In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible student” means a junior, senior, or graduate student who attends an institution of higher education in the State. “Internship” means a paid or an unpaid internship in the State with: An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that: Is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and Affords the student the opportunity to participate in and support management functions, including board governance, executive leadership, financial management, human resources, fundraising, or facilities management; or The State or any local government in the State. “Program” means the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program. “Shriver Center” means the Shriver Center located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

There is a scholarship program known as the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program in the State. The Program consists of at least the following public service intern fellowships: The Governor’s Summer Internship Program; The Sondheim Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program; and The Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program. The purpose of the Program is to assist college and graduate students to explore public service career opportunities through internships. The Shriver Center shall administer the Program. An institution of higher education in the State may nominate eligible students to participate in the Program on or before: January 1 of each year for summer and fall internships; and October 1 of each year for spring internships. Priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an eligible student who: Is a resident of the State; Has demonstrated an interest in a career in public service; and Assists in providing: Legal services: To low–income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services; or In a public service position; Social work services to low–income residents in the State; Nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of this title; or 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. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, for eligible students who have agreed to serve in a public service internship, the Shriver Center shall award scholarships on or before: January 15 of each year for spring internships; May 1 of each year for summer internships; and August 1 of each year for fall internships. Funds for the scholarships awarded under this subtitle shall be as provided in the State budget. Subject to the availability of funds, the scholarship award under the Program shall be at least $2,000 and no more than $6,000. The Shriver Center shall serve as a clearinghouse for public and nonprofit entities that wish to hire public service interns participating in the Program.

The Shriver Center shall adopt policies to establish: The criteria for eligibility in the Program; A procedure and schedule for the payment of the scholarship award provided to an eligible student; and A procedure for the repayment of the scholarship award if a student does not fulfill the internship requirements under the Program. The Shriver Center shall adopt any other policies necessary to implement this subtitle.

Funds for the Program shall be provided on an annual basis in the State budget in accordance with this subsection. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation for the Program that is at least 125% of the appropriation provided in fiscal year 2026. The appropriation shall include funding for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County that is at least 125% of the funding provided in fiscal year 2026 for: The Governor’s Summer Internship Program; The Sondheim Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program; and The Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program. The Governor may provide funding in the State budget to the Shriver Center to administer the Program.

Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Shriver Center shall report to the General Assembly by January 1 of each year on the implementation of the Program.