Calling all Student Leaders!
Do you have an idea for a service project that will make a difference in your community? Whether you’re a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), or a student council affiliated with the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), this is your chance to bring your service project idea to life!
What is the NASSP Student Service Grant Program?
NASSP’s Student Service Grant program is a new national initiative designed to empower student leaders to create and lead impactful service projects in their communities. Grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 will be awarded to fund youth-led, youth-driven service projects that address real community needs. With $100,000 in total funding available this school year, this is a unique opportunity for middle-level and high school students to lead service projects that make a lasting impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Not only will you receive financial support to bring your ideas to life, but you’ll also gain valuable leadership experience in project management, reporting, and teamwork—skills that will set you up for future success.
Why Apply?
- Bring Your Vision to Life: Get funding to turn your innovative service ideas into reality.
- Lead the Way: Gain hands-on experience in planning, executing, and reporting on a project that makes a difference.
- Inspire Change: Rally your peers and create a lasting impact in your community.
- Boost Your Leadership Skills: Learn the ins and outs of grant writing, service project planning and management, and effective communication.
- Gain National Recognition: Have your service project featured on NASSP websites and social media!
How to Apply
- Create an Account
- Get Verified
- Complete the Checklist
- Submit Your Grant Proposal by December 10, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Eligibility
- Students aged 13-18 who are current members of NJHS, NHS, or NASC in schools with an active student program membership through NASSP.
- Students must create accounts on the website for their respective program and be verified as members of their chapter or council by their adviser.
- Grant-funded service projects must occur between March 3 and May 23, 2025 to allow final reports to be submitted by May 28, 2025.
- Service grants are available exclusively to schools and projects based in the United States.
Timeline
- Applications open: November 4, 2024
- Application deadline: December 10, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (ET)
- Grant recipients notified: February 3-7, 2025
- Grant acceptance due: February 10-14, 2025
- Grant funds distributed: March 3-7, 2025
- Service projects take place: March 3 – May 23, 2025
- Final project report due: May 28, 2025
Resources
Resources from The Allstate Foundation
Dive deeper their research on youth service: Learn how young people today define service. (It’s not what you might think.) Find the full data and recommendations for supporting youth-led, youth-driven service, developed in partnership with the Center for Expanding Leadership and Opportunity. Then, read The Allstate Foundation’s companion publication written entirely by 14 young changemakers by clicking here.
Watch “The New Volunteers”: A new YouTube docuseries with Roadtrip Nation showing young people across the country who are changing the world in their own ways. After watching each episode, youth can serve communities here.
Watch The Allstate Foundation’s “Changemakers” documentary: This 50-minute documentary, produced by Roadtrip Nation, inspires and helps youth explore fulfilling career paths that enable them to create lifelong social impact.
Learn about The Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit: The inaugural Summit, held from Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29, brought 70 youth changemakers (ages 18 – 22) to Chicago for a weekend of transformative learning, development, and networking. Sign up to be notified when the application for next year’s Summit opens!
Student Service Grant Planning Tool: This easy-to-use guide can help you organize your service project to make a real impact in your school and local community. Plan your timeline, set goals, and outline your budget to apply for up to $1,000 in funding.
Principal Pre-Approval Request Letter: Use this customizable letter template to gain your principal’s support for your NASSP Student Service Grant application. Tailor the letter to showcase your project’s goals and the positive impact it will have on your school and community.
Resources for Students Overcoming Challenges: This comprehensive guide provides tips and tools to help students navigate challenges and successfully engage in service projects. Empower students to build resilience and achieve their goals with this actionable resource.
Webinar
Introduction to NASSP Student Service Grants
Register for instant access to this recording.
The new NASSP Student Service Grants are open from November 4 – December 10, 2024! During this introduction to the grant program, we review how students in NJHS, NHS, and NASC can apply for grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 to fund youth-led, youth-driven service projects. We discuss key components of the application process, such as drafting a problem statement and project proposal, understanding the role of the adviser and principal, and managing grant requirements. The presentation also covers the importance of setting SMART project objectives, estimating community impact, and engaging youth in service.