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ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris at Prince George's County Community College to celebrate youth who are serving their communities. Together with Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller; U.S. Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks; AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael Smith; Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro, the leaders rallied more than 200 Maryland Service Year Option and AmeriCorps members to promote continued civic engagement.
"To all the young leaders who are here, I thank you for your service to the people of Maryland. Each one of you has decided to dedicate yourself to the work of service. This service will affect people who may never know your names, but their lives will forever be touched in a positive way because of your work and dedication," said Vice President Harris. "Today, I came by to express my gratitude for the work you and so many across our nation have been doing to lift up our fellow Americans. I am also here to reaffirm our shared commitment to the work ahead because in moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see - an America where we are guided by the ideals that have always defined us when we are at our best: dignity and decency, fairness, freedom, and opportunity for all.”
"Vice President Kamala Harris is a changemaker and a trailblazer. We are honored to host her in Maryland to share her message of service with our young people," said Gov. Moore. "Our administration launched the Maryland Service Year Option because we recognized that in this moment of challenge for our country, service will save us. Vice President Harris' journey is a testament to the power of that philosophy, and her example has inspired - and will continue to inspire - a new generation of leaders to raise their hands and give back to the country we love."
The Service Year Option is the first-in-the nation public service year program for recent high school graduates. The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation launched the inaugural cohort in the fall of 2023. The 2024-2025 cohort represents all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, with participants who serve with more than 150 host site partners representing non-profit organizations, businesses and more than 20 government agencies.
"When we serve, we shift from a life of consumption to a life of contribution," said Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller. "I'm a believer that people inherently want to bring change, they just need opportunities to do it. I'm proud to help lead a state that provides that opportunity, and even more proud to see our Maryland Corps and Service Year Option grads take the next step in their journey."
“It’s a privilege to serve a state that believes not only in the value of public service but in its ability to move us forward as a country,” said U.S. Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks. “Vice President Harris has shown us time and again that power, and we in the great state of Maryland will continue to honor our rich legacy of service with a commitment to our future and to our young people.”
“The Department of Service and Civic Innovation is building leaders through service, experience, and civic engagement,” said Secretary Paul Monteiro. “The Vice President’s call to action for our young people builds on this momentum as we continue to build a state that serves.”
“Be the change your community needs. Civic engagement through service starts with you,” said AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael Smith. “Throughout our country’s history, service to others has been the common thread that encourages unity, inclusion, and positive impact in communities across America.”
More information about Maryland Corps and Service Year Option is available at serve.maryland.gov.