(ANNAPOLIS – September 11, 2024) – The 2024-2025 cohort includes more than 600 members—more than double the size of the inaugural cohort—including 500 Service Year Option members and 100 Maryland Corps members. Participants represent all 24 Maryland jurisdictions.
“I’m a believer in the idea that the two most important days of our lives are the day we are born, and the day we find out why. 600 inspiring Marylanders raised their hand to serve and find their ‘why’ today, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. “As Governor Moore says, ‘Service will save us,’ and launching year two of our incredible Service Year program on a day like today is symbolic. These selfless Marylanders representing all 24 jurisdictions from the mountains of western Maryland to the beaches of Ocean City lead our next generation as beacons of hope and resilience.”
The 2024-2025 cohort will serve with over 150 host site partners, representing non-profit organizations, businesses, and more than 20 government agencies. About 70% of the inaugural cohort site partners applied to host members again this year.
“A Wider Circle is thrilled to participate in a second year of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option,” said A Wider Circle President and Chief Executive Officer Amy Javaid. “We deeply value our partnership with DSCI and share in their commitment to offering enriching workplace opportunities for Marylanders. Our experience with the four members last year was inspiring, and we are grateful for the chance to serve as a host again this year.”
In addition to a larger cohort, the most notable host partner expansion is the launch of the Maryland Climate Corps, made possible through a partnership with the California Volunteers Fund. Part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Climate Corps, the new service track establishes Maryland as a national climate leader on addressing the comprehensive community impacts of climate change.
“We are thrilled to see Maryland scale service opportunities with Maryland Climate Corps,” said California Volunteer Fund Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “With Governor Moore’s leadership, this program will help build a workforce for the green economy while empowering communities to take meaningful climate action.”
The Chesapeake Bay Trust will serve as the Maryland Climate Corps regional operating partner, working with 22 host sites, including the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, CivicWorks, and the Community Ecology Institute, to host more than 40 members. Corps members will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build green infrastructure, and improve community resilience to climate disasters. The program will also prioritize implementing strategies to help promote environmental justice.
“The Chesapeake Bay Trust is excited to be an implementing partner and support DSCI and Governor Moore in the administration and training elements of the new Maryland Climate Corps program,” said Chesapeake Bay Trust President Dr. Jana Davis. “This opportunity will continue to strengthen Maryland’s green career pathways, support young people in accessing the green jobs of the future, and help the state meet its climate goals.”
As part of today’s program, Lt. Governor Miller also participated in a service project alongside roughly 1,000 volunteers, including representatives from Maryland Corps, Service Year Option, and AmeriCorps members, National Guard members, and veterans. During the project, participants assembled first aid kits and youth book bags for first responders and others in our communities.
At the University of Maryland, we pride ourselves on pioneering ways to invest in people and communities and partner to advance the public good,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “Today is yet another example of how we are working to meet our obligation to our local community, our state, and our nation by leveraging Maryland’s tremendous talent to give back.”
After completing their service year, participants in both programs earn a completion award of $6,000. The inaugural class of members also emerged from the program well-equipped to contribute to Maryland’s workforce, with more than 170 individuals earning registered apprenticeship credentials from the U.S. Department of Labor and more than 2,500 certified competencies in fields including project management and community outreach. Throughout the program, members of the inaugural cohort also completed more than 42,000 hours of related technical instruction.
More information about the Maryland Corps and Service Year Option is available at serve.maryland.gov or by email at applytoserve@maryland.gov.
