§ 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:

         1. To low-income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services; or

         2. In a public service position;

      (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.

HISTORY: 2007, ch. 490; 2008, ch. 36, § 6; 2011, ch. 340.