The Do Good Institute is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI), focused on enhancing DSCI’s Maryland Corps and Service Year Option (SYO) programs. Led by Nathan Dietz, Research Director at the Do Good Institute, this collaboration will provide critical evaluation services to ensure these service programs continue to grow and have a lasting impact on participants and the communities they serve.
“This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the design and impact of these programs by ensuring participants receive the support they need to succeed while making a real difference in their communities,” said Dietz. “Through our work, we aim to provide valuable insights that will help expand these programs and maximize their effectiveness.”
Created under Governor Wes Moore’s administration in 2023, DSCI operates several key programs, including Maryland Corps and SYO, which provide full-time service opportunities in fields like climate, education, public health, trades, and technology. Participants gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to accredited apprenticeships. The program not only addresses urgent issues in the state but also offers participants a living wage and a $6,000 stipend upon completion of their service year to support further education or career advancement.
The pilot year of the Maryland Corps and SYO programs, which ended in April 2024, saw strong success, and both programs are now entering their second year with expanded enrollment. The partnership with the Do Good Institute will ensure that these programs continue to evolve and scale effectively as they expand further in year three.
This collaboration brings together the Do Good Institute’s research-driven approach with DSCI’s innovative service programs, ensuring that Maryland’s service opportunities are not only growing in number but also improving in quality. “By offering participants both career development and the chance to address critical societal issues, these programs are helping to shape the next generation of community leaders,” Dietz added. “This partnership will help ensure that Maryland’s service programs remain a model for impactful civic engagement.”
For those interested in gaining valuable professional experience while making a tangible impact, the Maryland Corps and SYO programs provide an ideal pathway. These service opportunities offer both personal development and a meaningful way to contribute to the state’s most pressing challenges. With the support of the Do Good Institute, the partnership will continue to strengthen the long-term sustainability and success of these innovative programs.
