MASC March 2026 Bulletin

• 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.

>>>>>> Graphics in this newsletter are links to details and registrations! <<<<<<

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 May 16, 2026 Executive Board meeting!

Let’s spring into action this month! We’re launching a new environmental initiative, highlighting meaningful service opportunities, and offering an upcoming wellness webinar.

We’re also looking forward to Convention — it’s always exciting to gather in Ocean City, strengthen our leadership skills, and connect with student leaders from across the state.

Here’s to a productive March — and hopefully some warmer weather to match the energy!

MASC is excited to chaperone a small delegation (students entering grades 8-12 in the fall of 2026) to the National Vision Leadership Conference!

The conference will be hosted by Pinkerton Academy in New Hampshire,

Registration closes May 10, 2026. An advisor must register students as part of a school (and the school advisor must attend) OR join the state delegation.

The MASC delegation will arrive on June 21, attend the Sunday evening pre-conference social, and depart at the conclusion of the conference on Wednesday.

Lorena Wu, Poolesville High School (Montgomery County) is an accomplished and dedicated student leader who will represent Maryland students with insight, integrity, and strength at the state level. Following a Senate confirmation, she will be sworn in after July 1 to officially begin her term of service.

Please join us in congratulating Lorena on this exciting next chapter in her leadership journey!

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.

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.

MASC is able to appoint two students to the Maryland Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) every year - serving a two year term.

The application is open from mid-March to mid-June every year. Check out the website for details.

Stay up to date with the MASC calendar! Bookmark this webpage, which is updated throughout the year with new webinars and special events. The 2026–2027 calendar is also available.

MASC Appointed Staff Applications opening Wedneday, April 1 - 5:00 p.m., through
Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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 or by reaching out to Executive Director Brett Morales at bmorales@mlw.org.

Program applications has launched 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 organization supporting middle and high school student councils and their advisors. NASC offers programs and opportunities for student leaders to connect, grow, and make an impact.

Celebrate your student leaders during National Student Leadership Week, April 20-24, 2026, "Serving Forward:Students Leading Positive Change." See the NASC website to explore ideas for showing your student leaders that their effort and impact are valued and appreciated. https://www.studentleadershipweek.org/

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/

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!

Teaching requires constant energy, presence, and heart — and educators deserve time to step away, reflect, and be supported. That’s why Lead4Change is hosting the Lead4Change Summit, a two-day immersive professional development retreat on April 20–21 in Nashville.

Selected middle and high school educators will receive 12+ hours of interactive professional development, meaningful collaboration with peers from across the country, and time to reset and recharge — all at no cost. Travel, lodging, meals, and programming are fully covered.

Spots are limited, and applications close March 6. (You do not need to be a current Lead4Change educator to apply.)

2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026:

Teaching Digital Responsibility (Not Restriction): Move beyond fear and restrictions, teach practical digital responsibility. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to help students, families, and educators establish realistic, age-appropriate technology guidelines. Focused on collaboration, communication, and digital wellness, this session empowers adults to partner with youth to build safer, healthier, and more responsible digital habits.

• Omella helps schools collect payments for things like concessions, fundraisers, dances, and events — without contracts or monthly fees. Schools keep 100% of what they raise, with optional tips covering costs, and students/parents always have a free way to pay.
  They're currently offering schools a free Omella card reader (no hardware cost).
  > One-page overview (PDF) (see below)
  >Short video overview:Every School Struggles With This — So We Built a Card Reader for K–12

  >Learn more: https://omella.com

  >Questions / demos: brett@omella.com

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.

It's never too early - mark your calendar to attend the National Conference on Student Activities - so close in Pittsburgh, PA!

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

Webinar: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. — Fundraising Ideas
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3Ji1xyQkQLW0E_aLaQR_AQ#/registration

This session will explore fundraising ideas, practical tips, and proven strategies to hlep advisors raise money while guiding student engagement and community support. (If you are attending the MASC Convention, this is during the Awards Banquet - you can watch the recording later HERE.)

• 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!

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.

Civic learning is needed to ensure each and every person across this country has the necessary tools to engage as members of our self-governing society. Civic Learning Week unites students, educators, policymakers, and private sector leaders to energize the movement for civic education across the nation.

Planning a Civic Learning Week event? Submit it here to be included in a list of featured events.

Centered around Global Youth Service Day weekend (April 24-26, 2026), Youth Service Month (April 10 - May 10, 2026) also includes 26 national or global events that provide opportunities for youth participation and leadership.

Check out these scholarships....

College isn't for everyone - current high school seniors and non-traditional students interested in pursing an associate's degree or certificate program should check out this great scholarship.

To qualify for the Career and Technical Education scholarship, a applicant must:

• Have completed high school (or equivalency) by July 1
• Plan to attend a not-for-profit community college or trade/vocational school
• Enroll in an associate's degree, certificate, or diploma program by September that will lead to employment
• May not be enrolled in pre-requisite courses
• Be under the age of 35
• Be a United state citizen

The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.

15 scholarships awarded per annum

Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)

Freedom in choice of school and area of study

Deadline: 3:00 p.m., May 1, 2026 (Important: They review on a rolling basis. Accepting a total of 3,000 completed and eligible applications and will close the app when they reach 3,000 or on May 1st, whichever occurs first.

• 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)

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Deadline – April 29, 2026.

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.

In partnership with The Hershey Company, YSA will award Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants for Youth Service Month (April 10 - May 10, 2026) & Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2026) projects and events.

Apply for grants of $250, $500, or $1,000 depending on the number of youth participating. A total of $50,000 in grants will be awarded

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.

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