Application Instructions & Timeline

Governor’s Summer Internship, Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership, and Maryland Department of Transportation Programs:

Please read the below information about all of the components necessary to submit a complete application. PLEASE NOTE THE APPLICATION RELEASE TIMELINE ABOVE:

Application components apply to ALL potential MPSS applicants (MDOT, SNLP, GSIP Applicants)

Initial Application- due December 31 for GSIP and SNLP (February 15 for MDOT)

For the initial application, you will need to submit the application form and upload four additional documents.

When completing the application form, be prepared to include the name and contact information of two professional and/or academic references.

Additional documents include:

• • Resume
  • Academic Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample

Each of the above documents should be saved as a .pdf or .doc and titled with your first and last name and type of document (ex: Joe Smith Resume).

A note about Artificial Intelligence: Every single MPSS application is reviewed by humans. We do not use AI in our review or selection process. Therefore, we expect applicants will not use AI to write their application.

 

RESUME

Please upload a resume or CV that demonstrates your work, service, and leadership experience.

 

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT

Please upload a copy of your current institution’s transcript (unofficial copy is sufficient). We are looking at the classes/credits you have taken and the grades earned in those classes. If your school transcript does not provide that information, please submit official documentation that does.

If you transferred to your current institution, please include transcripts from previous institutions in addition to your current transcript.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT (500-800 words)

These programs are designed to equip you with skills to launch your career, and prepare you especially for careers in public service. Your personal statement should tell us who you are and why you are interested in the program. Please address the following:

1. Tell us about yourself- who you are and what experiences shaped you.
2. In what ways do you already engage in and contribute to your community?
3. What do you hope to gain through your participation in this program? How do you hope to grow?
4. What has led you to explore a career in public service?

 

WRITING SAMPLE (500-800 words)

PROMPT: Select an issue impacting the state of Maryland that is of interest to you and address the following:

1. Describe the issue and how it negatively impacts the state.
2. Describe what efforts are already being taken to address the problem by state leaders (organizations, community organizers, legislation, etc.)
3. Describe what next steps you would take to tackle this issue as a public service leader and why.

We are not expecting a comprehensive breakdown or a policy paper. Use the writing sample to demonstrate the following to our selection committee:

• Knowledge of and interest in a specific topic affecting Maryland communities

• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking

• Ability to write clearly, synthesize and analyze

Please be sure to cite sources as appropriate.

 

Finalist Applications – Due Jan 15 (GSIP, SNLP) and February 16 (MDOT)

Only those invited to be finalists will be asked to complete this section of the application:

• Complete a one-way recorded interview

You will receive specific instructions regarding this section if you are selected to move on to this round of the process.