The College welcomed over 450 enthusiastic, service-minded Marylanders from across the state for the first All Corps event for the current class of Maryland Corps/Service Year Option and AmeriCorps members. Led by Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) Secretary Paul Monteiro Jr., Washington and DSCI staff created a unique day of events encompassing workforce development, leadership, and educational opportunity. The event showcased Washington’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and provided a unique opportunity for young, up-and-coming leaders to connect with the College and the Eastern Shore community.

The day began with a series of inspiring addresses from Secretary Monteiro, Washington President Mike Sosulski, Starr Center Deputy Director Jaelon Moaney, and former Maryland Delegate Heather Mizeur, all of whom provided valuable insights into civic leadership and the importance of public service. Participants then delved into how to navigate a politically polarizing community crisis through a workshop led by representatives from the Divided Community Project at Ohio State University. 

A civic leadership workshop facilitated by Thomas V. Mike Miller Director of Civic Engagement Pat Nugent, who also leads the Holstein Program in Ethics, offered valuable skills and strategies for ethical leadership, equipping the Corps members with tools to excel in their service endeavors.

“The service members were full of energy, reflective thinking, and an overwhelming determination to make positive change,” Nugent said. “Maryland has so much to take pride in, so much to be hopeful for.”

Adam Goodheart, Hodson Trust-Griswold Director of the Starr Center, captivated the audience with a “History Mystery: Eastern Shore Edition,” bringing the region’s rich past to life and fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context within which they serve.

“This event provided a valuable opportunity for our members to experience the unique academic environment of Washington College, an institution that embodies how Maryland’s history is deeply intertwined with American history and relevant to understanding the world they inherit,” Secretary Monteiro stated.

President Sosulski echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “Washington College was proud to play host to the Maryland Corps and the Service Year Option conference. Being an engaged citizen and member of our community is fundamental to our mission as a liberal arts college.”

Miranda Parrish ’25, a key figure in bringing the conference to fruition, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “I started working with Dr. Nugent in spring 2024 to create an event that would connect the Department of Service and Civic Innovation’s mission with the unique offerings of Washington College. Both the department and the College are deeply committed to civic engagement, and I was excited about the potential for this collaboration,” Parrish explained.

Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers Maryland residents over 18 years old a unique opportunity to spend a year immersed in professional growth and career exploration by giving participants the chance to work with businesses and organizations throughout the state. Members earn a living wage, gain new skills, and identify where their talents and purpose intersect, all while serving their local community with fellow Marylanders. Job training, an on-site mentor, and personal money management training are also part of the program. Upon successful completion, members earn $6,000 to use toward continuing education tuition costs or as a cash stipend. 

The successful collaboration between Washington College and the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in fostering civic engagement and inspiring the next generation of leaders.