January 2026 Bulletin
Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC)
New Bulletin Platform - Important Information
We’re excited to share that the MASC monthly bulletin is now designed and delivered through the SMORE platform! Our goal is for it to arrive directly to your inbox.
Advisors:
This distribution list includes advisor email addresses that were previously blocked on the Wix email marketing platform MASC used in past years.
• 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 received this bulletin at both a personal and work email address, please email Karen Crawford to have one address removed. MASC hopes that school systems will allow emails from the SMORE platform so personal email addresses will no longer be necessary.
• 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: Have you graduated? Please email Karen Crawford at Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils.org to let her know when you graduated, which school you attended, and what you’re doing now. We’ll be happy to move you to the MASC alumni list and keep you connected!
Click on the graphic for the ink to archived MASC Bulletins.
SMORE provides automatic translation for 100+ languages. Click the “translate” on top of your newsletter, select your preferred language, and presto! The newsletter will be automatically translated. Subsequent newsletters opened in the same browser will automatically be translated into your preferred language.
Happy New Year from MASC!
As we begin a new year, we celebrate the passion, dedication, and leadership of our student leaders and the advisors who guide and support them. You are the voices shaping your schools, your communities, and the future of our state.
The year ahead brings new opportunities to serve, to advocate, and to lead with integrity and purpose. Whether you are organizing events, speaking up for others, or mentoring new leaders, your impact matters more than you may realize.
To our advisors—thank you for your commitment to empowering students and fostering leadership every day. To our students—thank you for your courage to step forward and make a difference.
We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful action with all of you. May the new year bring fresh ideas, strong partnerships, and continued success.
Here’s to a new year of leadership, service, and inspiration!
MASC Membership: EXTENDED UNTIL FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
It’s not too late to join MASC! Extended Membership Opportunity
Membership is being kept open a little longer so schools can still join and be eligible to register for the Legislative Session and Convention. Don’t delay—join today!
The online membership process must be completed by an adult advisor authorized by the school administration. The application is quick and user-friendly—once submitted, an email is automatically sent to the principal for verification and electronic signature. No downloading, printing, scanning, or emailing required! Payment can be made by credit card or check.
Click on the graphic for more information and the link to join!
Idea Sharing Notes from the Fall Leadership Conference
Did you attend the November MASC Fall Leadership Conference? During the Idea Sharing session, students engaged in great discussions and exchanged creative ideas around service, fundraising, and school spirit. Be sure to check out the notes!
Don’t miss the experiences, connections, and valuable information that come from participating in MASC events. Join MASC and make sure your school is registered for the upcoming Legislative Session and Convention to be part of the learning, leadership, and fun!
Click on the graphic for the compiled notes!
Legislative Session: January 24, 2026
EXTENDED Registration Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
Must be a MASC Member School to Register
Be a part of MASC's Legislative Session where MASC member schools will:
- • Select the final two candidates for the Student Member on the State Board of Education,
- • Review and revise the MASC Constitution,
- • Discuss and take stances on key youth-related bills in the Maryland General Assembly,
- • Participate in student-led leadership workshops
Advisors - register your school delegation so your student voices count and help shape the future for students across Maryland.
Event: Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Loch Raven High School - Baltimore County)
Snow Date, Saturday, January 31 (Parkville High School - Baltimore County)
Click on the graphic for information and registration.
Convention: March 18-20, 2026
Early Bird Reg. Closes: January 9, 2026
Early Bird Payment Deadline: February 6, 2026
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Regular Reg. Opens: Jan 10
Regular Reg. Closes: Feb. 6
Exciting Updates for the 2026 Convention!
The 2026 MASC Convention will again be utilizing walkable hotels, and all activities will take place at the spacious Ocean City Convention Center, offering a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Don’t miss out on the Early Bird Discount!
Early bird registration opened on December 1st and closes on January 9th.
Ensure payment or submit a PO by February 6th to secure the early bird rate.
Click on the graphic for information and registration link.
MASC 2026-2027 Officer Applications
Applications Open January 12, 2026
Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026.
Students interested in running for a MASC office should carefully review all qualifications, examine the draft 2026–2027 calendar to understand the time commitment, and discuss transportation plans with their parents. While executive board meetings do offer a virtual option, officers are expected to attend in person whenever possible.
Click on the graphic for more information.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
VIRTUAL ONLY
Registration Deadline: 5:00 p.m., February 12
MASC’s third executive board meeting for the school year is approaching. At this virtual meeting, students will hear introductions of the 2026-27 MASC officer candidates, participate in a Q&A with the SMOB nominees, and voting members will finish any business items (ie. 2026 MASC Bill Stances) from the Legislative Session.
MASC-appointed staff, regional presidents, regional 2nd VPs/MS representatives, and SMOB’s are all voting members of the MASC Executive Board, however, any interested student leader is invited to attend. This meeting is a virtual Zoom meeting and students can register themselves!
Click on the graphic for more information.
2026-2027 Conference & Event Hosts
Interested in hosting a MASC Event in 2026–2027! Bids are now open—submit a formal presentation to host the Fall Leadership Conference or State Convention, or complete a simple application for the September Workshop Presenter Certification or December Executive Board Meeting. MASC will continue hearing bids at the February 14, 2026 Executive Board meeting!
Click on the graphic for information.
MASC AWARDS: Deadline: 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026
MASC is your gateway to recognition and awards for outstanding leadership. Don't wait - get started on the nomination process for the middle and high school principal, advisor, and regional advisor of the year awards.
Don't forget about the prestigious Felix Simon Award for Leadership and Service. The school completes this application and goes directly to MASC. This is a recognition award for school student councils.
Note: Outstanding Student Leader Recognition due 5:00 p.m., March 1, 2026
Click on the graphic for more information.
Advocacy Week: February 23-27, 2026
Advocacy Week is a designated time for MASC regions to travel to Annapolis to meet with legislators and advocate for youth-related bills. During the visit, students may have opportunities to testify at committee hearings, observe a session of the General Assembly, and enjoy some sightseeing in our state’s capital.
While MASC highlights this period as Advocacy Week, regions are welcome to schedule their visit on any day during the legislative session that best fits their needs and the availability of their legislators.
Click on the graphic for more information.
The Special Edition - January
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! There is so much to look forward to in the months ahead. Be sure to check out our upcoming dates, including the Legislative Session, where we will be voting on our SMOB finalists and positions on youth-related bills in the Maryland General Assembly. You’ll also find a recap of our Winter Wellness Webinar, a service project you can participate in this month, and environmental goals to help kick off the new year.
As we all start fresh in 2026, let’s start strong. Step out of your comfort zone—try something new, learn a new skill, or take on something that truly excites and inspires you.
Click on the graphic to read the newsletter!
Get involved with the State SMOB!
The Student Member on the Maryland State Board of Education gives students a voice in shaping education policy statewide. This year’s State SMOB, O’Marie Barnes of Crossland High School in Prince George’s County, is leading efforts to expand student engagement and amplify student voices.
Click on the SMOB NEWS graphic to invite the SMOB to your school/event, sign up for the monthly newsletter, read the newsletter, share a concern or issue, or apply for the SMOB Advisory Council.
FUNDrive: Fundraising for your School
Have you ever shopped at a thrift store? Most of us have! With spring cleaning right around the corner, your school can gather gently used items to donate to a designated thrift store—and earn money at the same time. A FUNDrive® fundraiser makes it easy: no selling, just collecting items from your community. Schools typically earn around $600 while making a positive impact. It’s a simple, meaningful way to declutter and support your student programs!
Check out this two-page FLYER that quickly explains the program.
Click on the $ graphic for details.
Never miss a MASC event or deadline!
Keep up-to-date with the MASC 2025-2026 calendar. Please bookmark this Google Document as it is updated throughout the year with additional webinars and other special events.
Click on the graphic to see the Calendar!
Save the Date: Maryland Leadership Workshops
MLW is back for its 71st year of changing young people’s lives. MLW utilizes decades of research and practice to combine community building experiences, consequential projects, and impactful workshops to leave delegates empowered and ready to change their communities. This summer at Washington College, we will host three transformative programs:
• Middle School Experience in Leadership (grades 6-8): July 12-17
• Senior High Workshop (grades 9-12): July 19-24
• Advanced Leadership Seminar (for those who have attended Senior High Workshop previously or have extensive leadership experience): July 12-17
More information can be found at www.mlw.org (click on the MLW graphic) or by reaching out to Executive Director Brett Morales at bmorales@mlw.org.
Program applications will launch in February and spots are limited, so plan now for your student leaders to be able to attend this life changing experience!
The National Association of Student Councils (NASC) is the oldest and largest national organization committed to serving middle and high school student councils and the educators who support them. NASC offer programming and opportunities for student council members, advisors, and administrators to connect, grow, and create greater impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Is your school a member of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)? NASC offers great programs and opportunities for your student leaders: Check it out! Click on the NASC logo.
National Council of Excellence AWARDS:
Strong Student Councils are essential to strong schools. The National Council of Excellence (NCOE) Awards recognize and celebrate middle and high school Student Councils that meet high standards and demonstrate evidence of student service, leadership, voice, and engagement. Applications opened September 8, 2025 – submission deadline is February 13, 2026 – applicants receive information April 2026
National Student Council (NSC)
The next opportunity to apply for the National Student Council will open January 12, 2026. This nationwide leadership body gives students the chance to represent their peers, contribute to national conversations, and build leadership skills that reach far beyond their school walls.
Students who meet the criteria may apply to run for one of the 12 NSC Officer positions. Four candidates for each office will be selected to run in a national election among NASC member schools.
NASC Advisor Office Hours: 1:30-3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20
New to advising? Starting a student council for the first time? Join NASC adviser office hours to explore effective council management, learn engagement techniques, and discover how NASC’s resources can make your job easier.
Bookmark https://www.natstuco.org/events/ to keep up with webinars and other NASC / NHS / NJHS events.
Parade of Ideas: NA4SA Newsletter
A Parade of Ideas, the official NA4SA newsletter, is published several times a year and highlights national opportunities, along with recaps of conferences and training events. Click the Parade of Ideas graphic to visit the webpage, read past issues, and sign up to have the newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.
In the December issue, check out page 3 for a photo of our own Kieren O’Conner, Anne Arundel advisor and recipient of the Barry Finnemeyer Newcomer Scholarship at the National Conference on Student Activities! MASC hopes to see a lot of Maryland advisors at next year's conference (December 4-6, 2026) in Pittsburgh, PA!
OTHER NA4SA NEWS
• Academy Level I Deadline: February 9 - There is still time to register for the NA4SA Academy! This program is designed for activity advisors, leadership classroom teachers, and summer leadership workshop/camp staff and directors to help them receive the professional development they need to be successful. The education that NA4SA provides goes beyond our annual conference, and the Academy will provide both general as well as context-specific knowledge for our membership to succeed. (Karen Crawford participated in the pilot program in 2023 - EXCELLENT!) Link to FLYER / Link to Program Overview / Direct link to register
• Free Webinars: The 2024-2025 Seminar Series begins with inviting all Student Activity Professionals to join us for ideas, advice, and to brainstorm best practices. Small group breakout rooms will encourage sharing with fellow advisors of similar activities. We will provide some guiding topics, but feel free to bring your ideas, challenges, and projects to share. The next webinar is at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2025 - Join camp directors and staff members from around the country to share best practices and gather new ideas for your summer camp/workshop/leadership retreat! (Direct link to register)
• 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!
Student Free Webinar: Digital Community Building: Start the Year Connected
7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2026 – Explore what it means to build real, supportive digital communities. Whether it’s through gaming, group texts, social media, or school platforms — we all need places where we feel seen and safe. Student speakers will share how they’ve built (and protected) those spaces — and how you can too.
Click on the graphic for details and to register.
Supportive Solutions for Schools and School Districts
• Shifting to a phone-free campus and struggling with student pushback
• Online issues spilling over into on-campus drama
• Cyberbullying, doxxing, and harmful social media content disrupting learning
• Keeping up with fast-changing digital trends
• Giving staff the tools to respond quickly and effectively to digital incidents
• Providing consistent, high-quality training across every school
Going phone-free is a step in the right direction but it’s not a magic fix. Students still need guidance, skills, and trust to make good decisions online. That’s why our programs focus on getting student buy-in and training Digital First Responders peers who can identify issues early, de-escalate conflicts, and report harmful content before it goes viral. Click on the graphic for information.
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Digital Citizenship Week may be over, but digital citizenship will always be relevant. This ready-to-use resource includes scripted lessons, student slides, and discussion prompts to help teachers, counselors, and staff lead impactful conversations about online safety, kindness, and digital leadership, all FERPA + CIPA compliant. Click HERE for information.
National Civics Bee - Middle School Students!
The Buzz on Civics: Writing a Winning Essay
Maryland middle school educators, administrators and community partners: the student essay is the first big step in entering the 2026 National Civics Bee®. This is a student's chance to showcase their ideas, creativity and understanding.
Check out the official Student Essay Guide for examples and brainstorming prompts. Essay submissions accepted through Feb. 3, 2026.
Youth Service America (YSA)
Youth Service America is a resource center that partners with organizations nationwide to expand and improve volunteer opportunities for youth ages 5–25. They offer great service ideas, project-sharing opportunities, grants, and more to help young people make an impact in their communities. Sign up to get their weekly briefings - an EXCELLENT resource.
Click on the YSA to get more information and sign up for the weekly briefings.
Maryland Civic Education Coalition - Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a platform for students from across Maryland to participate in service and leadership activities.
Together, they advocate for increased civic education and engagement opportunities through events like the Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, Constitution Day events, and meetings with policy-makers.
YAC meets virtually every month and plans several in-person events each year. Sign up!!
Click on the graphic for information and the sign up link.
Horatio Alger Association - It's so much more than just a scholarship!
The Horatio Alger Association supports deserving young people who are overcoming significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education. This scholarship is open to current juniors.
Click on the graphic for information!
Basic Requirements: US citizen, family income of $100.000 or less, be involved in co-curricular and community service activities, GPA of at least 2.0, display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States immediately after high school graduation (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
To JUNIORS: The Association awards # $25,000 National Scholarships and State $10,000 scholarships. Deadline March 1.
To SENIORS: $10,000 to $52,000 scholarships to specific colleges and universities across the United States. Deadline February 15.
McDonald's Scholarships
- Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER) Scholarship: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html (deadline February 17, 2026)
- Black & Positively Golden Scholarship: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/black-and-positively-golden/education.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18781295273&gbraid=0AAAAADepKq3z-WW9CPCB6nLxsMr8lnffh&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_ (Deadline April 24, 2026)
- Asian Pacific American (APA) Next Scholarship: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/asian-pacific-americans/en/education/scholarships.html (2026-2027 scholarships now open)
- Archways to Opportunity: https://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/ (scholarships open to students who work at McDonald's)
