Per the Office of the Maryland Governor: Governor Wes Moore today launched the historic Service Year Option, the first-in-the nation public service year program for high school graduates. The governor was joined by fellow service champions Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; First Lady Dawn Moore; Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro and several cabinet members; University of Maryland President Darryll Pines; legislators, program host employers, and program participants for a festive kickoff event at the University of Maryland, College Park’s Reckord Armory.
“By calling Marylanders to serve – and serve together – we will ensure our citizens develop skills to meet society’s needs. I look on this inaugural cohort and I see courage, compassion, and vision. I am so grateful for your willingness to raise your hands and join this new endeavor,” said Gov. Moore. “You are the trailblazers who will define not just the future of these programs, but the future trajectory of our state. Service isn’t a vision we claim, it’s a tradition we inherit. Service will save us.”