Ten MCPS schools are among 50 schools nationwide recognized by Youth Service America (YSA) for its commitment to student service learning (SSL) and civic engagement.
The national recognition, the 2026 Gold Ribbon Schools in Service Learning, honors schools where students identify community needs, collaborate with local organizations and develop solutions to real-world challenges through meaningful service.
The recognition highlights MCPS’ continued commitment to student leadership, civic engagement and community involvement.
The 10 MCPS schools recognized are:
- Damascus High School
- William H. Farquhar Middle School
- Gaithersburg High School
- Quince Orchard High School
- Redland Middle School
- Ridgeview Middle School
- Shady Grove Middle School
- Odessa Shannon Middle School
- Julius West Middle School
- Earle B. Wood Middle School
At MCPS, students participate in a range of leadership and community activities while earning SSL hours. In Maryland, students must complete 75 SSL hours to graduate and earn a high school diploma.
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During the 2025-2026 school year, five of the recognized schools reported 100% student participation in service learning activities. Students contributed to initiatives addressing food insecurity, environmental sustainability, civic engagement and community outreach.
Highlights include:
- Gaithersburg High School: Students collectively completed 187,069 SSL hours, according to the school’s submission. One student completed 2,202.5 hours, while 94 students reached at least 240 hours of service.
- Quince Orchard High School: Twelve graduating seniors each completed more than 500 SSL hours, contributing a combined 7,679.5 hours of community service.
- Julius West Middle School: A record 168 eighth-grade students, representing 38.1% of the class, earned the Maryland State Student Service Learning Award.
- Odessa Shannon Middle School: The percentage of eighth-grade students completing the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement increased from approximately 6% to 52%. Students also support a monthly fresh food market serving approximately 120 families.
- William H. Farquhar Middle School: Students organized a clothing drive that collected more than 3,000 items for community members in need.
These efforts demonstrate how MCPS students are making a positive impact in their communities, while developing essential skills in leadership, collaboration and civic responsibility.
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The recognition builds on MCPS’ 2025 achievement as one of six school districts nationwide to receive the National Gold Ribbon School District in Service Learning honor from YSA.
For more information, visit Youth Service America.
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