Each summer a cohort of students are selected to participate in each of the four MPSS Programs:
Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program (SNLP)
Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP)
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program (LAW)
Students intern full-time at government agencies or nonprofit organizations in Maryland, under the mentorship of senior-level administrators, gaining exposure to the agencies/organizations, the sectors, and the communities they serve. Fellows are paid a stipend for their participation in the program to supplement what are traditionally unpaid or underpaid internships.
In addition to interning, GSIP, SNLP, and MDOT fellows participate in weekly full-day professional development seminars, which includes a group capstone project. The capstone projects for the GSIP, SNLP, and MDOT programs entail students working in groups to come up with real solutions to pressing challenges and then present them to leadership. MDOT creates a policy proposal and presents it to MDOT leadership, SNLP develops a collective impact program or initiative and presents it to nonprofit leaders and funders, and GSIP creates policy proposals and presents it to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet members.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
- Foster clear and inclusive pathways into public service in Maryland, ensuring opportunities are clear and accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.
- Equip Maryland’s emerging public servants with robust leadership, technical, and interpersonal skills to drive positive change.
- Foster an equity-focused and systems-aware mindset among emerging leaders to address systemic disparities in Maryland.
- Promote community-centered and cross-sector collaboration for socially responsible public good.
- Sustain a connected network of graduates dedicated to impactful public service.
Public Service Scholars programs are comprised of 4 components:
EXPLORATION: Participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, identifying their unique talents, passions, and values. They will also investigate the complex systems that shape communities and gain a foundational understanding of the structures and functions of public service.
EXPOSURE: Participants will engage with diverse perspectives and real-world examples by analyzing successful organizations and their impact. They will explore a variety of public service career pathways and build connections with professionals in the field, expanding their networks and knowledge.
EXPERIENCE: Participants will apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings through hands-on experiences, including completing an internship within a public service organization. They will develop essential professional skills and critically reflect on their contributions within these organizations.
ELEVATION: Participants will cultivate a mindset of continuous growth and impact, focusing on advancing the public service sector, their own professional development, and the well-being of their communities. They will develop strategies for creating positive change and leading with integrity and purpose.