Commissioner Interview: Secretary Paul Monteiro
MD Two Fifty spoke with Secretary D. Paul Monteiro about his work leading the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, the MD Corps/Service Year Option program, and his hopes for Maryland Two Fifty.
The Department of Service and Civic Innovation was created by Governor Wes Moore to elevate service in Maryland. Governor Moore appointed Paul Monteiro, a graduate of High Point High School in Beltsville, MD, the University of Maryland, and Howard University Law School, to lead the department. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and attended school when there was court-ordered bussing of students out of their neighborhoods to achieve racial balance in Prince George’s County Public Schools. The son of a roofer and an administrative assistant, Sec. Monteiro planned to become a high school history teacher at his high school, however an internship at the Supreme Court changed his trajectory.
As an undergraduate, Secretary Monteiro studied history, and he loves history, which makes him particularly excited to serve on the Maryland Two Fifty Commission. He views the Commission and its mission as an opportunity for all to reflect on Maryland’s roots. Often referred to as America in miniature, the Calvert family came to Maryland because they could not be full citizens in England following their conversion to Catholicism. Since its start in 1634, Maryland has led on opportunity, which continues as a priority in the state today.
His hope is that the 250th reminds people that the past is prologue, and that it brings people together, sparks collective interest, and reminds young people why history is relevant.
Sec. Monteiro’s decision to be a public servant was influenced by his roots in a working class family and a strong desire to feel purpose in his work. His continued commitment to public service is motivated by a desire to help Marylanders who feel frustrated, including young people leaving the state. He hopes that the work of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation will motivate young people to feel a sense of belonging in Maryland.
During his time in the Obama Administration- serving five years as a member of White House staff- he led Americorps/VISTA, which served as a domestic counterpart to the Peace Corps. This organization hopes to encourage Americans to serve their community by staying within it to build economic mobility, and prioritizing the importance of their community. He spoke of Maryland’s diversity but also things that unite us.
The programs that Secretary Monteiro now leads, the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option, centers Marylanders of all ages in their community, placing them in paid positions in fields of interest. When announcing the Service Year Option, Governor Moore said that “young people should have the option to perform important service today and build a foundation for our shared future.” Secretary Monteiro told MD Two Fifty that applications will reopen next month for Class 3 of the Service Year Option. Details can be found at serve.maryland.gov including an application for Class 3 starting in September 2025. There are opportunities for paid work in the public, private, and nonprofit sector, with all members paid at least $15/hour, a $6,000 completion award, and apprenticeship/professional development opportunities throughout the program.