Section 18-1702 - Program established. - Maryland Statutes

§ 18-1702. Program established.
 

(a)  In general.- There is a scholarship program known as the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Summer Internship Scholarship Program in the State. 

(b)  Purpose.- The purpose of the Program is to assist college and graduate students to explore public service career opportunities through summer internships. 

(c)  Administration.- The Shriver Center shall administer the Program. 

(d)  Nominations.- On or before January 1 of each year, an institution of higher education in the State may nominate eligible students to participate in the Program. 

(e)  Priority for participation.- Priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an eligible student who: 

(1) Is a resident of the State; 

(2) Has demonstrated an interest in a career in public service; and 

(3) Assists in providing: 

(i) Legal services to low-income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services; 

(ii) Social work services to low-income residents in the State; 

(iii) Nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18-802 of this title; or 

(iv) Other services in the public or nonprofit sectors in which there is a shortage of qualified practitioners to low-income or underserved residents or areas of the State. 

(f)  Award of scholarships.-  

(1) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, on or before May 1 of each year, the Shriver Center shall award scholarships to eligible students who have agreed to serve in a public service summer internship. 

(2) The Shriver Center shall award no more than: 

(i) 75 scholarships for the summer of 2008; and 

(ii) 100 scholarships for the summer of 2009. 

(3) Funds for the scholarships awarded under this subtitle shall be as provided in the State budget. 

(g)  Amount of scholarship.- Subject to the availability of funds, the scholarship award under the Program shall be $3,000. 

(h)  Shriver Center as clearinghouse.- The Shriver Center shall serve as a clearinghouse for public and nonprofit entities who wish to hire public service summer interns participating in the Program. 
 

[2007, ch. 490; 2008, ch. 36, § 6.]