Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation Paul Monteiro, Jr., visited the College in April to encourage broader Kent County participation in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option. Since Governor Wes Moore signed the Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration Act (SERVE Act) last spring, Monteiro has been hitting the road to make potential service year participants, as well as hopeful host site partners, aware of the program’s benefits and to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement, a priority of Moore’s administration.

“I was thrilled when I learned of the opportunity to host the Secretary and his chief of staff to share information for the new Maryland Serves program,” said Student Government Association President Miranda Parrish ’25, who helped coordinate the event. “There were so many community members that were able to attend, and hopefully, there will be many new partnerships that will come from this.”

Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers those over 18 the opportunity to spend a year immersed in professional growth and career exploration by working for businesses and organizations within the state. Members earn a living wage, gain new skills, and identify where their talents and purpose intersect, all while serving their local community and fellow Marylanders. Upon successful completion, members earn $6,000 to use toward continuing education tuition costs or as a cash stipend.

"This first-in-the-nation program offers a transformative year of service to people of all backgrounds," Monteiro said. "Members will simultaneously build up their communities even as they determine next steps in their professional development." 

The Secretary’s visit was part of a larger tour of Kent County. After chatting with every high school senior at Kent County High School, the Secretary met with several College administrators and faculty members as well as business, organization, and local government leaders on the benefits of becoming host site partners. 

“As the executive director of a very small nonprofit, I am thrilled that the Governor has made the Maryland Service Corps a priority,” said Genevieve Croker of Rebuilding Together Kent County, whose organization is currently undertaking a local housing survey (p. 24). “I welcome the opportunity to apply to be a host site and look forward to working with other partners to make this program a success in Kent County!"

To learn more about the Office of Service and Civic Innovation or to apply to the program as a member or Service host, head to serve.maryland.gov.