Each year, Maryland’s brightest college students embark on a journey of service and leadership through the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program. This initiative offers paid internships and leadership development opportunities, encouraging participants to explore careers in government and nonprofits, ultimately empowering them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Marylanders.
The program is designed around five key components that enhance the fellows' professional growth: experience, exploration, exposure, equity and practice. Fellows are placed at nonprofit organizations or government agencies, working full-time under the mentorship of senior-level professionals. They attend an orientation and frequent seminars to deepen their understanding of the sector in which they are placed. They participate in field trips, meetings and networking events, connecting them with Maryland’s leaders. The program includes a multi-step reflection process that explores their relationship to social justice and equity. Fellows also collaborate on group projects, applying their knowledge and skills in practical settings and presenting their work to stakeholders.
Maryland Public Service Scholars receive a $3,500 stipend and benefit from the guidance and feedback of their mentors. This experience helps scholars build real-world skills and career readiness, fostering a passion for public service and cultivating a long-term career perspective. Participants are typically placed at one of their top-three internship sites.
This year, three of the thirteen University of Maryland, College Park awardees come from the School of Public Policy. Brianna Cagan is spending her summer in the MDOT Fellows Program at the Motor Vehicle Administration in the Office of Civil Rights and Fair Practices. Simon Younes is involved in the Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program at AsylumWorks, focusing on the Employment and Education Program. Olivia Ryder is participating in the Governor's Summer Internship Program in the First Lady’s Office.
“I have had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program with Mr. Joseph Hargrove II of the Office of Civil Rights and Fair Practices,” remarked Cagan. “I have had the chance to witness equity policy in action, affecting real people in their everyday work lives. I am so excited to see the path this incredible program takes me and all the information and experience I will garner from it.”
“Working for Maryland's First Lady Dawn Moore has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” shared Ryder. “Not only do I have an incredible mentor… but I have learned the history of public service in Maryland and my role in its future. …. I am certain that both the MPSS program and internship in Governor Moore's executive office will prove to be profound in choosing a career path to pursue following my graduation from the School of Public Policy this fall.”
These placements reflect the diverse opportunities available through the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program, preparing the next generation of leaders to serve and improve their communities.
