Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore today announced the organization’s participation as multiple host sites for the inaugural class of Service Year Option and Maryland Corps members, a partnership with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. The participating Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Baltimore are Webster Kendrick, Westport, O’Donnell Heights, and Brooklyn O’Malley.
The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation in its first year is expanding service and volunteerism statewide, creating new pathways of service to meet community needs, enhance workforce development, and promote preparedness for both higher and vocational education. Roles at the host sites can range from academic tutoring, assisting in healthcare facilities, advancing public safety, to taking up environment conservation projects.
“We’re beyond excited to roll out these programs,” said Paul Monteiro, Maryland’s Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation. “They’re not just about offering opportunities but linking service, education, and job readiness into a unified, powerful experience.”
“This is a chance to work with venerable organizations making a positive difference here in Baltimore,” said Maryland Delegate Marlon Amprey (D-Baltimore City, District 40). ”The opportunities afforded by this collaboration will help participants find matches for their skills and passion for helping others.”
“Our Clubs, members and staff are rooted in each of their communities, and this partnership is another step in our evolution as a local organization,” said Jeff Breslin, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. “We are looking forward to inviting these young workers to become a part of our path to serving more youth around the city.”
“The launch of the Service Year Option and Maryland Corps Program represents a renewed commitment to cultivating opportunities and inspiring a spirit of service in Maryland, said Governor Wes Moore. “We’re not just launching programs; we’re connecting Marylanders to their communities and unlocking their potential in ways that will shape our collective future.”
The Service Year Option is a service opportunity for young adults who recently completed high school. Members earn at least $15 an hour and work at least 30 hours a week. Members gain both hard and soft skills through a service placement aligned with their area of interest, in addition to working with support coaches to develop and refine their post-service plans—whether they include college, career, or continued service.
Maryland Corps is a service opportunity for people of all ages. Like the Service Year Option, members earn a minimum of $15 dollars an hour working in organizations that provide job training and professional development. Program partnerships with both Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and community colleges provide an additional level of collaboration and support for members, in addition to alignment with skilled trades and apprenticeship programs to facilitate transition into continued education or the workforce.
Following completion of their service year, participants in both programs will earn a completion award of $6,000 that may be accessed as a direct payment or as a deposit into a Maryland 529 Education Account for those pursuing their studies.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METROPOLITAN BALTIMORE:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is a relentless champion for youth in communities across Greater Baltimore and the Eastern Shore. Through nine Clubs, and more currently under construction, BGCMB consistently contributes to communities with programs and support for more than 1,000 Club members and 1,200 families. These programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives, with a goal of ensuring a great future for all kids. Learn more, donate, and get involved at www.BGCMetroBaltimore.org
