GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 6, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is excited to announce their participation as a host partner for the inaugural class of Service Year Option and Maryland Corps members, a partnership with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. The Service Year Option is a service opportunity for young adults who recently completed high school in the last three years. 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. "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.” Maryland Corps is a service opportunity for people who are more than three years removed from high school. 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. “We are thrilled to be a part of Governor Moore’s historic initiative to make service among young people the foundation for a stronger Maryland,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “Through performing various roles within the Motor Vehicle Administration our four participants will have the opportunity to support our efforts to provide premier customer service to Maryland residents and discover the many opportunities within the state to serve.” The four inaugural Motor Vehicle Administration participants and affiliated partnerships are listed below:
--Erica Champion (Maryland Corps) and Harmony Katumbay (Service Year) who will each perform Customer Agent 1 duties such as titling and registering vehicles, licensing and monitoring drivers, issuing identification cards and licensing and regulating vehicle related businesses.
--Colin Jackson (Maryland Corps) and Brittney Oxley (Maryland Corps) will each perform Computer Information Services Specialist I duties which include reviewing user needs and requests for automation, evaluating microcomputer hardware and software solutions to user needs and recommending acquisition of appropriate microcomputer hardware and software along with assisting users in developing the conceptual design of microcomputer systems. “Anne Arundel County is proud to host service year participants in various positions across our county agencies,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Service instills a sense of social responsibility, encouraging students to actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.” 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. “As a steadfast advocate for public service, I am pleased to see our new service year program getting off to a strong start. I know that Northern Anne Arundel County is a great location to host members of the inaugural class, and I look forward to this partnership growing into increased investment in this part of my district,” said State Senator Clarence K. Lam, M.D. (D12—Anne Arundel and Howard). 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. "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." ###
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