Last week, Governor Moore welcomed the largest class for his service year option to date–nearly 1,000 new members. Since Gov. Moore started the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option, over 1,200 Marylanders have graduated from the program and over 300 employers have hosted members that have spanned across every single Maryland county.
“On a day we will always remember, Maryland chooses to honor immeasurable loss with meaningful service,” said Governor Wes 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.”
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore renewed the call to service by launching the fourth cohort of the Maryland Corps / Service Year Option (MC/SYO) program at Bowie State University on Sept. 11.
“I cannot tell you how beautiful this sight is,” said Moore as he looked out at the sea of hundreds of new Maryland Corps / Service Year members gathered in signature red shirts, “because being able to look at each and every one of you reminds us that we are going to be OK. We are going to be alright.”
Moore reminded the recruits that like the first responders on Sept.11, 2001, their dedication to service empowers them to step into uncertain situations and handle difficult problems.
“There are those who are willing to give of themselves, … that are willing to fight for those who are next to them because they are willing to simply fight for the hope of us. And that’s what you represent. We know we have seen very, very hard times before. We know we are here celebrating 25 years of those who sustained a very hard time,” Moore said in remembrance of those who died as the results of terrorist attacks in New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa.
“We have hosted and hired participants of the program and are hoping to inspire others to do just that. When I look at how this program has grown, we need more organizations willing to step up and become host sites,” she said.
This year’s MC/SYO cohort represents the largest group in the history of the statewide program. Johnny Dorsey, secretary of Maryland’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation, welcomed the new recruits along with representatives from the host sites gathered for the ceremony.
“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,” he said.
Maryland Corps / Service Year members work full-time at sites across the state in schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses. Participants earn at least minimum wage, are assigned a one-on-one coach and mentor and are eligible for a $6,000 completion award at the end of their term of service.
Contact: Carter Elliott, IV [email protected]