Student Service Learning

Student Service Learning Hours

FOR STUDENTS

SSL Guidelines

May begin earning student service learning (SSL) hours toward the 75-hour graduation requirement the summer after completing Grade 5. Hours are accrued throughout high school.
May receive a maximum of 8 SSL hours in any 24-hour period earned outside of the instructional school day.
Must participate in community opportunities that are MCPS SSL organizations if SSL hours are desired from community involvement:
- May participate in service-learning opportunities with nonprofit organizations identified with a graduation cap at Montgomery County Volunteer Center or;
- May submit a completed MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request prior to earning SSL hours with any organization or opportunity that is not identified with a graduation cap at Montgomery County Volunteer Center.
May receive SSL hours for involvement in campaigns of individuals running for public office with the granting of MCPS Form 560-50. Request must be pre-approved in advance of the public service.
Must perform service under the supervision on an adult representing an MCPS SSL nonprofit tax-exempt organization. The exception is prior approval of MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, for direct service to residents/patients in for-profit nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Certificate of Meritorious Service/Purple Tassel:

Seniors May be recognized for exceptional service in senior year by having documented 240 or more hours of service by the March 27, 2026 (Certificate of Meritorious Service from MSDE and MCPS and a purple tassel to wear at graduation services).

White Oak Power in the Park – Student Volunteers Needed
📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (volunteers 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
📍 White Oak Garden Apartments (11600 Lockwood Dr #104, Silver Spring, MD 20904)

Join the Office of Delegate Lorig Charkoudian at this zero-waste community event connecting families to energy assistance, efficiency, and clean energy programs.

✅ Student volunteers will help with set-up, event support, and clean-up.
✅ Earn 4–5 SSL hours (including a Zoom volunteer meeting).
🍴 Free breakfast provided!

2025 White Oak Fall Cleanup Day – SSL Opportunity

📅 Monday, October 20, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for the White Oak Fall Cleanup Day, a community event sponsored by MCPD, MCDOT, Rainbow Community, the East County Regional Service Center, and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to:

✅ Earn SSL hours
🎶 Enjoy music and refreshments
🤝 Give back through community service
For more information, contact Cicero Salles, White Oak Planning Manager, East County Regional Service Center.

There are many SSL opportunities available during the month of September!

-Cannon Road Elementary School PTA – SSL Opportunity

The Cannon Road ES PTA is seeking high school student volunteers to serve as junior counselors for two after-school clubs:

♟️ Chess Club
🧩 Lego Building Challenge

Volunteers will assist 3rd–5th grade students by helping them stay focused and engaged with the activities.

📅 Dates: Wednesdays, October 15 – November 19
⏰ Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Cannon Road Elementary School (CRES)
🚗 Volunteers must provide their own transportation.

For more details or to sign up, please contact: president@crespta.com

Councilmember Balcombe’s Back to School Block Party (September 26, 2025) - Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe invites middle and high school students to share their experiences in Montgomery County!

- - Participants will earn SSL hours for participation in this advocacy opportunity.
  - To learn more, please click on this link.

ASIRT Road Safety PSA Contest (Deadline: October 5, 2025) - The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association are hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition for middle school and high school students centered on road safety and how to keep yourself and others safe on the roads.

- - - Participants who submit a PSA that meets the competition requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes. To learn more, please visit this link.

High School Students for Outdoor Education Assistance (Ongoing) - Seeking HS students interested in assisting with the Grade 6 Outdoor Education program.

- - - - Please note that this is only an interest form – once you have expressed your interest, middle school staff members may contact you to share next steps regarding their selection process.
      - To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1136384

High School Student Election Workers Needed (Deadline: June 2, 2026) - The Montgomery County Board of Elections seeks students ages 16+ to register to vote and serve as a student election worker!

- - To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1132488

Click Here for Additional September 2025 SSL Opportunities

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