Inside Maryland State Legislature: Carroll Students Step Into Lawmaking Roles

“Democracy isn’t just something that happens every four years when we vote.” That’s how Sarah Star, Associate Professor of Humanities and faculty lead for the Maryland Student Legislature (MSL) program at Carroll, describes the heart of this immersive opportunity. “Democracy is ongoing,” she continues, “and if we want to be a part of that, we need to understand how to make our voices count.” 

Launched as a pilot program at Carroll last spring, MSL is open to any student curious about how government works, how policy gets made, or how real change happens. 

MSL is a statewide program modeled after the real Maryland General Assembly, offering college students the chance to roleplay as lawmakers. Participants write bills, debate them with students from across the state, and vote just like actual legislators. 

“The MSL experience gives students the tools to think critically, speak confidently, and take action,” Star says. “It’s about making democracy feel real and accessible—not something that happens far away in Annapolis, but rather something we get to shape.” 

Democracy is ongoing and if we want to be a part of that, we need to understand how to make our voices count.

What Happens in MSL?

MSL runs as a credit course in the Fall and as a co-curricular (non-credit) experience in the Spring—perfect for students who want to dip their toes into policy work without overloading their schedules. It pairs well with Carroll’s Constitutional Law (PSLS 125) course and is available to Carroll students at Carroll’s lower tuition cost, even though the course is formally listed through McDaniel College. 

The program, entirely student-organized and led, offers unique leadership and planning experience. The students help manage teams, coordinate events, and build consensus across diverse groups.

Students participate in two statewide events each semester: 

• Leadership Training Institute (LTI): A one-day skills workshop where students learn the ins and outs of legislative writing, persuasion, and public speaking. Guest speakers—often elected officials—share their real-world advice and behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s really like to pass a law.
• Student General Assembly (SGA): The highlight of the semester. Students present and debate their bills over two full days in a simulated legislative session. If a bill passes, it’s formally submitted to the Governor of Maryland for review.

The program also includes optional trips to Annapolis and Washington, D.C., where students shadow legislators and visit civic institutions like the Supreme Court.  

Finding Purpose and Hope

For Carroll student Dante Tapia Pujals, who joined the program with an interest in political science and policymaking, MSL provided something more than classroom learning—it brought hope. 

“The biggest impact for me would have to be the people,” Dante says. “Everyone is so dedicated at what they do it makes me feel hopeful that people care and act in the public interest… Putting personality and faces to government when we as a society feel so disconnected from our politicians does wonders to my hope for the future.” 

Dante’s favorite part of MSL were the sessions, where students from across Maryland bring all kinds of policy ideas to the floor. “From something as minute as stairwell regulation, to the legality of flamethrowers, there’s something to be written by anyone,” he shares. “More than 100 students participate. I get to meet all these new people who have all these different perspectives in life but choose to concentrate on the belief that a government by the people can actually get things done.” 

Even students who don’t plan to pursue political careers come away with lasting skills. Star notes that participants sharpen their ability to collaborate, debate, compromise, and communicate persuasively—all essential skills in any career. 

And the program can reap actual results. In its very first semester, Carroll MSL students successfully passed a resolution aimed at protecting patient privacy rights around genetic data. “The experience was incredibly empowering for the group,” Star says. “It gave them a real sense of what it means to use their voices to advocate for meaningful change in the world.” 

I get to meet all these new people who have all these different perspectives in life but choose to concentrate on the belief that a government by the people can actually get things done.

Beyond the MSL Program

MSL’s impact doesn’t end with the semester. “By participating in MSL, you’re joining a community that doesn’t necessarily stop when the semester ends,” Star explains. “You’re plugging into a network that can help with internships, letters of recommendation, and maybe even that first job after college.” 

Dante confirms this: “MSL is a great place to start finding internships. I know many people who are working with senators and representatives, drafting bills, writing emails, and learning laws.” 

MSL students also have access to a large alumni network, with members who have gone on to rewarding careers working in law, civil service, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. 

Who should join MSL? If you’re interested in… 

• Government, politics, or law
• Advocacy or activism
• Public service
• Social work or community organizing
• Journalism or public policy

…then MSL is a great opportunity for you. Whether you want to change the world, or to just better understand how it works, this is a powerful place to begin. 

“The MSL program reminds students that change is possible and gives them the tools to help bring it about,” Star says. “The lessons they learn—about civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and community action—will serve them for a lifetime!” 

If you’re a Carroll student interested in the Maryland Student Legislature program, contact Prof. Sarah Star at msl@carrollcc.edu.