The Choice Program

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The Choice Program

We believe that young people thrive when they have access to supportive resources and are able to contribute to and connect with their communities.

The Choice Program brings together a diverse collection of people striving for one thing: an equitable society where young people are given the opportunity to make choices that strengthen their lives, families, communities and the world. Our organization is energetic, vibrant, passionate and incredibly hardworking. It takes special people to do build a community like this. If you think you have wh

at it takes, we want to hear from you! The relationships you forge at Choice have the potential to change your life forever. AmeriCorps Member positions are available on a rolling basis. Policy-related content shared on this page does not reflect the view of AmeriCorps nor was it posted by AmeriCorps members.

11/21/2025

A new report from the Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform & Emerging & Best Practices offering solutions to bring our state into compliance with federal law made ONE primary recommendation: We must end the practice of automatically charging kids as young as 14 as adults for certain crimes NOW! ✊ Find the report at bit.ly/JJDPAMYJC

10/09/2025

This October is Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), a time to celebrate the value and potential of every young person!

In the spirit of this year’s theme, United for Action, we believe justice should heal and uplift, not harm and punish. That’s why we’re so excited to share that the Maryland Youth Justice Coalition hosted a vital Listening Session for young leaders from Choice Intensive Advocacy teams in central Maryland.

These young people—who are currently under the care of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)—have experiences and insights that are crucial to reimagining justice. They are mighty, and we are dedicated to listening. Their answers to questions like “What are you already giving to your community?” and “What would you like to see more or less of in your neighborhood?” will directly inform MYJC’s advocacy agenda for the coming year.

A huge thanks to Sergio España of and Joseph Lascaze of for welcoming them.
Follow along and tag us as you spread the word! 🙌🏾

05/02/2025

Perhaps you have heard about the shocking, but not surprising, news about cuts to AmeriCorps programs in the United States? Choice's AmeriCorps program has been spared. Our members continue to serve. We aim to recruit more to support our summer engagement strategy.

We are proud that since 1997, Choice has hosted more than 1,220 AmeriCorps members as their service site. Generations of Choice AmeriCorps members have gone onto careers in service in law, social work, education, higher education, and community-based organizations. They have also carried the ethos of service into personal and civic lives.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed lawsuit with more than 20 other attorneys general. We are pleased to participate.

We share grief and outrage for the more than 1,000 programs nationwide.

In solidarity and service, Kelly Quinn, managing director.

02/26/2025

Youth leadership training underway! 2 hours with Alysha and Timaya, laying the groundwork for YOUTH IN ACTION. Skill building and strategic planning in full swing. More stories to share later. Next week: narrative development.

02/15/2025

to 2014 when we invited to UMBC to speak to youth about his experiences and new book . Each youth received a copy at the end of his presentation.

His latest title sounds interesting. Let’s run it back!

01/17/2025

2016 - Choice staff and members create art at our Cherry Hill office.

01/03/2025

to 2014. Choice team building activity in partnership with . Human foosball. Good times. No one was injured during the making of this video. 🤷🏾‍♂️😏

10/31/2024

The Choice Program at UMBC is deeply honored to have our Black Lives Matter mosaic created by participants under the guidance of teaching artist Carien Quiroga displayed at Elijah Park

This mosaic is unique in that it was one of our first in person activities after being quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth saw this as an opportunity to express their support for the large national and international protests that they could not participate in that took place after the murder of George Floyd. Our program’s vision aligns with the vision of the Honorable Elijah Cummings in that it is our hope that we develop “living messengers” who are capable of shaping their own destinies which includes a future where they are able to thrive and experience joy.

10/21/2024

Last week, the Choice team spoke with Del Jazz Lewis (District 24) and UMBC President Ashby about the youth legal system.

Bianca Canales, UMBC ’22, spoke about her work as a service coordinator in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

We thanked him for his support for our programs, and his leadership on the Juvenile Restoration Act. The JRA ended life without parole sentences for youth offenders. It also enaled those serving time to seek reconsideration of prior sentences if they were youth charged and convicted as an adult and have been imprisoned for at least 20 years.

08/24/2024

Back to school with smiles and plenty of supplies 😁🥳📚✏️ Choice crew + AmeriCorps = the ultimate back-to-school hype squad! 🙌

08/21/2024

Will you be attending?

06/29/2024

The Choice Program was happy to participate as a resource vendor at the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, Office of Resident Services’ 2nd annual family engagement event, titled Family Engagement Motivates Everyone (FEME).

The purpose of this event was to highlight Children’s Awareness Month, foster stronger connections within our community, and promote family engagement in the child development process.

Thanks to AmeriCorps member Mr. Charles for serving on this very hot day.

Address

1000 Hilltop Circle/Shriver Center
Baltimore, MD
21250

Telephone

+14104552493

Website

https://gritstarter.umbc.edu/s/1325/cf20/project.aspx?sid=1325&gid=1&pgid=2269

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