Student Service Learning

If you have any questions about the SSL program, please email Mr. Sartori or the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!

Mr. William Sartori

SSL Coordinator, School Counselor
William_L_Sartori@mcpsmd.org
Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards their SSL graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2025-2026 school year and over the summer, including traditional in-person opportunities and select virtual/remote opportunities that follow the guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage (www.mcps-ssl.org). 

Reminder: All SSL forms should be submitted to the school’s SSL coordinator when student return to school in the fall by the recommended due date of September 26, 2025, but no later than the required deadline of May 29, 2026.

Email the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org with questions

SSL Reminders
A reminder that all MCPS students must earn 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate from high school.
Students can see their SSL record on Student/ParentVUE by following these directions.
The SSL awards documentation deadline is Friday, April 4.
 
For either for the High School Certificate of Meritorious Service (seniors who have 240 or more SSL hours) or the Middle School Superintendent’s SSL Award (middle schoolers who have completed the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement), students must submit MCPS Form 560-51 to their school’s SSL coordinator by March 27, 2026.
All other SSL forms should be submitted on a rolling basis, but no later than the required deadline of May 29, 2026.
 

Systemwide Documentation and Award Timelines

SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT DOCUMENTATION TIMELINE
Time Frame of Service Documentation Due Date
Service completed during the summer September 26, 2025
Service completed during the summer and 1st semester January 9, 2026
Service completed during the summer, 1st semester, and 2nd semester May 29, 2026*
**All SSL Forms for service completed after June 1, 2025, through the end of the 2025-2026 school year, are REQUIRED to be submitted to the school SSL Coordinator no later than May 29, 2026.
SYSTEMWIDE SSL AWARD TIMELINE
Award Documentation Due Date
Documentation that qualifies seniors for Certificates of Meritorious Service - This award, along with a purple tassel for graduation, is given to seniors who earn 240 SSL hours or more.  March 27, 2026*
Documentation that qualifies middle school students for the Superintendent’s SSL Award. This award is given to students who meet the 75 hour graduation requirement during middle school and is only awarded once. March 27, 2026

 

Any high school senior who has submitted documentation to show the completion of 240 SSL hours or more by March 27, 2026, will earn the Certificate of Meritorious Service along with a purple tassel for graduation.

Student Service Learning (SSL) activites are intended to address a recognized need in the community and provide a learning experience for students.  SSL is required by the Maryland State Department of Education for graduation.  Hours are earned through upaid service with non-profit organizations, government agencies, school clubs, and through specific school courses.  There are only a few opportunities working directly with the school.

SSL hours can be earned beginning in the summer after grade 5.  Students should aim to finish earning all their hours by the end of the first semester of their senior year to avoid potential problems at graduation.  Students should also consider trying to earn most of their hours before the fall of their junior year when coursework becomes heavy.