ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore officially launched the second Maryland Corps and Service Year Option cohort during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at the University of Maryland, College Park. This year’s cohort is made up of more than 600 Marylanders from all 24 jurisdictions, with 500 returning to the program and 100 new members.

“This year will change you, and it will challenge you. There will be moments when the work gets hard — and may even feel like it’s too much. But the work you do will make our state better,” said Gov. Moore. “At a time when the world needs healing, you will offer healing hands. At a time when the world can feel dark, you will offer light. And together, we will make Maryland the best place in the world to change the world.”

As part of the program, participants will serve with more than 150 host site partners, including nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. The Chesapeake Bay Trust has also joined the program as its regional operating partner, working with 22 different host sites to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build green infrastructure.

The Maryland Climate Corps is a new service track that has been made possible through a partnership with the California Volunteers Fund, and is part of the American Climate Corps. The program aims to help Maryland communities build a more sustainable future by empowering people to take action on climate change. The Chesapeake Bay Trust has also agreed to support the Maryland Climate Corps as its regional operating partner, helping to provide environmental justice opportunities.

At the end of each service year, all participants will receive a completion award of $6,000. The inaugural class of members has already completed their service year and are well equipped to contribute to the Maryland workforce, with more than 170 people earning registered apprenticeship credentials and more than 2,500 certified competencies. The program has also provided more than 42,000 hours of technical instruction throughout the service year.

More information about Maryland Corps and Service Year Option is available at https://serve.maryland.gov or by email at [email protected].

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office