Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

Small Things Matter's Kokua Foods Program helps address food insecurity in our community.  

We are looking for volunteers to help us make cookies and other baked treats to share with food insecure families in our community that we serve. These baked treats are a nice way to provide a fun snack to go along with the other foods that we are providing for these families.  We would love to have individuals and groups supporting this effort.

Middle school and high school students are eligible to earn SSL hours by making baked goods until schools return to normal status.  20 cookies (2.5"-3" in diameter) or 20 regular size cupcakes or 1 baked dessert loaf (use an 8.5" X 4.5" X 2.5" pan) = 1 hour of service  (Please note that mini cookies, cupcakes, or breads will not count and that we are no longer looking for regular bread as we are now getting donations of sandwich & loaf bread from a local bakery.)

Instructions (Please note that your work must be submitted via a Google form): 

NOTE: Items should be baked fresh the day before.  Please do not make cookies ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them.

-Please take photo of them being made and a group photo of the baked items once you've finished. 

-Cookies and muffins should be put into Ziplock bags in batches of 4 and loaves should be wrapped tightly in either Saran Wrap or a gallon size Ziplock bag. Please label them and note if nuts are present.  

-Make a log by writing down the number items made, and have your parent initial it. 

-Submit all your work (photos, signed log, etc.) via the google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSediZ90q8kB_AIIAK702rGYlGTPnq5z29zoFKiSbcggxaHDrg/viewform?usp=sf_link

In order to receive SSL credit, you must submit both a photo of all of the baked items and your log of the amounts of the items.  Please submit your work via the form only once.  

Once your donations and your google form is received you will get an email with the SSL hours you've earned. You will need to fill in sections 1 and 3 of you SSL form and turn in both this and the email to your school's SSL coordinator.  They will then credit your hours. 

Baked goods donations can be dropped off at the Bedford Station Apartments (1400 University Blvd E, Hyattsville, MD 20783) on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7:30am-8:30am.  To drop off please bring your baked goods in a box to the main office and leave it by the fence.  Please note: You cannot bring your donations to Bedford Station Apartments any other day or time than stated above.  It is a distribution site, not our office.  Thanks!

We are also able to accept baked goods at the TPSS Coop (201 Ethan Allen Ave, Takoma Park MD 20912) on ALL Friday mornings from 7:30-8:30am, but please let us know what dates and the amounts you are going to be donating by emailing us at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com at least 3 days in advance.  Please note that if the weather is bad (rain/snow) you must contact us the day before so that we can give you an alternative drop off location.  Please drop off your baked goods behind the TPSS Coop building on Columbia Avenue to one of our members (not inside to a TPSS Coop employee). We will be packing produce outside.  Thanks!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Please read the guidelines here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/virtual.aspx

Please email Roxanne (thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com) if you have questions.

Thanks!

Small Things Matter

www.smallthingsmatter.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Who can apply? Montgomery County High School Students (public & Private).

Students can win a MacBook Air, Apple Watch, $800 Visa Gift card and much more. Also, ALL STUDENTS that participate in the contest can EARN 5 SSL HOURS!

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hupd 

Students are challenged to create a 30 second video PSA that raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and walking. Participants may use TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, their phones film feature, or a range of other methods to create their submission and are encouraged to share their work on social media. Both individual and group submissions are allowed, but prizes will differ.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE - Heads Up Phones Down Content (montgomerycountymd.gov)

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hupd

Questions? – Email pedestrian.safety@montgomerycountymd.gov

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Please note: due to the overwhelming interest in this project there is a limit of 50 bookmarks per school year. 

Please check out our other opportunities including coming out to pack produce for the families in need that we serve.  Thanks!

Small Things Matter's Crafting for Charity Program helps those in need with handmade items.  We are looking for volunteers to help us decorate bookmarks as part of our literacy program for underserved children.  We provide them with a choice of a brand new book and they also get to pick a handmade bookmark of their choice.  Encouraging a lifelong love of reading can help these children succeed in school and in life. We would love to have individuals and groups help us by decorating bookmarks.

Middle school and high school students are eligible to earn SSL hours by decorating bookmarks.

5 decorated bookmarks = 1 SSL hour of service.

Limit of 50 bookmarks.

Instructions:

NOTE: Please make 1 bookmark and send it for approval via email to thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com before making the rest. We want to ensure that each bookmark is made with care!  Only decorate the front of the bookmark blank.  We will be adding our logo to the back.  Please do not submit them via our google form.  (Please see the sample photo above of actual bookmarks made by students.)

-Purchase bookmarks from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gionello-Blank-Cardstock-Bookmarks-Pre-Punched/dp/B0DK488PQC/.  Please note that you can also make your own bookmark blanks by purchasing cardstock and cutting them using a paper cutter to 6" x 2.5".  If you choose to make your own blanks make sure that they are cut well and look professional. Do not punch holes at the top of the bookmarks if you are making them.

-Please document your bookmark decorating by taking an action shot photo of them being made and a group shot of the finished items once you've finished decorating them!

-Decorate the bookmarks either by using markers, paints, etc.  Please do not glue any 3-D items or use stickers/washi tape. Please do not include anything religious in either written words or pictures.  Do NOT sign the bookmarks with your name, etc. Take a group shot of the finished items.

-Make a log by write down the number of bookmarks made, and have your parent date and initial it.

-Submit your photos and log  via this google form AFTER you have delivered the bookmarks and sent an email to thesmallthingsmatter saying where you delivered them to:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSediZ90q8kB_AIIAK702rGYlGTPnq5z29zoFKiSbcggxaHDrg/viewform?usp=sf_link

In order to receive SSL credit, you must submit both a photo of the bookmarks you decorated and your log of the amounts of the items.  Please submit your work via the form only once.  I will be sending out emails with your SSL form each Sunday.  Please be patient. 

DROPOFF Completed bookmarks can be dropped off on any day (Monday-Sunday) at Small Things Matter, 14516 Bauer Drive, Rockville, MD 20853 from 6am-6pm.  Please leave your items on our front porch. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

•              Do I need to sign up?  Send in 1 bookmark for approval.  This bookmark should be reflective of the type of bookmark you will be making.  If you get something approved it is expected that the remaining bookmarks will be of similar quality.

•              Is there a limit to how many I make?  50 bookmarks

•              Is this approved for MCPS SSL hours - YES.

•              How will I receive my SSL hours?  You will receive your SSL form via email once your service is complete and you have submitted your log and photos via the Google form.

•              We are helping over 2000 families in Montgomery County by providing food assistance and are very busy so and trying to limit emails about this opportunity. Thanks for understanding!!!  Please do not call me.

Please read the guidelines here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/virtual.aspx   Please email Roxanne (thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com) if you would like to help.

Thanks! Small Things Matter www.smallthingsmatter.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Earn SSL Hours from Home with Grace Helping Hands!

We are a grassroots nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) dedicated to providing toiletry kits, including essential feminine hygiene products, to homeless women and children in our local area.

Are you interested in making a meaningful impact while earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours? Join Grace Helping Hands as a virtual grant-writing volunteer! Your efforts will directly support our mission of providing toiletry kits to homeless women and children.

At Grace Helping Hands, volunteers are the heart of our mission.

Grant Writing Opportunity!

We are seeking dedicated individuals to support our organization by:
- Finding and researching grant opportunities that align with our mission. -

- Completing grant applications to secure funding for our programs and initiatives.

This is a virtual volunteer opportunity, allowing you to contribute from the comfort of your home. To ensure consistency and impact, we ask that volunteers commit to 6+ months of service to this role.

Qualifications:
Strong organizational and research skills are a plus.
Experience with grant writing or nonprofit fundraising is helpful but not mandatory—enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are most important!

How to Apply: 

Please complete this form to register and volunteer with GHH. 

Contact Us
For more information, please reach out to us at volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org.

Help us grow our resources and extend our support to homeless women and children—one grant at a time.

This is virtual opportunity, all communication will be with Grace Helping Hands personnel. There may be need for virtual meetings via google meet with Grace Helping Hands staff for additional clarification.

Virtual Grant Writing Opportunities

If you are interested in earning SSL hours for assisting with grant writing, please let us know. Volunteers will help identify and research grant opportunities, draft application materials, and participate in virtual meetings with our core team.

SSL Hour Equivalency:

Grant Writing Tasks:
1 grant proposal draft or application completed = 4 SSL hours
1 grant opportunity researched and documented = 2 SSL hours
Meetings with Core Team:
1 meeting hour = 1 SSL hour

Grant Approval Process:
- Volunteers will submit drafts or research findings for review by our core team.
- Templates and guidance for grant writing will be provided.
- SSL hours will be awarded after review and approval of completed work.

How to Participate:

Contact Us
For more details or to get started, email us at volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org.

Additional Information Regarding This Opportunity:
-Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student's parent/guardian.
-The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy.
-SSL hours will be awarded based on the evidence submitted.
-Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions or concerns.
-Written approval from the student's parent/guardian is required prior to participation in the virtual platform.
-Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in virtual sessions.
-Students will engage under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor, who will be present during all virtual interactions, including breakout sessions.
-Nonprofit supervisors will initiate and host all virtual sessions. Sessions will not occur if the supervisor is unavailable.
-Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

How to Participate:

Join us in making a difference while developing valuable grant-writing skills and earning SSL hours. Your contributions will help expand our resources and reach more people in need! 

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Grace Helping Hands is seeking volunteers to assist with social media content creation and posting to help promote our mission of providing essential toiletry kits to homeless women and children.

To ensure consistency and impact, we ask that volunteers commit to 12 months of service and be able to dedicate three hours per week to this role.

Effective 1/1/26 --

Description:

Grace Helping Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing toiletry kits and feminine hygiene products to homeless women and children in Montgomery County and beyond. We are offering an impactful volunteer opportunity for MCPS students to earn SSL hours while advocating for those in need.

Volunteers will participate in a writing campaign to raise awareness and request support from local legislators, businesses, and manufacturers. Students will draft emails to local congresspersons, stores, vendors, and manufacturers, urging them to support Grace Helping Hands by donating products or funding.

Contest Rules:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Volunteer Opportunity: Encouragement Cards (Virtual)

At Grace Helping Hands, volunteers are the heart of our mission. We are a grassroots nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) dedicated to providing toiletry kits, including essential feminine hygiene products, to homeless women and children.

Help spread kindness and hope by writing encouragement cards for individuals we serve. This is a flexible, virtual volunteer opportunity that can be completed from anywhere, on your own schedule.

What You’ll Do
Volunteers will handwrite positive and uplifting messages on index cards to encourage and support individuals in our community.

Card Requirements

Suggested Themes
Messages may focus on topics such as:

Delivery Methods
You may submit completed cards using one of the following options:

Earn SSL Hours!

You can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for each hour you volunteer. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community while fulfilling your service requirements.

This is a simple but meaningful way to make a positive impact. Thank you for helping us bring encouragement and kindness to those we serve.

This Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunity is approved for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) middle and high school students.

Students can earn SSL hours by creating handwritten encouragement cards for unhoused women and children served by Grace Helping Hands.

SSL Hour Credit (MCPS Approved)

30 encouragement cards = 1 SSL hour

• Students may earn up to 3 SSL hours per day during the school year

• Students may earn up to 6 SSL hours per day during holidays and school breaks

Guidelines:

• Messages must be kind, supportive, and appropriate for all audiences

• Do not include last names, phone numbers, email addresses, or social media handles

Submission & Verification Process

1. Complete the encouragement cards

2. Take a clear photo of the completed cards

3. Email the photo to volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org

4. Drop off or mail the physical cards as instructed

SSL hours will be awarded after cards are reviewed and received. Verified SSL hours will be documented and an SSL verification form will be emailed after service completion.

MCPS SSL Requirements & Safety Notice

• Participation is at the discretion of the student’s parent or guardian

• This activity is designed to be completed safely at home

•  SSL hours are awarded based on evidence submitted and reviewed

Contact Information

For questions regarding this SSL opportunity, please contact:  volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Please complete and submit the volunteer form below, including the ACTUAL signatures of BOTH the student and parents (if under the age of 18 parent signature is also required). Completion of this form, including the ACTUAL required signatures, is required by all volunteers to participate in this SSL opportunity.

Please do not use your MCPS email to respond with us as we cannot not reply to you via this type of email address.

This is an amazing opportunity to gain volunteer experience helping Arise and Flourish, a non-profit organization based in Montgomery County, Maryland that speaks to students about substance use and misuse.  During the last twelve years, Arise and Flourish has paved the way through public and private schools on educating our youth of the dangers associated with addiction. Our program delivers a robust and real-life look into the cycle of addiction and provides an understanding, knowledge and insight on how to exercise prevention. Arise and Flourish’s family of dedicated volunteers have delivered our program to nearly 400 schools and have reached over 49,000 students with our impactful message of prevention and hope. In addition to our visits to schools, we are also asking for the student’s assistance to continue the education of addiction and prevention through SSL hours. 

What students will do:

Student will first need to complete the volunteer form/parent/guardian permission slip and submit via to e-mail info@ariseandflourish.org. Please note that MCPS has not vetted the YouTube videos created by our organization and parents/guardians are responsible for previewing the videos and then providing parent permission for their students to view the videos.

Once approved, students will watch two video presentations provided by our organization. 

Students can obtain SSL hours in two ways:

How to earn community service hours (SSL):

Students have the ability to earn 1 SSL hour for the quality completion of this project and can earn up to 4 SSL hours in total (cumulative - not per year) for each speaker video watched and paper written (up to 4 speaker videos along with the one video for the cycle of addiction).

When your paper or art project is complete, e-mail info@ariseandflourish.org your 2-page paper or an electronic copy of your art project and paragraph to collect your signed SSL sheet for this project. Students will need to cc their parents as well on the email submission. Please allow 3-5 business days to receive your signed SSL form.

Privacy:

Please, do not share any pictures or likeness of the students as well as personal information such as home address, email or phone number etc. in your paper or artwork. Also, please do not include any real-life pictures or images of yourself. We ask that students include their first name, grade and school only on each submission.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.

Volunteer Registration Form (Parent/Guardian Permission Slip)

 Please complete this form as accurately as possible. Completion of this form is required by all volunteers.

* This form is not completed without both YOURS and YOUR PARENTS or GUARDIAN SIGNATURE. 

VOLUNTEER LEGAL NAME: _____________________________________________

VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________

SCHOOL NAME: _____________________________________________________

VOLUNTEER EMAIL ADDRESS: __________________________________________

AGE: _________ DATE OF REGISTRATION: ________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME: ____________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (If Volunteer is under 18 years): ___________________________________________________________________

DATE: ________ EMAIL: _______________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________

PHONE: ____________________________________________________________ 

Contact Us at Arise and Flourish Email: info@ariseandflourish.org

Website: http://www.ariseandflourish.org/

Privacy:

Student volunteer participation is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This volunteer activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Share your food allergy story (1 SSL hour, min 200 words)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTMqa5INS1CgSctC1BCw5_7v9X1JgiLc80qyhGSwU-Z58taQ/viewform

Share your favorite recipe considering your allergy (1 SSL hour per recipe, min 100 words) Max 2 recipes

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZHyWRtMtmwr1eEip5cbKnW1DVhTsMm8jJJnRIxLuXoYKvNw/viewform

Please send SSL form to allergy.aware23@gmail.com

We aim to spread awareness about food allergies and aim to make this community and world a safer, more  inclusive place for people with food allergies. Your stories help us with that mission. Please feel free to add to your stories, what you would like to be changed and where are the gaps in knowledge.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

The Reading Express opens the door for imagination and endless possibilities.  Make a video of a children's book.  Show the book, page by page, as you read it for a child.  Please check with the Chief Intern for pre-approval of the book.  These videos, upon approval, will be placed on a playlist that will be sent through QR codes on Tacy Foundation business card gifts to Children's National Hospital patients, Fisher Houses nationwide, and to Red Cross stations where children and their families are impacted by challenges of fires, floods, and other hardships.  

Please join us by reading stories on a YouTube video.  Choose stories that are not copyrighted on or by writing and illustrating one of your own picture books.

Enroll first in the Foundation on the website: www.tacyfoundation.org.  

SSL Hours for this project are determined by MCPS-SSL Department and Tacy Foundation.

1 hour of SSL Credit per video of a children's book.

For Chapter books, MCPS and Tacy Foundation will pre-approve the credit hours based on the length and time making the video.

Thank you for helping others through your efforts to reach out and touch their lives!

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Birthday Cakes 4 Free Maryland (BC4F) is a nonprofit organization that collects and delivers birthday cakes to financially and socially disadvantaged children and seniors. We are an entirely student run organization!

Anyone can become a volunteer! There is no minimum age requirement. This is a great way to start earning SSL hours in middle school. 

Students bake cakes in their homes. Cakes must meet the container guidelines which are outlined on www.bc4f.org. The decoration/flavor/design of your cake(s) is up to you but we would prefer if you could write “Happy Birthday!” on your cake(s). You can make a cake from a cake mix or your favorite recipe. Round, square or rectangle cakes are all okay as long as they are individually and securely boxed, with lids taped for transport. Round cakes must have multiple layers. Single layer 9" round cakes will not earn SSL hours. We also accept cupcakes. Twenty-four cupcakes are equivalent to one cake. Cake requirements are posted on our website.  We DO NOT accept pies or alternative baked goods. ALL decorations MUST be edible. https://www.bc4f.org/faq

How to Sign-Up to Bake Cakes

You must SIGN-UP for our Newsletter in order to receive the Google Form to sign-up to bake cakes. To subscribe, go to https://www.bc4f.org/newsletter. DO NOT USE an MCPS email address as all external emails are blocked. Once a month, you will receive information about delivery dates, delivery address, and delivery times. Currently, we accept cake donations on one Sunday a month. Our current delivery location is in Rockville near Farmland Elementary School. The Google Form is included in the monthly Newsletter so that you can sign-up with the number of cakes you would like to donate. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CAKES DONATED IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE MORE VOLUNTEERS. The SSL form is provided at the time/date of cake delivery as long as the cake(s) meet donation requirements. SSL hours are awarded as follows:

1 cake (or 24 cupcakes) = 2 total SSL hours

2 cakes (or 48 cupcakes) = 3 total SSL hours

3 cakes (or 72 cupcakes) = 4 total SSL hours

4 cakes (or 96 cupcakes) = 5 total SSL hours

5 cakes (or 120 cupcakes) = 6 total SSL hours

6 cakes (or 144 cupcakes) = 7 total SSL hours

7 cakes (or 168 cupcakes) = 8 total SSL hours

To sign up, please visit https://www.bc4f.org/newsletter and subscribe to our newsletter.

Please Note: DO NOT SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER WITH AN MCPS EMAIL ADDRESS. You will not be able to receive the Newsletter with cake delivery information because MCPS blocks external emails.  

Check out our website https://www.bc4f.org/.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Virtual Event Volunteer As a virtual event volunteer, you will collaborate with our team

to plan and support a virtual event designed to meet a community need. Examples of events may include an art night, game night, or other creative programming that fosters connection and engagement.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

1. We welcome all students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as amateur college students.
2. All music levels and genres are welcome.

** UNMUTE In-person concerts in Montgomery County are held at the following locations, 

@ Brightview Fallsgrove Senior Living (9200 Darnestown Rd, Rockville, MD 20850).

@ Modena Reserve (10540 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington, MD 20895)

@ Sunrise Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights (5555 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815)

** UNMUTE In-person concerts in Howard County are held at the following locations,

@ Lighthouse Senior Living (3100 N Ridge Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043)

@ Long Life Senior Center (9075 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046)

@ Sunrise Senior Living Columbia C (6500 Freetown Rd., Columbia, MD 21044)

@ Residencies at Vantage Point (5400 Vantage Point Rd, Columbia, MD 21044)

** UNMUTE In-person concerts in Baltimore County are held at the following location,

@ Lorien Mays Chapel (12230 Roundwood Rd, Timonium, MD 21093)

UNMUTE's Student Service Learning (SSL) hours Calculation Rules and Timeline has been adjusted to meet public school's policies and compliance requirements. 

2025-2026 SSL verification form Timeline:

Volunteer with UNMUTE to bring warmth and music to the senior community !!

We’re looking for students volunteers to help design engaging graphics about art topics and our organization. These visuals will be used across social media platforms to inspire, inform, and connect with our community. You will not be directly posting the graphics. 

What You’ll Do

Create eye-catching graphics that highlight art themes, events, and organizational updates

Adapt designs for different platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X/Twitter)

Ensure all content is professional, accessible, and free of personal information

Collaborate with our team to brainstorm creative campaigns

Important Note

Any content featuring a recognizable face or voice requires a signed media release form before use

Volunteers must respect privacy guidelines — no personal information may be included in graphics

Volunteers will earn 1 SSL hour for each  graphic they create. Graphics will be eligible for SSL credit only after a review by a member 18+ after to ensure it meets guidelines. Guidelines include Information is presented in a neat and accurate way, and that content is appropriate (not NSFW). All posts must be submitted in the content feedback channel for review.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

Please review the details and further guidance here: bit.ly/KTH-Volunteer

For Students: Students should not include their full names, email/home address, or any real-life pictures or images of themselves on the cards. If you are a student seeking SSL hours, you must write at least 10 cards for quality completion of the service project. The same message/artwork can be repeated.

Please visit this link for more details and guidance. If you have any further questions, please reach out to volunteer@kitstoheart.org.

Safety is paramount. Please follow these precautions:
• Do not prepare and drop-off items if anyone in your home is sick.
• While packaging and dropping off items, wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
• During drop-off, please leave items at the front door.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Founded by a three-time cancer survivor, Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

6 simple hand-cut stickers may receive 1 service hour
3 complex hand-cut stickers may receive 1 service hour

Help bring cheer and motivation to cancer patients by creating custom stickers with positive messages and illustrations to be used as decorations for our cancer care kits. These stickers will serve as small but impactful tokens of encouragement, designed to uplift the spirits of those undergoing treatment.

How to Get Started

Recommended Materials

Supplies will differ depending on the method of sticker-making. Please also refer to tutorials below.

Kits to Heart earns from qualifying Amazon purchases, which supports our mission at no extra cost to you.

Recommended Tutorials

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!

Safety is paramount. Please follow these precautions:
• Do not prepare and drop off items if anyone in your home is sick.
• While packaging and dropping off items, wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
• During drop-off, please leave items at the front door.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

2025

1st Place- "Break the Silence"- Northwood High School 

2nd Place- "Know the Difference"- Montgomery Blair High School 

3rd Place- "Love Shouldn't Hurt"- Albert Einstein High School 

Honorable Mention & Fan Favorite- "Love is like Paper"- Eastern Middle School"

Honorable Mention- " What I Loved Most"- MLK Middle School 

2024

1st Place- "Warning Signs"- Ridgeview Middle School 
2nd Place- "Does your Partner Love You"- North Bethesda Middle School  
3rd Place- "Beyond the Surface:Understanding Dating Violence"-Winston Churchill High School 
Honorable Mention- "PSA with Blur (A Guide to Safe Dating)"- Damascus High School

2023

1st Place:  Broken Pieces - Poolesville High School

2nd Place:  If You Love Your Partner - MLK Jr. Middle School

3rd Place: It’s All Your Fault - Northwest High School

Honorable Mention and Fan Favorite: Lessons Learned - Watkins Mill HS, Springbrook HS, and Blake HS

Honorable Mention: The Signs Were Always There - Churchill High School

2022
1st Place - "Not My Fault" - MLK Jr. Middle School
2nd Place and Fan Favorite - "High School Simulator" - Einstein High School
3rd Place - "Words do Hurt" - Shady Grove Middle School
Honorable Mention - "Dating Shouldn't Hurt" - Julius West Middle School
Honorable Mention - "It's Fine" - Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

2021

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

We are looking for high schoolers to join our team of dedicated tutors! Tutors can work with students in subjects of their choice. See 'What Volunteers Do' on our profile or visit our website at https://www.steppingstonetutoring.org/ for more details.

Please read the following requirements:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Join us for a virtual KindSoup making session where YOU get to lead the way! This is your chance to show off your cooking skills, connect with others, and make a difference - all from your own kitchen. 

Note: Students are required to join at least one session before leading one on their own. Join a scheduled KindSoup session for a refresher.

Plan and prepare for the session in advance 

Submit remote evidence via email showing you’ve:

Lead Live KindSoup Making Session

During the session, you will:

Students may earn SSL hours at the following rate:

Note: An adult KindWorks representative will supervise and host the Zoom session for the entire time.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Small Things Matter's Kokua Foods Program helps address food insecurity in our community.  

We are looking for volunteers to help us make sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly, ham, turkey, etc) to share with the families we serve in our community in Takoma Park and Silver Spring.  The pandemic brought about by COVID-19 have made these families even more vulnerable than before and they need some additional food support.  A sandwich is a small way that we can bridge the distance between us and them and help them with their food insecurity.  We would love to have individuals and groups supporting this effort.

Middle school and high school students are eligible to earn SSL hours by making sandwiches until schools return to normal status.  10 sandwiches= 1 hour of service

Note:  Sandwiches should be made the day before.  Please do not make them in advance because they won't be at their best. The sandwiches should be made so that they are ready to eat.  Please add mayonnaise and mustard to the sandwiches with meat in them.  Cheese is welcome too.  There is a high demand for TURKEY sandwiches.  :)

Please note that if you are making more than 20 sandwiches that you should be making different types of sandwiches so that they are not all PB&J.

If you plan to make more than 60 sandwiches you must reach out to me to get my approval.  Please let me know how many sandwiches you are making and how many of each type.  

Instructions (Please note that your work must be submitted via a Google form):

-Please document your sandwich making by taking an action shot photo of them being made and a group shot of the bagged sandwiches once you've finished making them

-Make a log by writing down the date(s), the number of sandwiches made, and have your parent initial it and take a photo of it

-Make sandwiches and wrap each on individually using either wax paper or sandwich bags (no foil please)

-Use the bread bag to package them and label the outside of the bag with the type of sandwiches made.  

-Submit your photos, etc via the google form. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSediZ90q8kB_AIIAK702rGYlGTPnq5z29zoFKiSbcggxaHDrg/viewform?usp=sf_link

In order to receive SSL credit, you must submit both a photo of all of the sandwiches you made and your log of the amounts of the items initialed by your parent.  Please submit your work via the form only once.  

Once your donations and your google form is received you will get an email with the SSL hours you've earned. You will need to fill in sections 1 and 3 of you SSL form and turn in both this and the email to your school's SSL coordinator.  They will then credit your hours. 

DROPOFF

Sandwich donations can be dropped off at the Bedford Station Apartments (1400 University Blvd E, Hyattsville, MD 20783) on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7:30am-8:30am.  To drop off please bring your sandwiches in a box to the main office and leave it by the fence.  Please note: You cannot bring your donations to Bedford Station Apartments any other day or time than stated above.  It is a distribution site, not our office.  Thanks!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Please read the guidelines here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/virtual.aspx

Please email Roxanne (thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com) if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Small Things Matter

www.smallthingsmatter.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Small Things Matter's Kokua Foods Program helps address food insecurity in our community.  

We are looking for volunteers to help us make frozen casseroles to share with food insecure families and individuals in our community.  The pandemic brought about by COVID-19 have made food insecure families even more vulnerable than before and they need some additional food support.  A casserole is a nice way to provide a hot meal for these families.  We would love to have individuals and groups supporting this effort.

Middle school and high school students are eligible to earn SSL hours by making casseroles until schools return to normal status.  1 casserole= 1 hour of service

Instructions (Please note that your work must be submitted via a Google form):

Favorite casseroles include: tuna casseroles, chili, mac and cheese, baked ziti, and chicken noodle, but all casseroles are loved!

-Please taking a photo of the casserole(s) being made and a photo of the completed casseroles

-Please use a disposable aluminum pans 9 x 13 for your dish.

-Please cook your casserole prior to freezing it.

-Please label each casserole with the name and the ingredients (for example: Chicken and Cheese Casserole: chicken,pasta, olive oil, onion, mushrooms, bread crumbs, butter, cheese). 

-Please wrap them well with aluminum foil. Please do not use the plastic cover that comes with some pans.

-Please write down the date, the number of casseroles made, and have your parent initial it and take a photo of it.

-Submit all your work (photos, signed log, etc.) via the google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSediZ90q8kB_AIIAK702rGYlGTPnq5z29zoFKiSbcggxaHDrg/viewform?usp=sf_link

In order to receive SSL credit, you must submit both a photo of all of the baked items and your log of the amounts of the items.  Please submit your work via the form only once.  I will be sending out emails with your SSL form each weekend.  Please be patient.  

DROPOFF:

Casserole donations can be dropped off at the Bedford Station Apartments (1400 University Blvd E, Hyattsville, MD 20783) on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7:30am-8:30am.  To drop off please bring your casseroles in a box to the main office and leave it by the fence.  Please note: You cannot bring your donations to Bedford Station Apartments any other day or time than stated above.  It is a distribution site, not our office.  Thanks!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Please read the guidelines here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/virtual.aspx

Please email Roxanne (thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com) if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Small Things Matter

www.smallthingsmatter.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

PLEASE NOTE: TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION FORM WITH YOUR PERSONAL (NON-MCPS EMAIL) AND THEN HIT RESPOND ABOVE. YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT COMPLETING BOTH TASKS.

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to increasing access to business and computer science education around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members. Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its Natural Sciences Education Department, even subjects that are not extensively covered in MCPS curricula. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in the physical sciences, forensics, and/or medical sciences to apply.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF SSL HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

Initial appointment rank upon selection is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Volunteers with one year of active, high-quality service to Elevate the Future Maryland will automatically be promoted to Level 2 (senior) rank.

Developers will create educational materials for natural sciences curricula. This includes slide presentations, example activities, and extension activities. The Natural Sciences Education Department may also host educational events and competitions, including but not limited to guest speaker seminars, pitch contests, and remote lab activities, for which developers are permitted to instruct.

Quality work must be submitted before the deadline and done in a professional manner. Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they are directly supervised, as well as limited additional hours per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

Photo courtesy of Sparkle Stories

Help sew comfortable pillowcases for cancer patients of all ages. Our goal is to bring comfort and brightness to hospital rooms and treatment spaces—and as Madam Sew puts it, help "reduce the fear and stress associated with a hospital stay and [remind recipients] they are not defined by their illness."

Priorities

We Do Not Accept

Recommended Tutorials

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Help with updating website with photos of events happening during the year (For example; Autism Awareness event that took place in April, 2025 International Festival that took place in April as well, Bowling Youth even that will take place in July, Poem recital etc).

Criteria for Successful Completion of SSL Project: Website & Event Updates

1- Event should be posted on the website within one week of occurrence.

2- Hours Earned: 1.5 SSL hours per event update.

3- Content: Include photos/videos and a brief event description (1 paragraph).

4- Newsletter: Each event should be added to the monthly newsletter with a summary of 2-4 sentences.

5- Quality: Content must be clear, error-free, with consistent formatting.

6- Verification: Submit SSL form with supervisor approval and link/screenshot of the post.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

FourNineFive Legacy Volleyball Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal growing boys volleyball by affording players from families with limited financial resources opportunities to play.  We are looking for student volunteers to serve as Marketing & Social Media Managers to help develop social media marketing content and campaigns to increase visibility, engagement, and community involvement. This internship is designed specifically for students eager to explore the world of media production, content creation, social media, communications or marketing.

Responsibilities:

Assist in the production of multimedia content such as videos and social media posts.

Participate in brainstorming sessions for content ideas and campaign strategies.

Help with editing tasks for videos and audio content.

Support the social media team in content scheduling and community engagement efforts.

Qualifications:

A qualified candidate has excellent communication skills, is technology savvy, can work independently, and interested in working for a 501c3 nonprofit. Candidates must have access to a computer and reliable internet access. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Knowledge of social media eg Facebook, Twitter/X, Linked In and Instagram plus blogs and other communication platforms, a plus.

Familiarity with the sport of volleyball.

Comfort working or learning Google Suite including: Google Docs, Forms etc. This role is best for a very creative self-starter who has ability and initiative to work independently from home.

We will award SSL hours according to the following equivalency:

1 marketing collateral created (e.g., flyer, brochure, etc.) = 2 SSL hours

1 social media post = 1 hour

1 marketing video created = 4 SSL hours

Volunteers will also attend check-in meetings with our core team through a virtual platform (Google Meet) using their personal/private accounts and SSL hours will also be granted for meetings (1 meeting hour = 1 SSL hour). Please keep a log of all hours completed.  If you are interested in the position, please email sara@495volleyball.org 

Additional Information Regarding Opportunity:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student's parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents / guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. A student's parent / guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student's participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering. Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times. The nonprofit supervisor will host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur. Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

PLEASE NOTE: TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION FORM WITH YOUR PERSONAL (NON-MCPS EMAIL) AND THEN HIT RESPOND ABOVE. YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT COMPLETING BOTH TASKS.

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to increasing access to business and computer science education around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members.

Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its Outreach Committee. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in gaining exposure and getting trained to complete media, outreach, journalism, and public relations work.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF SSL HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 - Grades 6 - 12
 - Interested in outreach, social media engagement, publications, and media
 - Professional student writing and research skills

Volunteers are expected to complete high-quality work that is done in a professional manner. This work must be submitted on time or in a reasonable period after the assigned date, especially for time-sensitive tasks. Additionally, volunteers are expected to attend all meetings on time and exercise good judgement when volunteering with ETF MD.

Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they directly supervised, as well as one hour per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.  

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving digital and economic literacy around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members.

Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its Finance Department. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in finance, administration, or grantwriting to apply.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF MCPS  STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL) HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

Initial appointment rank upon selection is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Volunteers with one year of active, high-quality service to Elevate the Future Maryland will automatically be promoted to Level 2 (senior) rank.

Developers will oversee the financial operations of the Maryland Chapter of Elevate the Future. This primarily includes grant writing to raise funds for programs, which requires strong persuasive writing skills and a passion for the mission and vision of Elevate the Future's educational programs. The Finance Department also periodically handles financial planning, budget review, and fundraising planning for the chapter.

Quality work must be submitted before the deadline and done in a professional manner. Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they are directly supervised, as well as limited additional hours per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving digital and economic literacy around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members.

Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its Marketing Department. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in programming and technology education to apply.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF MCPS  STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL) HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

Initial appointment rank upon selection is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Volunteers with one year of active, high-quality service to Elevate the Future Maryland will automatically be promoted to Level 2 (senior) rank.

Social Media Specialists will create promotional and marketing materials. This includes social media posts—primarily Instagram posts—and flyers and graphics for the chapter's educational programs in business and computer science. Interest in business and computer science is a plus but not required.

Quality work must be submitted before the deadline and done in a professional manner. Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they are directly supervised, as well as limited additional hours per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving digital and economic literacy around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members.

Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its CS Education Department. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in programming and technology education to apply.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF MCPS  STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL) HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

Initial appointment rank upon selection is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Volunteers with one year of active, high-quality service to Elevate the Future Maryland will automatically be promoted to Level 2 (senior) rank.

Curriculum developers will create educational materials for computer science curriculums. This includes slide presentations, example activities, and extension activities. The CS Education Department may also host educational events and competitions, including but not limited to guest speaker seminars, hackathons, and coding contests for which developers are permitted to instruct.

Web developers will work with clients—small businesses—recording specifications, creating planning documentation, and using online web editorial tools to build web infrastructure for beneficiaries free of cost.

Quality work must be submitted before the deadline and done in a professional manner. Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they are directly supervised, as well as limited additional hours per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Elevate the Future is a U.S.-based student-led 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving digital and economic literacy around the world. We have 43 chapters in 18 countries with over 400 team members.

Elevate the Future's Maryland Chapter seeks remote student volunteers for its Business Education Department. Applications are ongoing, and we encourage any students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, the social sciences, and business education to apply.

ETF MD IS A CERTIFIED ISSUER OF MCPS  STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL) HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS ROLE WILL EARN SSL HOURS FOR THEIR WORK.

Initial appointment rank upon selection is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Volunteers with one year of active, high-quality service to Elevate the Future Maryland will automatically be promoted to Level 2 (senior) rank.

Developers will create educational materials for business curricula. This includes slide presentations, example activities, and extension activities. The Business Education Department may also host educational events and competitions, including but not limited to guest speaker seminars, pitch contests, and entrepreneurship-oriented summer camps, for which developers are permitted to instruct.

Quality work must be submitted before the deadline and done in a professional manner. Students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time serving when they are directly supervised, as well as limited additional hours per week for asynchronous tasks they are assigned to.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Description

2025-2026 ongoing SSL Opportunities for youth sponsored by The Tacy Foundation

Here is a list of many different In-Person and remote opportunities that you are invited to choose this school year:

5. Write about your Piano Pals® or Guitar Pals® or Reading Express® Your Reflections may be about a particular life lesson that you taught this fall or last year during the holiday season. Tell about how your young student saw the world of holidays through his or her eyes. Your writing may reflect (1) a change in your idea of community service, (2) what you discovered that you did not know before you taught (Write about this in regard to the children whom you are serving), and/or (3) the importance of music in the lives of the children you are working with. It may include a particularly difficult challenge that you faced or are facing in working with children. The piece may be about how you discovered a side of yourself you had not known before these music classes. Relate how you would like to take what you learned into the world to share with others and to serve again. (1 SSL hour after it is published online or in the Newsletter). Send to volunteer.thetacyfoundation@gmail.comand/or thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.  

Piano Pals for Elementary school children, Guitar Pals for Elementary school children, and Piano Pals for Seniors.  Look for Summer Training sessions (coming in July) for new volunteers.  Experienced mentors will teach new volunteers.  

Student participation in the above service projects is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. The above service activities are designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. Consent Forms for Virtual Learning by 501(c)(3) organizations (The Tacy Foundation) must be signed by the parent prior to enrollment. No exceptions.

Heart pillows are ideal for those who received surgical procedures near the underarm, and can act as a protective barrier between sensitive areas and the car seatbelt. Volunteers may choose to make sewn or crocheted heart-shaped pillows to show patients that we care!

NOTE: We do NOT accept no-sew pillows.

We welcome unisex colors and patterns (NO holiday or religious patterns, as noted in our project guidelines) and recommend a size of 9 x 9 inches, using cotton fabric for sewn pillows. For the safety of our recipients, please use new and unused materials.Please do not superglue pillows. Pillows must be sewn following the tutorials below, without stuffing coming out. Please feel free to Google to find other patterns.

For volunteers seeking service hours: Photos prior to submissions are HIGHLY recommended to ensure quality work. Please email volunteer@kitstoheart.org with your photos.

Materials

Kits to Heart earns from qualifying Amazon purchases, which supports our mission at no extra cost to you.

Recommended Tutorials

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

The Civic Circle has an opening on our Youth Council, a volunteer position that involves volunteering at Civic Circle events, promoting and supporting our organization as an ambassador in the community, and helping ensure that our programs are responsive to and relevant to Montgomery County’s youth. This is an outstanding opportunity for a high school or college student who has a passion for democracy issues and civic life, and would like to learn more about entrepreneurial leadership and nonprofit management. To learn more about The Civic Circle, visit www.theciviccircle.org. To apply, please contact Conner Barron at cbarron@theciviccircle.org.

MCPS Student Service Learning Information:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Volunteers will be tasked with researching nonprofits, schools, and community organizations in the DMV. As we collaborate with these organizations, we are learning about the services they provide, volunteer opportunities available, and vital resources to share with people in need. Volunteers will research the organizations, their contact info, and basic information about their projects.

Another virtual research opportunity involves policy reforms in the DMV. As we  strive to defend human rights, we are learning about organizations that are involved in the industry. Volunteers will research organizations involved in policy-making and the programs they implement to help the community.

These virtual volunteer opportunities will be hosted by a supervisor, so they will earn hour-for-hour the time they are serving.

Additional information for volunteers:

- A student's parent/guarding must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student's participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

- Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

- Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

- The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

- Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

- Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waive from the student's parent/guarding authorizing permission/release.

- Student's email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

Photo courtesy of OnlineFabricStore

Help sew fabric tissue holders to provide comfort and care for cancer patients. These handmade holders offer a personal, thoughtful touch—helping to brighten the hospital or treatment environment and reminding patients that they are supported and not alone during their journey. Designed to fit standard travel-size tissue packs, these holders are made using basic sewing techniques and minimal materials—making them perfect for beginners.

Recommended Materials

Kits to Heart earns from qualifying Amazon purchases, which supports our mission at no extra cost to you.

Recommended Tutorials

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

A post shared by Kits to Heart (@kitstoheart)

Help craft soft, colorful amigurumi creatures for patients undergoing cancer treatments. These thoughtful gifts not only brighten the patients' days but also serve as a symbol of care and encouragement during a challenging time. Please feel free to add keychains to the mini crochet creatures!

In terms of sizing, the mini crochet animals should be about the size of the palm of your hand, while the larger crochet animals may be the size of the hand itself. Due to the size limitations of our care kits, we will not be able to accept crochet animals larger than the size of an average adult hand. Thanks for your understanding and support!

Amigurumi Tutorials and Patterns:

Recommended Materials

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

Decorate beautiful journals that recipients would be able to use as appointment planners, symptom trackers, or simply coloring books. The covers and perhaps a few pages inside could be spaces for volunteers to draw outlines or artwork, write inspiring messages, etc.

As of August 11, 2023, we ONLY accept decorated store-bought journals for service hours, but not composition notebooks. The outside covers should be decorated with art and/or inspiring quotes. At least one of the inside pages should also be decorated with calendars, activity or coloring pages, inspiring messages, etc. Using only stickers or decorative tape is not acceptable for service hours.

Hand-bound journals are always welcome but will not be eligible for service hours.

Priorities

We Do Not Accept

Recommended Blank Journals

Please review the details and further guidance here: bit.ly/KTH-Volunteer

For Students: If you are a student seeking SSL hours, you must decorate at least 4 journals for quality completion of the service project. Every 4 decorated journals may receive 1 SSL hour. There is no maximum number of hours for this activity.

Please visit this link for more details and guidance. If you have any further questions, please reach out to volunteer@kitstoheart.org.

Safety is paramount. Please follow these precautions:
• Do not prepare and drop-off items if anyone in your home is sick.
• While packaging and dropping off items, wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
• During drop-off, please leave items at the front door.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Kits to Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives curated cancer care kits to patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time.

Help keep patients warm with thoughtfully made crochet and knit hats! These are especially important during trips to the hospital and to shield from colder weather. Please review the details and further guidance here: bit.ly/KTH-Volunteer

1 hat may be eligible for 1.5 service hours

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Here's your chance to become our Potomac community's featured student writer! Write a quarterly column about upcoming activities the general public can attend at Winston Churchill High School for the Regency Record, the online community newsletter of the Regency Estates Civic Association (RECA).  Help keep local residents informed about academic, athletic, theatrical and musical happenings at WCHS!  

Criteria for successful completion:  

1.  Compile a list of academic, athletic, theatrical, and/or musical activities sponsored by WCHS that are open to the community's attendance or participation in the up-coming calendar quarter.

2.  Compose a half-page to one-page article (8.5 x 11 size paper, inclusive of text, photos/media for the community's Regency Record e-newsletter briefly describing each activity and how area residents may participate or attend.

3.  Submit the article by a deadline to be set by the Editor of the Regency Record. (The next deadline is June 6, 2025.)

4.  Respond to the Editor-in-Chief's questions -- if any -- about the content of the article.  For example, to clarify a date or time of an activity.  The article will be subject to editing by the Editor-in-Chief for content, grammar, spelling, etc.

4 SSL hours (2 hours for research and 2 hours for writing the article)

The process by which the student(s) will submit their final product to the Regency Estates Civic Association for review:  The student(s) will e-mail their article to the Editor-in-Chief of the Regency Record by the Editor's established deadline.  The Editor-in-Chief is Rick Chen.  His e-mail address to rick.chen@regencyestates.org. 

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Join us for an exciting 10 hours of personal development, civic engagement, and leadership development. The Civic Engagement and Leadership Academy is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable knowledges, skills and experience while making a positive impact on your community.

This exciting online program is designed to help high school students develop their leadership skills while learning about civic engagement. The program will include classroom instruction, project-based learning and hands-on experiences that will allow participants to apply the concepts and skills they learn to real-world situations. Our experienced teachers and mentors will guide students through a series of activities and workshops designed to promote personal development, civic engagement, and leadership development. All participants not only will receive their certificate of Civic Engagement and leadership but also will earn 10 SSL hours after completing this program.

Registration Information

Application Period:  year-round program

 Register website:https://yuan.foundation

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

The “Write to Your Representatives program” is a valuable opportunity for high school students to engage in civic activities , advocate for important issues, make their voices heard, and make a difference in their community and in the world. HS students will identify, research and analyze community or social problems,  Connect issues to policies , and propose their solutions to address these issues. 

Participants will earn 20 SSL hours, the detailed informations is  as follows:

1.Identify the issues (2 hours)

2.Research and analyze the issue (5 hours)

3.Relate the issue to policy (2 hours)

4.Propose innovative solutions/policies to legislators (2 hours)

5.Write their paper (5 hours)

6.Prepare the PPT (2 hours)

7.Prepare material for presentation at the booth (2 hours).

 Timeline

5/16/25                   Application Open

08/31/25                 Deadline of Application

09/01/25                 Deadline of submission

09/27                      Final presentation

Golden Award, Silver Awards, Bronze Awards,Social Impact Award

Registration website

         www.yuan.foundation

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

The Youth Tutor will provide direction, support, and academic guidance to elementary through high school students in the School and Community Youth Services program of Sheppard Pratt (formerly Family Services, Inc.). Tutoring will take place on a one-to-one basis with assignments and reinforcement of subject areas provided as requested by the student. The School and Community Youth Services tutoring program has been matching students from their programs with tutors for over 29 years.

The School and Community Youth Services program provides Montgomery County children, youth, and families with a variety of early-intervention, after-school, and counseling services to improve lives.  Sheppard Pratt promotes the resilience, recovery, and independence of individuals and families across the lifespan through mental and physical health, social service, and education.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status. 

DevelopIT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal of creating future leaders in technology by offering a free program that includes hands-on applications and student-led learning environments. We are looking for student volunteers to serve as Marketing & Social Media Managers to help develop social media marketing content and campaigns to increase visibility, engagement, and community involvement.

If you are interested in earning SSL hours for this activity, please let us know. We will review your marketing material or campaign plans (template for content creation will be provided) and approve them for execution within the organization by our core team. Once we have reviewed your submissions, we will award SSL hours according to the following equivalency:

Volunteers will also attend check-in meetings with our core team through a virtual platform (Google Meet) using their personal/private accounts and SSL hours will also be granted for meetings (1 meeting hour = 1 SSL hour). Please contact our admin team for more details at info@developitinc.org.

If you are interested in the position, please submit an application on our website: https://www.developitinc.org/join-us

Additional Information Regarding Opportunity:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

DevelopIT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal of creating future leaders in technology by offering a free program that includes hands-on applications and student-led learning environments. We are looking for student volunteers to serve as Growth & Fundraising Managers to help 1) increase our presence in the local community and 2) develop fundraising activity plans and donation campaigns.

If you are interested in earning SSL hours for this activity, please let us know. We will review your activity or campaign plans (template for content creation will be provided) and approve them for execution within the organization by our core team. Once we have reviewed your submissions, we will award SSL hours according to the following equivalency:

Volunteers will also attend check-in meetings with our core team through a virtual platform (Google Meet) using their personal/private accounts and SSL hours will also be granted for meetings (1 meeting hour = 1 SSL hour). Please contact our admin team for more details at info@developitinc.org.

To apply, please submit an application form on our website: https://www.developitinc.org/join-us

Additional Information Regarding Opportunity:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Helping Hands for Humanity supports Children's Education through charitable activities.

We need volunteers to help promote and support our cause: to eradicate poverty through education. 

Middle school and high school students are eligible to earn SSL hours by creating social media content. 

SSL Hours: Each content created for a single social media content approved by hhhumanity.org is eligible for an award of One and a half (1.5) SSL hours upon review and approval by hhhumanity.org. Please follow the instructions below for specific requirements on the content. These requirements must be met for the content to be approved.

Instructions :

1. Apply for the  Volunteer position by responding to a volunteer opportunity at MC Volunteer Center. Upon your selection, you will be assigned an Activity for Volunteering.

3. Create the content with the following guidelines:

            a. Name the Tile for the Social Media Post

            b. Write the description for the posting. The description should include an introduction/context, message, and hashtags

            c. Create a collage of pictures, video reels, and links to media such as YouTube.

4. Submit the finalized content in a document for approval by emailing to volunteer@hhhumanity.org

5. Make changes as necessary based on the input provided by hhhumanity.org and resubmit the revised content.

6. If you are a student volunteer requesting SSL hours, an adult representative of hhhumanity.org will review the content, and the student will be awarded 1.5 hours for each approved piece of content created by the student.    

For more information, contact us at volunteer@hhhumanity.org

Important Note: All social media content will be posted by hhhumanity,org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

·       Do I need to sign up?  Please apply for this position. 

·       Is there a limit on number of hours?  Students are limited to 4hrs per day outsdie of the school hours during the school year and 8hrs during holidays and breaks. Adults are limited to 8hrs per day

·       Is this approved for MCPS SSL hours? YES. 

·       Is this opportunity still open? YES, it is still an ongoing need.  

·       How will I receive my SSL hours?  Eligible and verified work by students will receive your SSL form via email once the service is completed, reviewed, and approved by hhhumanity.org.  

Please read the guidelines here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/virtual.aspx

If you have any additional questions, please email us at volunteer@hhhumanity.org

Thanks!

Helping Hands for Humanity Inc.

https://hhhumanity.org/

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is not responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Volunteers are invited to knit, sew or crochet at home to make blankets as gifts for hospitalized children. Volunteers are also welcome to come pick up supplies, stay and make blankets in a group setting, and/or drop off your completed blanket on days when we are meeting in person. Meetings are held in the lower level of the University of Maryland extension office, Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood. Our next meeting is Tuesday 30 September 2025, drop in between 10am and 3pm.

Jeanne Purich is the person who signs SSL forms. Students should contact her before they begin work at home on their blankets and email her photos of work in progress, so that she can mentor them along the way. Jeanne Purich may be emailed at jcpurich@cs.com. 

This project is sponsored by the Montgomery County Association for Family & Community Education. Blanket-making guidelines are found at http://mdafce.org/montgomeryblanket.htm. For directions and more, contact Kathie at 301-270-5367 or kpmack2@gmail.com

If you are a student, this table shows how your SSL hours will be computed.

SSL Hours Awarded for FCE Blanket Making

SIZE

TYPE

HOURS

AWARDED

36 x 36

Simple pattern, double crochet, granny square

20

>36 x 36 to 45 x 60

Simple pattern, double crochet, granny square

25

36 x 36

Complicated pattern, crochet, ripple, octagon shapes, other design

30

>36 x 36 to 45 x 60

Complicated pattern, crochet Ripple, octagon shapes, other design,

35

36 x 36

Simple pattern, knitted with size 11-15 needles

20

>36 x 36 to 45 x 60

Simple pattern, knitted with size 11-15 needles

25

36 x 36

Complicated pattern, knitted with size 6-10 needles

30

>36 x 36 to 45 x 60

Complicated pattern, knitted with size 6-10 needles

35

48 x 48 or larger

Fleece - single layer (no double layer blankets)

2.5

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian  and must be completed outside of school hours. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

(1) Music Videos for hospitals. The Tacy Foundation receives video recordings from volunteers for hospitals and seniors in the metropolitan area of Washington/Baltimore/Wilmington/Philadelphia/New York City, the Northeast corridor. The YouTube playlists are also sent nationwide to Fisher Houses and hospitals wherever requested.  Children are invited to participate in the recording and distribution for these musical gifts. The Foundation is dedicated to sending sounds of hope and healing through music.  1 hour of SSL Credit per video.  Songs must be at least late elementary/intermediate level and range from 3 to 10 minutes in length.). Public Domain status or written permission from the publisher are required.

This is an ongoing project.  Contact The Tacy Foundation for opportunities. Videos are uploaded on the Foundation's YouTube Playlist. Each year over 300 videos are placed on a new playlist for the purpose of sending hope and healing into the communities. Thanks to technology, the music videos are placed on QR code Cards with contact information for the recipients.  This makes for easy shipping along with handmade greeting cards from volunteers. 

(2) The Tacy Foundation sponsors live music performances at NIH Clinical Research Center's Hall of Hope & Seniors Centers, and acts as liaison for American Red Cross Teen Pianists at Walter Reed-Bethesda Lobby of the America Building.   (2.0 hours of ssl credit per concert.)

(3) The Tacy Foundation sponsors Piano Pals, an internship program for teen pianists to mentor elementary school children who cannot afford music lessons at some elementary public schools' aftercare programs in Montgomery County, MD.  (1.5 hours  of SSL credit per session)

(4) The Reading Express brings a story to life through children's books. Volunteers are needed to supervise craft tables at the library and help with cleanup following the event. Playing an instrument is required for recording music and participation in live concerts. Playing an instrument, organizing lesson material and communicating with children, a congenial outgoing personality, compassion for younger children, and dependability are required for the internship/mentor in the Piano Pals Program.  (1 hour of SSL Credit per book)

Contact us to find a good fit for you.  

www.tacyfoundation.org.  "Become a Volunteer" page.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Please find below a list of virtual/remote opportunities as well as in-person activities for volunteers to continue reminding Seniors that we are grateful for them.   If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the following steps:

Here is a list of many different virtual/remote and in-person opportunities that you may complete this fall.  All are welcome and encouraged to make a difference! Virtual opportunities will continue to be offered and approved for SSL Credit. (MCPS has authorized credit under the conditions and terms that will be outlined this Fall).

1. Make a Video of your Music Performance for YouTube Playlist, songs in public domain and marked "Unlisted." (A project at home at anytime)
For clarification and submission, contact: recording.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com
1 hour of ssl per video.

2. Virtual Live Concerts.  Virtual Concerts must be pre-approved by the Executive Director.

3. Reading Express Video Library. Make a Video of your reading a children's book (public domain or original book by you, or written permission from publisher) for Reading Express®. Nancy Bo Flood (Navajo Nation author) books are available. Permission has been granted by the author.  Contact: reading.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com for details.                                                   Copy: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.                                                                                              1 hour of ssl credit per video upon uploading to the Reading Express YouTube playlist.

4. Composer's Circle (one-on-one via signup.com invitation). Ongoing. Weekly. By appointment. Mentor to be determined in 2025.
1⁄2 hour ssl credit per half hour class after the composition is included on the foundation's YouTube playlist for hospitals.

5. Piano Pals® Training for Elementary School Children in Title 1
Schools: For Grades 3-5. This online class serves as preparation for mentoring when schools open and children will attend the afterschool program. Should schools be closed to afterschool activities, these classes will resume until schools open.
1 hour of ssl credit per class attended.

6. Piano Pals for ES Children:  Brown Station ES (weekday after school), Clopper Mill ES (weekday after school), Fox Chapel ES (weekday after school). Gaithersburg ES (weekday after school), and Tanglewood Apartments HOC in Silver Spring (Saturday Mornings) will continue Piano Pals afterschool programs in 2025.    Contact: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com for information and an application.

7. Guitar Pals for ES Children: 2025 continuing in 2nd semester (See No. 7 for schools participating.)

8.  Piano Pals® for Seniors -  Senior facilities that are open will schedule the teen for volunteering by appointment to meet a senior at the assisted living and teach a lesson. Look for a senior facility to serve a senior with piano lessons.                   Contact: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com

1 hour ssl credit per class for mentors; 1.5 hrs for Chief Intern.

9. Guitar Pals® Training. See No. 6 in regard to offering this program at Title 1 schools. Training will be offered online if there is no opportunity to teach in Title 1 schools. Contact thetacyfoundation@gmail.com to apply for Chief Intern position to teach teens how to mentor. Teaching Curriculum provided.                                                                                                 1.5 hour ssl credit per class for mentors; 2.0 hrs for Chief Intern.  ( 2024-2025 depending on volunteer application)

10. Cards. 1 ssl hour of credit per 15 handmade cards

A. Thank You cards (handmade) for
• First Responders (anytime),
• Military Servicemembers, especially for veterans and active duty who have service.                                                                            
• Seniors who have worked their lives to improve the community.

Please do not include any personal information (full name, home address, phone number, email address, etc.)

B. Get Well Cards for hospital patients (hand made).                                                              • Jokes to cheer patients.
• Encouragement Cards

Please do not include any personal information (full name, home address, phone number, email address, etc.)

C. Seasonal Cards for Autumn, for holidays, for special occasions 1 hour ssl credit per 15 cards

Write for drop off locations to cards.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.   Volunteers Mario Lara, Riona Sheikh, Matthew Kim, or Ms. Willis-Lara, Adult Supervisor, will respond.

Please do not include any personal information (full name, home address, phone number, email address, etc.)

11. Write about your Tacy Foundation experience for the Inspiring Hope Newsletter.  Share with the many readers who follow your work on the monthly issue.
Contact: volunteer.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.
COPY always: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com for approval of your topic.                                        1.5 hours of ssl credit per story

12. NEW: Life Stories:  Interview Seniors to learn their impactful life stories.  Pass down their treasure of personal struggle and victory as well as those issues of history that are not in the history lessons at school.   See and write about how their lives impact us now.  Find out how they are impacted by the youth and music/story of Tacy Foundation volunteers. Write an article or story for the Newsletter about your discoveries. 300 words minimum.  Look for suggestions from Tacy Foundation Newsletter Chief Editor in the September Newsletter.
Contact: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com and volunteer.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com and programs.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.                                                                          1.5 hours of ssl credit per story.

13. Team Leader and internships for creating 45 minute playlist of Tacy Foundation Virtual Live Music Playlist Master List: This leadership position requires ability to create a beautiful program of music from the over 800 songs on the current Private Playlists on YouTube. For an application position,                                                                                                            contact: thetacyfoundation@gmail.com authorization of your project.

14. All Live Music Events will be sent out via Signup.com. The date and time and location of the event will be given on the invitation. Each child/teen who signs up will be notified 2 days prior to the event. The Chief Intern of each event will take the parents’ emails, time of arrival and departure to send to ssl.tacy@gmail.com.

If you know of others who would like to inspire hope, please send them to the website page: "How to Become a Volunteer."  We have so much work to do to rebuild the hopes of so many who have challenges in the Post-COVID world. Reach out to them with your hearts and minds through music, art, and story and deeds of great care.

Student participation in the above service projects is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. The above service activities are designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status. 

Again this Fall, Tacy Foundation will offer these opportunities as follows:

(1) training for teens to learn how to teach the (purple) Primer Books of Faber Piano Adventures for anyone who missed the early Summer classes. 

Dates: Weekends by appointment as needed. Invitations given via Signup.com for Piano Pals Training.   In-Person and/or Online Training.

(2) training for mentors to learn and teach Creative Improv from Faber Piano Adventures.  Written reflection and video presentation, and Sign In Sheet required for SSL Credit.      See below:  

New Webinar Series for Learning and Teaching Creative Improv

Join your hosts Randall Faber and Brian DiBlassio to learn how bursts of creativity spinning from favorite Piano Adventures songs can make lessonsexploratory and fun. Each live webinar provides focused, hands-on training to enhance your teaching toolkit.

August 4,    1pm to 2:30pm ET

Introduction to Creative Improv: You Already Have the Skills to Get Going!

August 11,   1pm to 2:30pm ET

Beyond the Printed Page: Opening up Tunes

August 18,   1pm to 2:30pm ET

Next Level Improv-abilities for Jazz & Blues

Webinars are free and open to all. Recordings will be available in the Teacher Atlas.

Enrollment with the Foundation is required. Go to www.tacyfoundation.org, How to Volunteer page.

All parents of Volunteers must go to www.tacyfoundation.org and sign the Consent Form.  This is found in the "How to Volunteer" section.  This form is required.  An Orientation via telephone conference call follows.  Classes are open AFTER the process of enrollment and Orientation are completed.  No exceptions.

If you missed the Summer classes and you are interested in joining a Virtual class (for learning how to teach grades K-5), we will offer this beginning in the winter months while in-school Piano Pals programs continue at Gaithersburg ES, Brown Station ES, Fox Chapel ES, and Clopper Mill ES, and Tanglewood Apartments HOC.  

Each SSL Credit Hour is logged by the Adult Host of the sessions.  One hour of class time equals 1 hour of ssl credit.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

This is a free, 5-hour interactive course that puts the participant in the role of a provider in a post-disaster scene. This course is for individuals new to disaster response who want to learn the core goals of PFA, as well as for seasoned practitioners who want a review. It features innovative activities, video demonstrations, and mentor tips from the nation’s trauma experts and survivors. PFA online also offers a Learning Community where participants can share about experiences using PFA in the field, receive guidance during times of disaster, and obtain additional resources and training.

Participants open a learning account at Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)

The course can be completed in small blocks of time or as time permits.

Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, participants are provided with a certificate of completion of the PFA Course that they must email to pandreasonmd@gmail.com to receive 5 SSL hours.

A completed and signed SSL certificate (form 560-61) will be provided via email after receipt of the PFA Certificate of completion. 

The Course is supported by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is widely recognized by the disaster response community.

For participants who have completed this course and wish to be involved in a PFA trained response team, this site will provide other opportunities, as needs arise.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

We currently have available PR member positions available! See the description below to learn more about the role. Once you've learned more about the roles of PR member, apply by filling out the form below!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3358Uy4i4mfFwkViP7FuzFiZYjh17lBhDT_ci48QvOSjDxQ/viewform

PR Team Member

Creating/designing social media posts for Instagram/TikTok/YouTube with the guidance of adults in the organization (0.5 SSL hours per post designed) 

NO SSL hours will be given for posting said post, as that will be done by the adult representative in the organization

Important Participation Guidelines:

Supervision Requirements:
An adult nonprofit representative (who is not the student’s parent/guardian or relative) will provide direct supervision in any virtual space, including breakout sessions, for the entire session.

Parental Approval:
A student’s parent/guardian must provide our nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Account Usage:
Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Direct Engagement:
Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor, who will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

Session Hosting:
The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Session Recording:
Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Sharing of Media:
Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Protection of Personal Information:
Students’ email addresses, home addresses, or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Are you passionate about the environment and eager to make a positive impact? Join us in our Green Entrepreneurship Program, Green Careers initiative, Tree Planting, and other sustainability efforts. Your involvement will help shape a greener, more sustainable future for our community!

Together, let’s grow a brighter, greener tomorrow!

This opportunity is hybrid and will operate both in-person and virtually/remotely.

Our nonprofit organization, Live Peace Tech Corporation, will be engaging with students through a live virtual platform (i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, etc.). 

We will provide direct supervision by an adult nonprofit representative (who is not the student’s parent/guardian or relative) in any virtual space (including breakout sessions) for the entire session. 

Please review the following information while considering this opportunity

A student’s parent/guardian must provide our organization with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Process for tracking, logging, and verifying students’ service hours:

#For any activities that are supervised live through a virtual platform or in a public space, students will earn hour-for-hour the amount of time served when they are directly supervised.

#For any activity that will be performed by the students on their own at home without direct/live supervision:

For activities that students complete independently at home without direct or live supervision, the following criteria must be met to ensure successful completion:

Clear Objectives: Each activity must have a specific goal or outcome that aligns with the organization’s mission. The student should be able to articulate how their work meets these objectives.

Verification: Evidence of the completed activity must be submitted, including but not limited to:

Photos of the work completed

Written reflection or description of the process and outcomes

Presentation or report (video, PowerPoint, etc.)

Quality Standards: The final product must meet the quality standards set by the organization. These standards should be clearly communicated upfront to the students and include:

Relevance to the environmental, economic or social cause

Accuracy, creativity, or effectiveness of the solution

Ability to demonstrate a connection to the learning outcomes

To ensure equitable awarding of SSL (Student Service Learning) hours, students will be credited based on the successful completion of specific activities rather than a log of time spent. The following equivalency model will be used:

Activity 1: Green Entrepreneurship or Green Career Program

Research and present a report on a sustainable business idea.

Equivalency: 2 hours for research + 1 hour for the presentation = 3 SSL hours.

Activity 2: Community Engagement Campaign

Design a campaign (flyers, social media) to raise awareness of sustainability issues in the community.

Equivalency: 2 hours of design work = 2 SSL hours.

Students are required to submit their final products for review to the organization, following these steps:

Submission of Materials:

All completed materials (photos, reports, presentations) must be submitted via email or an online submission form provided by the organization.

A deadline for submission will be clearly communicated.

Review Process:

A designated reviewer from the organization will assess the submissions against the set criteria for completion and quality.

Feedback will be provided within one week of submission.

Final Approval:

Upon successful completion of the project, the student will receive confirmation of the awarded SSL hours.

If revisions are needed, students will be given guidance and a deadline for resubmission.

All activities and SSL hours must adhere to the MCPS SSL guidelines for virtual/remote service, including documentation and approval processes.

By following these steps, we ensure students receive SSL hours equitably while contributing meaningfully to the community.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Volunteers would make presentations on topics such as Leadership, Advocacy, Communication, and anything else related to educating students around the globe on soft-skills needed in the real world. Resources will be published onto social media and ETE Website. Additionally, these will be sent to underprivileged students locally internationally including India and Pakistan.

*Each Presentation will earn 2 SSL/Volunteer Hours, this is approximated based on 25 minutes that the individual will spend on each slide (creating at least 5 slides in total). 

Google Form Submission Link

 REQUIREMENTS:
1) Include name, grade, and school name on 1st page of the slideshow, this will only be used for awarding service hours, it will not be sent to ETE partner schools or recorded in any other way. 
2) Include the topic of your presentation on the First Page
3) Include at least 5 slides on your presentation (excluding title slide)
4) Please make sure to make the content engaging, interactive (consider adding quizzes and games), and visually appealing. It is extremely important to use accurate information and proper citations if necessary.
5) Other formatting, colors and themes are completely up to the individual creating the resource

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. 

Garbage recycling

Sample

       6. Send annotated photos and photos to our official email alex@cleanplanetcollective.org once a month.

       7. The other type of garbage container is also fine, but the size need to be at least 20*30*40inches (similar to the size of the MCPS bin), and they must be placed with a MCPS blue bin when taking photos.

       8. Montgomery County garbage sorting policy

       9. 1 SSL Hour per week

PLE Youth Program is looking for youth teachers (Grade 6-12) to help students (at least two years younger) for all subjects.

If you are interested in applying for the job, please fill out the following form:

https://forms.gle/JB5PGK8bfL8J1c4x8

We will contact you shortly

Look forward to working with you!

PLE Youth Program Team

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

Regarding how we will track and verify SSL hours:

--- Students will track their volunteer hours by making a copy of the following template. The document must be titled following the template - (ex: “John Smith_2021-2022 Time Collection”). On the first row list your full name. On the second row, please state if you are applying for the PVSA award.

--- After each class, document the date, the duration and the preparation time of the class. The default total class preparation time is the same as the duration of the class. (Ex. If your class is 40 minutes long, you enter 40 minutes for the class preparation). 

--- If your preparation time is more than the default time, PLE and all its staff reserve the right to view your lesson plans. After reviewing all materials you created in preparation and a possible interview, we determine if the preparation time logged is appropriate or if it should be adjusted based on length, amount, and quality of material. We generally do not award more than 2 hours of preparation time. You will retain copyright over your plans. 

--- Any orientation, training and meeting times will also be counted toward your volunteer time. Please enter the event name, date, and duration. Please be aware preparation time is not applicable to this circumstance (ex: New faculty online orientation, 4/21/2010, 1 hour). 

--- We will send certificates of verified volunteer hours and complete volunteer forms (SSL, NHS, etc.) upon request. 

--- All other forms of volunteering (eg. advertisement, management, newsletter writing, general curriculum development) will be tracked on an hour-for-hour basis the amount of time served when supervised. If items are completed without live supervision, they are reviewed on a case by case basis. Most curriculum development, newsletters, and proposals written will be awarded 1-2 hours, based on length and quality.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.

The Middle Eastern American Advisory Group  (MEAAG) is one of the ethnic advisory groups organized by the county's Office of Community Partnerships (OCP). MEAAG's mission is to embrace, bridge, and contribute to equity among our diverse communities. Our current members are immigrants or descendants of immigrants from around the broader Middle East, as well as Pakistan, and we are seeking wider representation of southwest Asian heritage. 

MEAAG's tasks include liaison with the County Executive and OCP Director on the needs and concerns of Middle Eastern Americans living and/or working in Montgomery County, including but not limited to advice regarding policy initiatives, budget priorities, economic and other partnership opportunities, and implementation of programs. MEAAG helps educate and bridge ME communities with the non-profit organizations and grant opportunities that are available in the county, e.g., availability of halal meat in MCPS cafeterias, education about Islamic holidays and culture, senior citizen services, and culturally appropriate music and arts programs via Strathmore, Sandy Spring Museum, the libraries and other organizations. We are driven by our communities' needs, from small business development to access to health care, and our members' skills and networks, and we welcome members with knowledge of graphic arts, ME performing arts, and other related skills. 

Toastmaster is a US headquartered nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking, leadership skills, and educational and cultural exchange.

Join our virtual Toastmaster Gavel Club ~ every other Wednesday from 7pm to 8:30pm!

Register HERE

This is a joint program with our premier "Leaders in Training" program that is geared to prepare youth for the future by providing participants the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of themselves, their culture, community and identity as young people, to develop personal and collective leadership skills, and to engage in civic responsibility by developing and implementing community projects and initiatives. 

As a Leader in Training/Gavel Club member, you will also have access to the following opportunities:

to achieve the following goals:

For SSL hours, please note the following:

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.

Attention all high school students in the DMV: are you interested in volunteering and fundraising for a local health-based organization? Look no further to Hope for Henry's Teen Board! Hope for Henry's Teen Board is comprised of a group of high school students committed to giving their time and talent to advance Hope for Henry's mission to reinvent the pediatric patient experience at hospitals nationwide. The focus of the Teen Board will be primarily on fundraisings such as the annual 5k, March Madness, Toy Drive, and Hope for Henry Sweet Treats. If you are interested, the application can be found here and is due on or before August 24, 2022 at 5pm! 

The time commitment will be about 5-10 hours per month, all time spent with the Teen Board is eligible to be considered SSL Volunteer hours. 

**If the student wishes to be considered for SSL Volunteer Hours as a member of the Hope for Henry Teen Board; Hope for Henry follows MCPS SSL Guidelines for any aspect of Teen Board work that is done virtually: 

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Please find below a list of virtual/remote opportunities for volunteers to continue reminding Seniors that we are grateful for them. Hospital patients and staff will be heartened by your music and stories.  These activities are designed to be completed in the safety of your home during Quarantine for the time being (ending when MCPS and all MD/VA schools return to normal status). If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the following steps:

Here is a list of many different virtual/remote opportunities that you can complete until schools return to normal status:

1.  Find music that has great meaning for the seniors (songs from 1940’s to 1990’s).  Use the time you would ordinarily spend practicing for an event to learn at least one or two songs. You will be ready to share these favorite songs when the doors open again. During this Fall season, add Fall and Winter repertoire to your list of music to bring after Quarantine. (1 SSL hour)

2.  Draw a picture depicting the Summer season for the seniors.  Include a crossword puzzle for them to keep their minds sharp. Write a rhyme and picture.  Reflect on their importance to your life by their great contributions through history (from 1940’s to the present).  Send these to the Teen Communications Intern for the Foundation. There have been many adventures from your generous, heroic efforts, and they are so beautiful to read.  Sharing your thoughts with other volunteers will embolden them to overcome their fear and hesitancy.  Sharing them with adults and seniors reminds the seniors that they are important.  It is their privilege to pass down to YOU the great work ethic, sense of purpose, and experiences in grappling with emergencies that they have learned during their lifetime.  During this silence from seeing them, we will ask the Communications Intern to receive these writings and place them on Facebook. Most seniors have access to Facebook.  They can see their young music friends’ messages of concern and of thanks for their lives.  We will also mail your messages to them either via email or USPS. (.5 SSL hour)

3.  Make and send your music video of music in public domain on YouTube performances. We will offer your music to the Activity Directors (of seniors facilities) as Virtual Live Performance.  You are allowed to speak clearly your message to seniors:  “I miss seeing you, so I would like to play this song for you now…..”. (1 SSL hour)

4. Write a thoughtful, encouraging email message to a senior.   Let the senior know how he or she has reminded you of courage and strength during hard times.

You may refer to the Beethoven story written and illustrated below by Faber Piano Adventures.  (See web site below on this email message.)

https://beethoven.pianoadventures.com/?mc_cid=fe4353e2fc&mc_eid=4e5fc455a7

Tell him or her that you are studying about another hero (besides the senior) who has helped you.  In other words, share with seniors in an email message to them to encourage them to be strong and to have hope.  

Send your letter to the Program Manager: programs.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com.  She will send your letter or story to the seniors in all of the places where we play music.  They will see our video playlist too and will look forward to the time when COVID is over and we will return to them. 

1.5 SSL per email letter.  5 full paragraphs of expressive, encouraging connection between the struggles of Beethoven’s life challenges and your experience so far in the pandemic of 2020.

5.  Write (and or) illustrate a particular memorable moment when you played music at a hospital.  Perhaps someone came up to you and thanked you.  Maybe a family had just heard a very sad prognosis, or a family was happily bringing home a newborn baby, or another family was bringing home a loved one from a hospital stay.  As they always do, they stopped to hear your music.  Another time, perhaps you saw people enter the lobby through the big doors and turn toward the music and sigh a deep breath of hope and courage.  Write a descriptive piece on this.  Your writing may bring peace of mind to someone in a senior facility or a hospital who cannot express the sadness or the despair.  Stories are the best medicine for reminding us of the inestimable value of paying forward our hope for others through music. (1 SSL hour)

6. Write about your Piano Pals® or Guitar Pals® or Reading Express® experiences. Your Reflections may be about a particular life lesson you gained in this setting.  Tell about how your Title 1 student saw the world through his or her eyes.  Your writing may reflect (1) a change in your idea of community service, (2) what you discovered that you did not know before you taught (Write about this in regard to the children whom you are serving), and/or (3) the importance of music in the lives of the children you are working with.  It may include a particularly difficult challenge that you faced or are facing in working with children. The piece may be about how you discovered a side of yourself you had not known before these music classes.  Relate how you would like to take what you learned into the world to share with others and to serve again. (1 SSL hour)

7.  Assemble USBs for shipments to NYC's First Responders as well as hospital patients.  Place USB into plastic pouches with inserts as a donation (1 SSL hour per 100 USBs)

   Design CHEERFUL THANK YOU cards for hospitals, First Responders, and the military families that will receive Tacy  Foundation USBs  at Fisher Houses, and First Responders. (1 SSL hour for 15 cards)

9.  The Reading Express Virtual Library:  Make a video recording of a children's book, a fairy tale, or Your Own Storybook of holidays in your family.  Show the pictures on the camera as you read the book.  No matter how difficult life becomes and how trapped a child feels, he or she can go anywhere in the universe with a book or story.  Reading to a child can take him anywhere, bring her hope and joy in any life situation. BE SURE THE STORY IS IN PUBLIC DOMAIN or contact the publisher directly first to receive written permission to make a video of the story.  (1 hour SSL)   

11.  Virtual Live Music via YouTube Video Concerts (in Virginia & Maryland) of  Music.  Prepare songs to play live on YouTube.  Chief Interns will place on a private playlist.  45-minute programs are to be sent to Seniors Facilities that request video to be viewed at any time that is convenient for each facility.  Look for Signup.com opportunities.  Prepare any classical and or public domain songs to cheer each listener!  1.5 hour SSL Credit.

Student participation in the above service projects is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. The above service activities are designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status. 

Our non-profit aims to help the community through many ways. One main way we hope to do this is through advocacy, especially through our Instagram. Social media is a great way to increase presence and reach those who may be interested. We create posts informing our audience about the issue and updating them on educational policies.

Requirements:

- related to educational inequity

- at least 3-4 slides long 

- provide thoroughly researched information

- include graphs/statistics as needed

- include diagrams, images, etc. to draw attention

- make edits as suggested by editor

1 post = 2 hours

After signing up, we can discuss the topics you are interested in :)

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.

Our non-profit aims to help the community through many ways. One main way we hope to do this is through advocacy, especially through our blog. We write about a lot of topics regarding educational inequity in order to bring awareness to our audience about the issue and other issues that stem from educational inequity.

Requirements:

- at least 5 paragraphs long

- thoroughly researched

- unbiased

- edited as per suggestions made by editor

1 article = 5 hours

After signing up, we can discuss the topics you are interested in and get writing :)

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.

Our non-profit aims to help the community through many ways. One main way we hope to do this is providing extra lessons for those who do not have access to them, or those who need extra help. You can create lessons for a multitude of subjects, including humanities, STEM, business/lifestyle, test prep, college prep, for all ages K-12, and more.

Requirements:

- Create a slideshow including topics as specified by the provided syllabus

- Include resources

- Include enough information for a 1 hour session

- Include hands-on activities that students can do in their homes

- Create homework associated with the lesson

- Make edits as suggested by editor

1 lesson = 4 hours

After signing up, we can discuss the topics you are interested in :)

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.