Maryland Governor Led National Service Strategy Summit
Governor Wes Moore hosted leaders from 23 states to advance initiatives aimed at expanding service-to-career pathways.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Employment
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore convened representatives from 23 states in Annapolis to discuss the growth of state-based service programs. The meeting coincides with the launch of the Service United campaign, which seeks to connect young Americans to workforce opportunities through philanthropic support.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to address structural workforce shortages and the disruption of entry-level jobs caused by artificial intelligence. By scaling service programs, states intend to provide critical workforce pathways for the millions of young Americans currently not in school or employed.
A national campaign launched with $10 million in philanthropic support, while the Schultz Family Foundation provided a $1 million grant to America's Service Commissions. Participating states can access up to $1.5 million in grants to build or expand their local programs.
The players
Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland who has championed service-based programs as a method to build career pathways.
National Governors Association
The National Governors Association is a nonpartisan organization representing the governors of the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths.
Schultz Family Foundation
The Schultz Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Howard and Sheri Schultz that funds initiatives to improve economic opportunity.
America's Service Commissions
America's Service Commissions is a nonprofit association representing state service commissions across the United States.
The details
The Maryland Service Year Option, which served as a model for the summit, has seen over 1,200 graduates and now includes 300 employment partners. Participants in the Maryland program experienced a 57.5 percent increase in hourly wages following their service, highlighting the potential for service models to improve economic outcomes.
Timeline
April 2023: The Maryland Service Year Option program launched.
August 2026: Governor Moore launched the Service United campaign.
October 8, 2026: Service United convening occurred in Annapolis.
October 23, 2026: The first round of state grant applications closes.
Macro View
The initiative mirrors efforts to address structural labor shifts seen during historical economic transitions where traditional entry-level pathways disappeared. This current strategy follows a pattern of state-level innovation preceding broader federal workforce policy adjustments.
For residents, these programs provide a tangible pathway to higher wages, as evidenced by the 57.5 percent hourly pay increase for Maryland participants. Increased state investment in service-to-career initiatives may also lead to greater job availability for young workers in local markets.
The takeaway
Service-based programs offer a scalable solution for states looking to stabilize the entry-level labor market against technological disruption. Readers can research local service-year opportunities to identify potential pathways to skill development and wage growth.
What happens next
The first round of grantmaking opportunities for states participating in the Service United campaign is scheduled to close on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest workforce development trends on the Maryland Employment section page.
More information
Review the full initiative details on the Service United program information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Governors Association.
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Should states expand government-funded service programs to help young people enter the workforce?
