Maryland Governor Wes Moore is fulfilling his commitment to provide a service year opportunity for Maryland high school graduates ages 18 to 21.

During his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Moore pledged to implement a service year opportunity in hopes of making Maryland stand as the pioneering state in the nation to provide this option for high school graduates.

“Maryland is leading and creating new, unprecedented service programs that allow Marylanders and especially Maryland high school graduates between the ages of 18 to 21 to earn a living wage and explore pathways that allow their talents and purpose to come together to serve our communities,” Moore said in his announcement.

Participants in this program benefit from professional development opportunities and receive mentoring from local businesses and organizations, marking a significant initiative to enhance the post-graduation experience for young individuals in the state. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $6,000 reward. The reward can be used to cover tuition costs or be paid out as a cash stipend.

The governor went on to say, “Now, I know that young people are faced with a number of choices once they graduate from high school, but I'm here to tell you this, that you don't have to know what's next to do something.”

Moore shared that they have created an option that allows individuals to explore various possibilities and discover their “power through service.” He went on to say, “I'm living proof of the power of service. My journey to the governor's office was paved by individuals who believed in me, who supported me, who pushed me to see beyond any limitations that I imagined for myself.”

Before assuming the role of Maryland Governor, Moore completed his education at Valley Forge Military Academy and College, served as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve, graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and interned with Secretary Tom Ridge at the Department of Homeland Security.

Following a deployment to Afghanistan from 2005 to 2006 and achieving the rank of Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, Moore concluded his service in the Army in 2014. Subsequently, he assumed the role of CEO at the nonprofit organization, the Robin Hood Foundation, the largest poverty-fighting organization in New York City. The foundation supports low-income families by strategically empowering and fueling impactful nonprofits throughout all five boroughs, with a primary focus on elevating individuals from poverty.

Moore notes that the inaugural class is imminent, and assures that this initiative is not a short-term commitment. He emphasizes that the program is designed to “change and shape the trajectory for our state” and anticipates that other states will emulate Maryland's example.