Maryland Corps Members Have a Positive Impact on Kids, and Learn Valuable Skills, as Youth Development Professionals
For the second consecutive year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) will host a cohort of Maryland Corps members, passionate young adults completing a year of service to earn a salary, gain new skills, and identify where their talents and purpose intersect – all while serving their fellow Marylanders!
In 2023, the inaugural year of the Maryland Corps program, BGCMB hosted three corps members. At the end of their term, we were delighted that two of those professionals chose to accept a full-time position with BGCMB. Building on that success, in 2024, BGCMB will welcome 10 Maryland Corps members in Clubs across our region.
The partnership between BGCMB and Maryland Corps is a natural fit. Corps members get paid to nurture and empower youth as full-time youth development professionals while gaining professional experience and experiencing a life of purpose.
"I learned about Maryland Corps from a friend of my brother. I decided to participate because it would allow me to get paid to do something I like: work with children,” explained TyJuan Hawkins who completed his service year at our Webster Kendrick Club.
TyJuan Hawkins (left) leads a cooking class with kids at our Webster Kendrick Boys & Girls Club in Baltimore.
Young adults like TyJuan bring energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to enhance the impact of Club programs. Working alongside our full-time staff, Corps members’ responsibilities include:
Mentoring and Guidance: Corps members serve as role models and mentors, building trusting relationships with Club members. They provide guidance, support, and encouragement, helping young people navigate the challenges they face both inside and outside the Club.
Program Development and Facilitation: Corps members help design and implement a wide range of Boys & Girls Club programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.
Community Engagement: Corps members help connect Clubs with the broader community, organizing events, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships that benefit both Club members and the neighborhoods they serve.
Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity: Maryland Corps members bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and heard. They help create a safe space where all youth, regardless of their background, can express themselves and grow.
Taylor Jones (left) spends time outside with kids at a Boys & Girls Club in Baltimore during the critical after-school hours.
Many Maryland Corps members find that the experience of making a tangible difference in the lives of kids is deeply fulfilling. So much so, that some Corps members have chosen to continue their journey with BGCMB after their service year ends by transitioning into full-time roles.
Taylor Jones, a Corps member turned full-time staff member, shared: "I decided to stay with the Boys & Girls Club because working with children, helping them develop different skills and giving them a positive influence, heals my inner child."
What is Maryland Corps?
Maryland Corps is an initiative through the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation aimed at engaging young adults in meaningful service opportunities that address critical community needs while fostering personal growth and development. Corps members are selected for their passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. Through their service, they gain valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for future careers.
Comments