Student Service Learning (SSL)

    2025-2026 SSL Message English

    2025-2026 SSL Message Translated

    Please Submit All SSL Forms to Room 106

    MCPS Main SSL Website

    Eastern's SSL Coordinator is Mr. Nicholas Towson 

    Any middle school student who has submitted documentation to show the completion of the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement (for the first time in middle school) by March 27, 2026, will receive the Superintendent’s SSL Award.

    SSL Resources

    Student Engagement Letter

    Monthly September SSL Opportunities 

     SSL Opportunities 

    • 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. 
    • 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! 
    • Additional September 2025 SSL Opportunities

     

     

     

    MCPS SSL Website

    The state of Maryland requires all students to complete 75 hours of Student Service Learning (SSL) in order to graduate. Students may begin working on this requirement as soon as they complete 5 th grade. Students earn some SSL hours through middle school and high school courses.

    Grade 6: Science

    Grade 7: English

    Grade 8: US History

    Parents should be aware that simply working as an unpaid volunteer does not necessarily qualify as SSL. The rules for where a student may earn SSL hours, how to receive credit for the hours earned, and other topics can be found on the MCPS website:

     https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/pages/overview.aspx  

    It is very important that students check the MCPS website prior to undertaking any volunteer service. The website includes a link to the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's list of volunteer opportunities.

    https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/

    Those organizations marked with a graduation cap are pre-approved for SSL.

    Students who wish to volunteer at an organization not on the list should submit an approval request to Eastern's SSL coordinator using MCPS form 560-51 prior to serving as a volunteer.

    SSL service should be recorded on an MCPS form 560-50 that has been signed by an adult at the organization. Forms 560-50 are due at the end of each semester. No credit will be given for volunteer service in previous semesters.

    Eastern's SSL Coordinator is Mr. Nicholas Towson.