Three University of Maryland School of Public Policy students have been selected to participate in the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program this summer. The program places college students in government and nonprofit organizations across the state, offering hands-on leadership experience and professional development opportunities that prepare them for careers in public service.
This year, three of the ten University of Maryland College Park students selected for the program are from the School of Public Policy: Lynelle Essilfie, Ella Ferbert and Srimahi Ghorakavi, each serving in key roles across state agencies.
Essilfie is working in the Office of the Governor through the Governor’s Summer Internship Program, under the mentorship of the Governor’s Board of Public Works Liaison, Drake Johnson. “The Governor’s Summer Internship Program has provided me with valuable mentorship, professional development support and firsthand experience working in a state office,” said Essilfie. “From attending internal briefings to observing meetings with senior staff, I have gained a deeper understanding of what it means to serve as a public servant through my placement in the Governor’s Office.”
Ferbert is participating in the Governor’s Summer Internship Program, placed in the Governor’s Appointments Office, which oversees appointments to more than 600 boards and commissions across Maryland. “I am gaining invaluable hands-on experience through a variety of projects, including drafting memos, managing complex spreadsheets and analyzing legislation, all while learning from some of the most dedicated public servants in our state,” said Ferbert.
Ghorakavi is serving in the MDOT Fellows Program, working in the Capital Programming and Asset Management Office at the MDOT Secretary’s Office. “Working at the Maryland Department of Transportation showed me how essential transportation is to everyday life and how data-driven financial decisions directly shape policy and impact people’s lives,” remarked Ghorkavi. “Seeing that up close made me even more interested in public service. The experience reinforced my interest in combining data, strategy and service to drive tangible change.”
Through full-time internships, mentorship and seminars, students gain insight into Maryland’s public and nonprofit sectors while reflecting on their role in advancing public service. Fellows also collaborate on group projects and connect with state leaders through site visits and networking events.