Maryland Corps / Service Year Application - What You Should Know

Maryland Corps/Service Year Option is an opportunity for those to find a meaningful way to serve in various sectors across the state. Service roles will provide you with job training, an on-site mentor, and resources to be successful (personal money management training, career exploration, etc.) all while earning at least $15 an hour in your role. Upon successful completion of the program, members earn $6,000 toward tuition costs or as a cash stipend.

During Application Process

Documentation

• How can I Help Someone with Documentation Costs?

After they have been accepted to the Service Year Program

Clothing

The majority of Service Year members will participate in a training program through STRIVE (through the Center for Urban Families) which they will be required to wear professional clothing. Additionally, some service year placements will have dress codes in place that will be communicated to Service Year members.

Talk to your community's Resource and Opportunities (R&O) Manager or see the following articles: 

• How Can I Help Someone Who needs Clothing Gear in Order to Participate in an Event or Someone Who Needs Professional Clothing?

Transportation

• Arrange your commute or transportation to your host site.

• Ensure you have reliable internet, phone access, and any tech you’ll need for the role.

Childcare

If the person has children, they will need to establish childcare for their service year period. Check with your community's Resource and Opportunities (R&O manager) to understand what childcare supports may be available through Thread. 

See the following articles:

• How Can I Help Someone Find Childcare?

There are many steps that you will need to take to be ready for childcare once you begin your service year period. To help you know what to have ready, please see the following article:

• Navigating Childcare: What Should I Have Ready in Order to Enroll My Child in Daycare?

Vaccinations

Some placements, particularly medical placements - will require the service year member to be up to date on their vaccinations. Children who will be starting childcare will also need to be up to date on their vaccinations. Young people who have a doctor can reach out to their medical provider to get a copy of their vaccination records.

If you cannot get an appointment with your doctor you may be able to receive needed vaccinations through the health department. Bring vaccination records and insurance information if available and call ahead to ensure that you do not need an appointment (expect a very long wait if you attend without an appointment). 

1. Baltimore City Health Department – Immunization Program

Address: 1200 East Fayette Street, Floor 1 West, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-4454
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2. Baltimore City Health Department – Eastern Health District Clinic

Address: 620 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-396-9410
Hours:

• Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) has a FAQ page to help young people learn more about the Service Year Program. 

Accept your offer

• Confirm your acceptance in writing (or via the portal/email) so your spot is secured.

• Review any documentation you received about start date, expectations, and commitments.

Submit required documents

• Fill out and return any official forms (e.g., employment eligibility, background check, direct deposit, emergency contact).

• Make sure to keep a copy of everything for your records.

Review start date and schedule

• Note the program start date 

• Confirm orientation/training dates, first day of service, and any required check-in sessions.

Understand your role, host site, and expectations

• Review your job description, host site assignment, hours (full-time is expected: ~40 hours/week) 

• Clarify supervisor/mentor, training plan, and your professional development activities.

• Ask about expected deliverables, weekly check-ins, and how success will be measured.

Review compensation, benefits, and completion award

• Confirm your hourly wage (minimum ~$15/hr in many cases). 

• Understand when and how you’ll receive the completion award (e.g., $6,000 upon successful completion) 

• Learn which benefits are included (healthcare, training, professional development, etc.) 

Prepare professionally

• Update your resume and LinkedIn (if you have one) to reflect that you’ll be serving in this program.

• Ask about planned training modules or certifications you’ll complete during your service year.

• Discuss with your volunteer or community manager what you hope to do after the service year (college, job, apprenticeship, further service). The program is designed to help with that. 

Accountability

• Make sure you know what hours you are required to serve, how to log them, how to report your progress. 

• Stay aware of rules around attendance, performance, and professional development.