By Ryan Anderson
On January 9, 2026, all of the members of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option gathered at historic Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, for an All-Corps Professional Development Day. More than just a training, the day was an opportunity for nearly 850 service members from across the state to come together, learn from one another, and reflect on how service can connect personal passion with meaningful work.
What Is the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option?
The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option is a state-supported program that pairs individuals with apprenticeship programs, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies that support professional development while serving communities across Maryland. Members earn at least $15 an hour, receive job training, work alongside an on-site mentor, and gain access to resources like financial literacy education, career exploration, and workplace navigation support. Upon successful completion of the program, members also earn a $6,000 completion award. The program offers people a structured way to serve, learn, and build a career, especially during transitional moments after graduation or career changes.
Why I Joined the Program
When I graduated from college nearly two years ago with a degree in history, I knew I loved the subject—but I wasn’t sure how to turn that passion into a career. I had experience with historical research, but I quickly realized that the solitary nature of the work wasn’t for me. Spending long hours alone in libraries didn’t align with what I enjoyed most: sharing history with others and connecting with people.
At the time, I was working as a server, a job I genuinely enjoy. I love interacting with people, providing a service, and helping create positive experiences. Whether it’s knowing the menu inside and out or recommending the perfect dish, I’ve always enjoyed connecting to people with something meaningful.
So, when I discovered the Outreach Associate position with The Campaign for Historic Trades through the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option, it felt like a perfect fit. I applied immediately.
After interviewing for the role, I was thrilled to be paired with The Campaign for Historic Trades — an organization dedicated to expanding and strengthening careers in the historic trades. In my role as an Outreach Associate, I get to combine my love of history with my love of working with people, helping others discover careers that preserve our shared past.
Learning History Where It Happened
One of the highlights of the All-Corps Day was the opportunity to tour Chestertown and learn about the town’s African American history. As someone deeply passionate about history, I immediately jumped at the chance.
The walking tour was led by the Chesapeake Heartland team, a crafts-based service project based in Chestertown. Through stops at historic sites and shared stories, the tour explored the experiences, resilience, and lasting contributions of Chestertown’s African American community. These stories, too often overlooked, are essential to understanding both the town’s past and its present. Walking the streets, we learned about historic sites where African American residents shaped the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Chestertown, adding rich context to the town’s remarkable historic structures.
Service, History, and the Future
Participating in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option has given me clarity and purpose. Through my work with The Campaign for Historic Trades, I’m able to help others find careers that keep historic skills alive — while also sharing my passion for history in a way that feels meaningful and human.
The All-Corps Professional Development Day underscored the value of programs like this: bringing people together, fostering learning, and connecting service members to the histories and communities they serve.
For anyone searching for a way to serve, learn, and build a career with purpose, the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers a powerful starting point, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Interested in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option? Learn more here