Maryland Corps/Service Year Option

Program Description:  

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program is a program similar to AmeriCorps, which provides opportunities for Americans, mostly young people and students, to serve their country through service. The Maryland Corps is administered by Maryland’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) for adults to serve their communities while building their futures in a minimum 9-month paid program. The goal of the program is to strengthen communities, address Maryland’s most pressing issues, and develop the state’s talent pool. The vision for the program comes from Maryland Governor Wes Moore in his development of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation under the idea that “service will save us.”  

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program connects those enrolled in the program, Members, with Host Site Partners such as nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses that match their interests to not only allow Members to give back to their communities but also build career-readiness skills. The Corps program also has a robust Alumni program, providing a lifelong network of community leaders in the state.  

The Corps program also has unique opportunities for Members, allowing them to serve in specific roles they are most interested in such as the Youth Mental Health Corps which promotes student mental health, or the Benefits Navigator Corps which tackles child poverty in partnership with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office for Children.  

Impact: 

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option was first created in 2023 and reached their highest number of applications during the 2025-2026 year with over 3,500 adults applying to the program, a 176% growth in original class size. There is currently a network of over 700 alumni, and there have been over 200 partner organizations of the program, across nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors.  

The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option’s impact on its Members and the state stands out amongst other service programs as it doesn’t just focus on volunteerism, it also creates intentional workforce development opportunities, allowing their Members to earn credentials and develop a network all while giving back.  

Population Served: 

All 24 Maryland jurisdictions are served through the program, from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, allowing Members to serve the communities they grew up in or live in. 

All members in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option must be between the ages of 18-24 and have a high school degree, G.E.D., or Certificate of Completion. The Members are typically representative of the state, with more than 50% of Members identifying as people of color and more than 70% enter the program without a college degree. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026