI mobilizes Marylanders to drive community impact, build meaningful careers, and forge stronger bonds across differences through service. Learn more at serve.maryland.gov.  

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