§8–1923.1.

    (a)    This section applies to programs developed to implement climate mitigation and clean energy projects under § 8–1920 of this subtitle.

    (b)    (1)    The Trust and qualified organizations shall principally recruit individuals for a minimum 6–month commitment, who, at the time of enrollment, are at least 18 years old and under the age of 26 years.

        (2)    Qualified organizations may not undertake a project if the project would replace regular workers or duplicate or replace an existing service in the same locality.

        (3)    A Corps member may receive a stipend.

        (4)    Stipends for Corps members shall include monetary payments of at least $15 per hour.

    (c)    In developing its programs and seeking federal and State grants, the Trust and the Corps Board shall:

        (1)    Coordinate efforts with the Maryland Corps Program established under § 24–1102 of the Education Article;

        (2)    Coordinate efforts with the Maryland Conservation Corps to engage young adults in conservation service projects;

        (3)    Seek assistance and advice from relevant public and private sources; and

        (4)    Explore opportunities for initiating a college–level campaign to engage with community colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other institutions of higher education in the State.

    (d)    In developing clean energy infrastructure and educational programs, the Trust and the Corps Board shall seek assistance from and cooperate with the Maryland Clean Energy Center under Title 10, Subtitle 8 of the Economic Development Article.

    (e)    In developing its Corps member programs, the Corps Board shall seek assistance from and cooperate with:

        (1)    The Maryland Service Corps and the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism under Title 9.5, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article;

        (2)    The Department of Commerce and other appropriate units of State government and private sector entities to develop opportunities for student participation in private–sector activities, such as internship and externship programs; and

        (3)    Community colleges, 4–year colleges, and universities in the State to develop opportunities for course credit arrangements through which Corps members may earn course credits for participation in the Corps Program as an alternative to or in addition to payment of a stipend.