About MSL

For 35 years, the Maryland Student Legislature (MSL) has provided college students with an immersive experience in the workings of state government. Established with the goal of fostering civic engagement and nurturing future leaders, MSL offers participants a simulated legislative environment mirroring the Maryland General Assembly.

MSL provides practical experience in drafting and debating bills, navigating parliamentary procedure, and understanding the legislative process. These hands-on experiences serve as a foundation for potential careers in government, law, and public service.

MSL was founded at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. Johns Hopkins University and Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) attended the first event. We trace our roots to the North Carolina Student Legislature, founded in 1937.

Our Mission and Vision

A Message from the Governor

“The Maryland Student Legislature is a unique organization that provides students across the state of Maryland with the opportunity to develop skills, form new connections, and engage with policymakers. State and local governments influence every aspect of our lives, and I encourage all students to join MSL and gain a better understanding of how critical policy decisions are made and form a path to public service.”

Kiran Varghese

36th Governor of MSL
Student at the University of Maryland, College Park

Leadership

The MSL program is governed by the Council of State, comprised of six students elected statewide by their peers. These students, together with the chairs of each college’s delegation, organize MSL student events around the state.

Supporting the program is a 501(c)3 nonprofit led by the Board of Directors, which ensures that the program operates in a legally and financially stable manner and manages relationships with our partner institutions.

Meet the Council of State Meet the Board

Awards

Each year, MSL honors nine individuals for their outstanding contributions to the program. Eight awards recognize students for their work in leadership, bill authorship, command of the debate floor, and other areas; the Susan Dill McConkey Award recognizes one university faculty or staff member, MSL Board member, volunteer, or other non-student for their support of the program.

Student Awards McConkey Award

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maryland Student Legislature is a model Maryland General Assembly. The General Assembly is the state legislature of Maryland.

You learn to write your own original legislation and then debate it in a simulation of our state legislature. At the end of the year, all of the legislation adopted by the students is sent to the actual members of the Maryland General Assembly for their review.

MSL hosts one legislative session each semester. Each legislative session is two days long, running from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. The Fall Session is hosted on a college campus. The Annual (Spring) Session is held in the Maryland State House in Annapolis.

Before each session, MSL hosts a Leadership Training Institute (LTI). At the LTI, members learn the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure and bill writing. The LTI is also an opportunity for career development. We often host speakers or seminars on law and graduate school admissions, internships in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill, and more.

You learn how a legislature works–an invaluable skill if you want to work in Congress or the General Assembly, go to law or public policy school, or simply be active in your community. You improve your public speaking skills, learn to debate, and meet politically-active students from across the state and country. MSL alumni are willing to help students make connections, sharpen their skills, strengthen their resumes, and answer questions about their careers.

Yes! During the Annual Session, MSL hosts an evening gala at a hotel in downtown Annapolis. There are also lunches and other opportunities for socializing during and after our sessions.

For the 2023-24 academic year, the Fall Session is $40 per student and the Annual Session is $50 per student. The LTIs are free to attend. Members are responsible for their own travel and lodging. Limited financial assistance may be available to students who would otherwise not be able to attend an MSL event for financial reasons.

All of the students from a particular school register together as a “delegation.” The delegation submits a roster two weeks before each event, listing each member who will attend. Contact the Lieutenant Governor of MSL at ltgovernor@msl.org to learn more about organizing as a delegation.

Newsletter

Get updates on MSL events, job and internship opportunities, Maryland political and legal news, alumni updates, and more.