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Student Service Learning (SSL)
About the SSL Graduation Requirement
About the Student Service Learning (SSL) is a graduation requirement for all students earning a Maryland high school diploma. Students perform this community service with an approved nonprofit organization, and must include the phases of preparation, action and reflection. Students in Montgomery County Public Schools are required to earn 60 SSL hours. Credit for service learning can be earned starting the summer after Grade 5 and must be completed by high school graduation. Students may earn SSL hours in the following ways:
Successful completion of courses that have automatic SSL hours attached. In middle school, students receive 10 SSL hours after satisfactory completion of service learning projects in 6th grade science, 7th grade English and 8th grade social studies, for a total of 30 hours.
Participation in Service Learning Activities Sponsored by School Clubs and Organizations
Participation in activities with nonprofit organizations that are pre-approved for SSL. Participation in service learning activities sponsored by organizations not pre-approved for SSL require advance approval by the SSL coordinator using the Application for Student Service Learning Special Activity (MCPS Form 560-50).
Students must submit the Student Service Learning Activity Verification Form (MCPS Form 560-51) to the Service Learning coordinator to get credit for the hours, except for those earned in middle school classes. Forms documenting summer service activities must be turned in by September 30.
More about SSL in Montgomery County Public Schools
If you need more information, check the MCPS Service Learning website or contact Beverly Mullen, Service Learning Coordinator at 301-989-5747 or Beverly_J_Mullen@mcpsmd.org.
Helpful Tips
- Use MCPS SSL to access SSL information including the list of pre-approved organizations and activities.
- Check out the home site
- Turn in all SSL forms to Mrs. Hallmark in the media center.
- Forms are also available in the main office, guidance office, or media center
Need information about SSL?
Click here for information on more Service Projects. You are encouraged to check for approval first before assuming that the activity is approved.
Site maintained by Debbie Callow-Sheftell (Shef) - Banneker MS Webmaster. Last updated November 2009.
