2027 Program & Timeline

Stipend and Essential Dates:

Fellows who participate in

will receive a $6,000 stipend in return for their full participation and commitment to all components of the MPSS Fellowship.

This year’s program will begin on May 24, 2027 and conclude on August 6, 2027.

The summer experience consists of four primary components: the internship, weekly seminars, a culminating final project, and special events. 

The Internship 

An internship in the state government (including MDOT) or a Maryland-based nonprofit is the first crucial component and claims the majority of MPSS Fellows’ time. From Monday-Thursday, students work full-time (32 hrs/week) in government offices and at nonprofits, mentored by a senior-level official or staff member.

In 2027, internships will run from Tuesday, June 1 – Thursday, August 5.

Orientation & Weekly Seminars

Each summer kicks off with a week-long orientation program on UMBC’s campus. Fellows and MPSS staff spend this time getting to know one another, equipping their mindset and skills for their work placement, setting specific goals, and getting acclimated to the program expectations.

Orientation Week 2027: May 24-28

For the next 10 weeks, the entire cohort joins in-person each Friday for the seminar component on UMBC’s campus. Seminar formats combine workshops, interactive panels, opportunities for connection, and prompts for reflection with dedicated work time on group capstone projects.

2027 Seminars:

  • June 4
  • June 11
  • (No seminar June 18- Juneteenth Holiday)
  • June 25
  • July 2
  • July 9
  • July 16
  • July 23
  • July 30
  • August 6

Capstone Projects

At the start of their summer, students will be divided into small groups within each program (GSIP, MDOT, SNLP) and spend both seminar time and personal time developing their capstone projects. Supported by a designated program topic instructor, student groups produce meaningful, professional-level work that is presented during each program’s Closing Ceremony to leaders of their given industry.

Program Events

Fellows and host site partners attend an opening Kickoff Celebration and Closing Ceremony each summer. Each program hosts its own closing, while all participants are together for Kickoff.

Each July, the program’s alumni host a networking night to get to know that summer’s students and reconnect with one another. Host sites are encouraged to join. Depending on the year and available opportunities, MPSS supports occasional field trips or additional events in collaboration with our partners.

  • Commit to full 11 week participation (1 week of orientation and 10 weeks of programming)
  • Intern with your assigned host site for 32 hours/week for 10 weeks
    • Vacation time is not permitted
  • Attend a full-week in-person orientation and weekly in-person seminars at UMBC
  • Attend required events, including Kickoff, Alumni Networking Night, and your program’s Closing Ceremony
  • Complete a final group capstone project and individual assignments throughout the summer
  • Demonstrate personal and professional accountability and reliability
  • Uphold professional relationships and conduct
  • Embrace a growth mindset and critical thinking
  • Respect diversity and foster an inclusive community
  • Commit to hosting an intern for 32 hours/week for 10 weeks:
    • Offer a meaningful project and/or set of interactions that allows the fellow to contribute to the organization’s mission
    • Identify a day-to-day supervisor and senior-level mentor for the fellow
      • The supervisor and mentor can be the same person if a senior-level official within your office has the capacity to offer daily supervision
    • Offer broad exposure to state government or nonprofit work
    • Provide a safe learning environment
  • Attend required events
    • Orientation (May 2027, date TBD)
    • Kickoff Celebration (May 2027, date TBD)
    • Virtual 1:1 mid-point check-in with program staff
    • Closing Ceremony (First week of August 2027, dates TBD)
  • Submit weekly timesheets and a final evaluation
  • May TBD: Host Site Orientation
  • May 24-28: Fellow Orientation
  • May TBD: Kickoff Celebration
  • Monday, May 31:  Holiday – Off
  • Tuesday June 1: First Day at Internships
    • Full time at internship: Mondays-Thursdays
    • Weekly Seminars: Fridays
      • Friday, June 18: Holiday – Off 
      • Monday, July 5: Holiday – Off
  • Thursday, August 5: Final Day at Internships
    • Final Seminar on 8/6
  • August 2-6: Closing Ceremonies