August 2026 Bulletin

During these first few weeks, students are figuring out where they fit, who they can trust, and whether they feel like they belong. Take a few minutes to read this insightful information below from TEEN TRUTH!

There is still one more opportunity to become a MASC Certified Workshop Presenter (or renew your certification)! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to register for this one-day intensive certification program on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Meade High School (Anne Arundel County).

This certification is fast-paced, interactive, and challenging. Participants will complete pre-event assignments before arriving and then spend the day immersed in hands-on workshops designed to develop the skills and confidence needed to become an outstanding workshop presenter. It's the equivalent of 1½ days of training packed into a single day!

Once certified:

• High school students may apply to present workshops at all MASC conferences.
• Eighth-grade students may apply to present workshops at the Legislative Session and State Convention.
  (Please note: The specialized training required to facilitate middle school workshops at the Fall Leadership Conference was only offered during the August certification program.)

Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5.

Click on the graphic above for complete details and registration information!

The Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) is inviting students to create a one-minute video recognizing and celebrating a principal, assistant principal, or other school administrator who has made a positive impact on their school community.

Submitted videos will be shared with MASSP and may be featured at a MASSP conference in November! Students are encouraged to record their videos in front of a school-related backdrop, such as a school logo, sign, or other recognizable location.

Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2026.
Take a moment to recognize an administrator who makes a difference at your school! Click on the graphic to submit your 1 minute video!

Middle and high school students—start the school year by joining a MASC committee! It's a great opportunity to work on meaningful projects, support causes you're passionate about, develop your leadership skills, and become more involved in MASC.

Committees meet virtually once each month virtually at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st Sunday of every month starting October 4, 2026. Because meetings are held simultaneously, students may serve on one committee.

Looking for a more flexible way to get involved? MASC also offers two open forums that any student may attend:

• Action in Middle Schools (AIMS) – for middle school students - This forum is held virtually at 6:00 p.m., on the 3rd Sunday every other month. Oct. 18, Dec. 20, Feb. 21, Apr. 18. Only need to register once to receive log-in information.
• Divisional Forums – open discussions for all middle and high school student leaders - These forums are held virtually at 6:00 p.m., on the 3rd Sunday every other month: Sept. 20, Nov. 15, Jan. 17, Mar. 21, May 16. Only need to register once to receive log-in information.

Click on the graphic above for committee descriptions, applications, open forums, and the committee spotlight webinar registration.

Interested in school safety? Information about the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) Student Advisory Council is also available on MASC's Committee webpage.

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To help you find the best fit, MASC will host a virtual Committee Spotlight on Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m. During this brief webinar, you'll discover what each committee does, learn about the open forums, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Click on the graphic to register!

Hosted by the MASC State Legislative Affairs Coordinators, this webinar is an opportunity for students to learn how to identify important student concerns and turn them into a clear policy platform. Students will learn how to research issues, set priorities, and develop actionable policy positions that represent their constituents. There will be student guest speakers, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and identify potential issues for your SGA or organization’s policy platform.

Click on the graphic to register.

Advisors will learn everything they need to know about MASC Membership, the state SMOB election procedures, MASC committees, and the Fall Leadership Conference.

We will also explore how to increase student leadership initiative and agency and utilizing the theory of gradual release of responsibility.

Monday, October 5, 2026

6:30-7:00 PM

Click on the graphic to register!

The first Fireside Chat is open to all Advisors, regardless of school membership. The December, February, and April events are open to advisors from MASC member schools.

Want to showcase your school while supporting student leadership across Maryland? MASC is searching for a host for our Executive Board Meeting on Saturday, December 10, 2026.

Hosting is easy! All we need is:

• A cafeteria or media center
• Wi-Fi access
• An LCD projector or other presentation system

It's a wonderful opportunity to welcome student leaders from around the state while highlighting your school's commitment to leadership.

Interested? School and Regional Advisors can submit the quick application by clicking on the graphic above.

Want to Bring a MASC Event to Your School or Staff the Convention in 2027–2028

Planning ahead? MASC is now accepting bids and applications for our 2027–2028 events! Schools interested in hosting are invited to submit a formal presentation for the Fall Leadership Conference (November 20, 2027), Legislative Session (January 29, 2028; snow date February 5, 2028), or State Convention (March 29–31, 2028).

Schools can also apply to host the September Workshop Presenter Certification (September 18, 2028) or the December Executive Board Meeting (December 11, 2027).

MASC would be thrilled hear your bid at the December 10, 2026 Executive Board Meeting, so now is the time to start planning! Click on the graphic for details.

Questions? Email MASC's executive director at Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils.org

Welcome back to school! As we kick off the new school year, the Special Issues Department is excited to officially launch our 2026-2027 newsletters. In this first edition, we’re highlighting a special wellness-focused visit, a trending environmental topic, and meaningful service goals for the year ahead. We hope you’ll join us at our upcoming events and take advantage of the opportunities MASC has to offer. Here’s to a school year filled with growth and success!

Click on the graphic to read.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about celebrating the outstanding student councils, principals, and advisors who make a difference in Maryland schools! Each year, MASC recognizes our state’s finest leaders and programs—and your school could be among them!

The Felix Simon Middle and High School Award for Leadership and Service involves documentation throughout the year, so start working on your application today! Awards are open only to MASC member schools and all applications must be submitted online—no hard copies will be accepted.

Important: Advisor and Principal Award applications must be submitted through your region by its regional deadline (sometime before mid-February). Schools without a regional student council should submit applications directly to MASC through the Google Form.

Don’t let your school’s great work go unnoticed—nominate, celebrate, and shine! Click on the graphic to explore the awards.

Looking ahead? Be sure to bookmark the MASC Calendar for the latest information on upcoming conferences, webinars, deadlines, and special events. The calendar is updated regularly throughout the year, making it your go-to resource for important MASC opportunities and announcements.

You can find the calendar on the MASC website under Events & Conferences. Click on the graphic for information.

By becoming a member, your school gains access to exclusive benefits, including:

• Discounted conference registration

• Eligibility for awards and recognition

• Voting rights for your student council at the state level

• And so much more!

Read our FLYER to learn why your school should be part of MASC.

Membership closes December 31st! Only advisors and school administrators may submit the application. Click on the graphic or details.

As you begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, consider bringing Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW) to your campus. For more than 70 years, MLW has helped student leaders develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to make a difference in their schools and communities.

Through MLW Outreach, schools can host a customized workshop, half-day program, or full-day leadership experience designed specifically for student councils and student organizations. These peer-led programs bring the energy and impact of the MLW experience directly to your students.

Interested in scheduling an MLW Outreach program for next year? Click the graphic to learn more and get started. Questions? See the flyer below and contact Brett at bmorales@mlw.org

Encourage your principal or school administrator to attend the MASSP Fall Conference! It’s a great opportunity for administrators to connect with colleagues, gain valuable insights, and learn more about supporting student leadership and engagement. Encourage your administrator to register today!

Click on the MASSP logo for information.

Join the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)

NEW Membership or RENEW Membership

NASC is a vital resource for students, advisers, administrators, and the entire school community.

The NASC Scholarship Opens September 15

This program recognizes junior and senior council officers for leadership, service, and student voice. Applications open September 15—let your officers know now, so they have time to prepare. See the criteria

Student Service Grants

Funding of up to $3,000 for student-led service projects is up for grabs, and applications open October 6. Start a running list now of the service ideas your students bring up in the first month—that list becomes the application. How the grants work

National Council of Excellence Opens October 19

The application window opens October 19—mark your calendar now and start a simple photo-and-notes folder for the projects your students run this semester. Learn what NCOE looks for →

Ongoing - Recognize student leadership excellence through these award and recognition opportunities offered by NASC:

• Distinguished Student Leaders: High School Students:

https://www.natstuco.org/leadership-development/distinguished-student-leader-program/

• Emerging Student Leaders: Middle School
https://www.natstuco.org/leadership-development/emerging-student-leader-program/

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Planning ahead for leadership opportunities? The 2027 LEAD Conference will be held February 26–28, 2027, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. This nationally recognized event brings together more than 2,000 student leaders and advisors from across the country for a weekend of leadership development, networking, and inspiration.

Registration is expected to open in early Fall 2026 and fill quickly, so now is a great time to begin discussing attendance with your student leaders and administration.

Students may attend with their school advisor or for students whose advisors are unable to attend, MASC organizes a delegation so students can still participate in this outstanding leadership experience. Check out the MASC website (click the graphic) and see additional details on the official LEAD website.

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The NASC Handbook is an essential resource for student council advisers, offering practical guidance, templates, and best practices. From planning elections to organizing events and developing leaders, it provides step-by-step support to build a strong, effective, and inclusive council.. DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY and keep it handy all year long!

See the Fireside Chat (Advisor Webinar) information in the MASC section above!

Wipebook has a great reusable replacement for working on Flip Charts or butcher paper. Their patented technology transforms conventional paper into reusable & erasable surfaces to create reusable charts, brainstorm ideas, and share ideas with the group using dry-erase chart paper.

Wipebook flipcharts detach, allowing you to create flexible workspaces anywhere! This environmentally friendly tool reduces your dependency on one-use chart paper because Wipebook products can be erased and reused again and again.

But wait, there’s more...You can get them FREE for Professional Development or conference presentations! When you sign up, Wipebook will send a set of reusable charts for you to use at your event and keep. They will also give you a code for your workshop or event attendees to register so they can win a set too.

Another bonus -

Wipebook notifies the winner and mails it directly to them at no charge!

REQUEST YOURS BY CLICKING ON THE GRAPHIIC.

(Use a school/professional e-mail address and choose BTC for the program option)

Omella, from the founders of Remind, helps schools run homecoming with ticket sales, ID validation, outside guest approvals, and check-in all in one place. It’s paperless, highly automated, and includes hands-on support when needed. Schools also use Omella for concessions and fundraisers.

Learn more by clicking on the Omela logo.

It's never too early - mark your calendar to attend the National Conference on Student Activities - so close in Pittsburgh, PA! December 4-6, 2026. Let's get at least five advisors for a great discount:

ALWAYS USE THE "KC26MD" CODE WHEN REGISTERING!

• Early Bird (8/15/2026 to 10/31/2026) - $390
• Group (5 or more from the same school or State Association, up to 10/31/2026) - $370
• Regular (11/1/2026 to 11/15/2026) - $420
• Late/On-Site (after 11/15/2026) - $440

Check out the August edition of Parade of Ideas, the NA4SA newsletter - there is a detailed listing of the pre-conference activities, conference schedule, and some other fun stuff. Apply to be a workshop presenter or share as a Table Talk facilitator.

WAIT - There's MORE! Thanks to generous donations, there will be THREE Barrie Elizabeth Finnemeyer scholarships available this year to first time or second time attendees of the NA4SA National Conference. Each scholarship of up to $500 is designed to cover the conference registration fee and provide some additional funds to help cover other expenses of attending. In addition to the application form, two letters of recommendation are required. (APPLICATION LINK) Deadline October 31st.

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A Parade of Ideas, the official NA4SA newsletter, is published several times a year and features a national opportunities along with conference and training recaps. Click the link to view the latest newsletter, visit the webpage, and subscribe. (https://na4sa.org/newsletter/index.html)

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FOUNDATIONS FOR ADVISORS: the Foundations for Advisors program is to provide support and mentoring for student activity advisors in their first or second year in their role as an activity advisor or director, and an opportunity to share experiences with other new advisors, while learning from experienced advisors.

Participants will be able to log on to the NA4SA Learning Management System (LMS) at their convenience throughout the year to learn about important topics relevant to new activity advisors, delivered by experienced activity advisors from across the country. This asynchronous format will allow the flexibility to learn at your own pace, and at times that work for you.

Earn up to 20 professional development hours – there is also an option to obtain Graduate Credit through Fresno Pacific University (for an additional $85 tuition fee). Visit https://na4sa.org/foundations/ for more details and to register! Deadline - January 1, 2027.

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RESOURCES- One of the Operational Principles under the NA4SA Strategic Plan is to "Share Resources and Ideas". In particular, "we will become the primary national organization through which Student Activity professionals discover, collaborate, and share the valuable RESOURCES and IDEAS through which they develop the next generation of student leaders." You can always access these resources - by student activity advisors for student activity advisors!

The Lead4Change Core Curriculum is designed to help students develop essential life skills and apply them through powerful, real-world service projects. If you’re looking for a way to bring leadership to life in your classroom, Lead4Change provides a simple, flexible framework to help students take action on what matters most.

Explore their FREE curriculum by clicking on the graphic.

Have you ever shopped at a thrift store? With spring cleaning approaching, your school can collect gently used items for a designated thrift store—and earn money at the same time. A FUNDrive® fundraiser requires no selling, just community donations, and schools typically earn around $600 while supporting their student programs.

Check out this two-page FLYER that quickly explains the program. Click on the graphic for more details and the link to sign up!

MASC is happy to help spread the word for organizations looking for student representation and involvement. Check out the opportunities by clicking on the graphic above.

The Maryland Student Advisory Council (MSAC) gives students from diverse backgrounds, school sizes, and regions across Maryland the opportunity to share their perspectives on education policy directly with the State Superintendent of Schools. Serving as liaisons between the Maryland State Department of Education and public-school students statewide, council members gain valuable experience in leadership, public speaking, decision-making, and teamwork while ensuring that student voices are represented in important conversations about education.

Deadline September 14th - click on the graphic for full details and the application.

The Free State PTA (FSPTA) is dedicated to making every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. As a statewide organization, the FSPTA strives to enhance school environments, raise funds for state-level student programs, and champion policies that directly benefit youth.

If you’re interested in staying informed and connected with opportunities for student involvement throughout the school year, please fill out the Google form by clicking on the PTA graphic.

Looking for a way to make an impact in your community while helping you stand out for college and beyond? So Do We is a student-led program from Ulman Foundation that empowers high school students to support young adults and their families impacted by cancer.

Students participate through volunteer service, educational sessions from industry experts, fundraising, and leadership opportunities. Along the way, they connect with community leaders, develop practical skills, and bring meaningful opportunities back to their schools.

Whether you start a So Do We team, organize a fundraiser, or participate individually, you can help build a stronger community for young adults facing cancer.

Ready to make an impact? Fill out the interest form (click on th graphic) to connect with Ulman staff and help your school build skills, build community, and build hope. Because cancer changes lives… So Do We!

Click on the graphic for more information.

As our world becomes increasingly digital, we must remind ourselves of how important solidarity and humanity are. #ALLRISE2Help is a reminder to support, uplift, and rise up with each other to create a healthy environment for ourselves and others on social media.

Do you know a student who is spreading online positivity? Making their online space a place to feel welcomed? Doing good things for others and not asking for anything in return? Let us know so they can receive a special gift from Yankee's right fielder, Aaron Judge!

Brought to you by: Digital4Good + The Aaron Judge All Rise Foundation

Free Educator Resources

Needs Assessment for Online Drama: Quickly identify gaps in student safety, reporting, and digital culture, then get a FREE action plan tailored for your school.
Take the assessment

More than 100 million Americans alive today are too young to remember the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 – or have a personal understanding of the impact of the rare period of unity and service in America that immediately followed the attacks.

We suggest starting your 9/11 Day of Service planning with these eleven reflections about 9/11/01 and related ideas for service or service-learning projects:

Also, National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) offers two 9/11 Day service-learning toolkits - a student toolkit and a facilitator guide. In the spirit of the unity we felt so strongly after 9/11, these resources are the premier guide to achieving meaningful service with real academic outcomes in just a matter of hours.

Click on the graphic for details.

Work2BeWell is a teen-led mental health and wellness program focused on providing free mental health resources for teens, educators, and communities. They have great resources including some lessons translated into Spanish and Vietnamese.

Check out their website for all sorts of free resources - click on the W2BW graphic.

Invest a few hours this summer and start the school year with a full toolbox of ideas, activities, and leadership strategies.

• LEAD4Change: Free 10 minute lessons (10ers are bite-sized leadership activities designed to help you set the tone of your classroom.)

• Teen Truth: https://teentruth.net/back-to-school-activities-middle-high-school/

• Scott Bachovich: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SEPTEMBER-Project-Ideas.pdf
• Let's Cultivate Greatness: https://letscultivategreatness.com/25-back-to-school-spirit-ideas-perfect-for-your-student-council-25/

• General Ideas Presented at Cada (California Association of Directors of Activities): https://secure.cada1.org/files/resource_library_files/Tharp_200+MustHaveIdeas1.pdf

The Maryland Senatorial Scholarship and the Maryland Delegate Scholarship is offered to Maryland residents who plan to pursue a postsecondary credential full-time (12+ credits undergraduate or 9+ credits graduate per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits undergraduate or 6-8 credits graduate per semester) at a two-year or four-year Maryland college, university or private career school.

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Students, parents, and college/career professionals are encouraged to tune in for information on creating a StudentAid.gov account, paying for college and career school, and avoiding financial aid scams

Do you need financial aid for college? Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) is Maryland's Higher Education Commission's (MHEC) comprehensive financial aid system that allows the process of State scholarship applications and allocating of funds more efficiently using today's technology.

Every year, thirteen (13) $25,000 scholarships are awarded to students based on academic success, community service and financial need.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars also participate in the Chick-fil-A Scholars Program, a one-year engagement that includes mentoring and leadership development alongside our $25k Remarkable Futures Scholars.

Applications close November 3. Click on the graphic!

H2O for Life Mini-Grants - Rolling Deadline: These mini-grants of up to $500 are meant to be a supportive resource for teachers and students who want to kick-start their H2O for Life service-learning projects. Mini-grants will be awarded to assist teachers and students with the funds needed for their service-learning program.

Walmart.org (Spark Good Local Grants) - Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers and members. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.

Also - see the Youth Serve America (YSA) site - they always advertise service-related grants!

Follow MASC on Social Media

Don’t miss a thing! Follow MASC on social media for the latest updates, leadership opportunities, and student council highlights from across the state.

Click on the "donate" graphic.

• If you are no longer an advisor, please email Karen Crawford at Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils.org to be removed. If possible, include the name and contact information of the advisor who has replaced you.

• If you ONLY received the bulletin via a forwarded message and would prefer to receive it directly, please sign up using the link below. Students - you must use a PERSONAL EMAIL, not a school-issued email.

Click on the graphic above read archived MASC Bulletins.