Section 18-1702 - Program established.
§ 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.]